It always seems to be the case that long weekends come up sooner than you can make plans for them – and if you’ve missed the memo, next weekend is of the three-day variety. Not one to put three days off to waste, we’ve picked a few events happening around town to make the most of it.
Australia Day Eve at The Inn
The Inn are known around town for throwing the best parties in the parking lot, and this one will be a killer. In celebration of Australia Day Eve, these guys will be hosting everyone’s favourite headlining DJ Benson, who is being supported by a range of local talents.
It goes down January 25th, from 5pm-1am, with entry at $15 before 6 or $20 after 6.
Hottest 100 Aussie songs at Valhalla Brewing & Taproom
For something a bit different, head on down to Valhalla Taproom (located at 12-14 Union Street Geelong) as they countdown the Hottest 100 Aussie songs of all time as voted by you! If you’re keen to have your say, simply give them your top 10 all time favourite Aussie songs and then head along on the day for an evening of tunes and brews. We hear there’ll be prizes every 10 songs with a grand prize at the end. This one’s a free event and kicks off from 4pm.
Thundamentals at The Lorne Hotel
Everyone knows there ain’t no party like an Australia Day party. And this year, it’s all about stepping away from the Barbie and letting someone else bring the long weekend vibes… and that my friends is none other than Thundamentals who will be performing live for an open-air beer garden event. So, hit up The Lorne Hotel on January 26th from 5pm – 11pm, with a shuttle bus ($30) service running to take you back to Bloom to continue the after party. Event ticket prices vary.
Hottest 100 Carpark Party at The Inn
Don’t have a Hottest 100 party to go to, or looking for a kick-on? I can’t think of anything better than drinks at The Inn to celebrate the annual countdown, listening to the biggest tracks of 2018 with your crew while sipping on some Passionfruit Mojitos. And what makes it even better is that Monday is a public holiday so no need to stress about rocking up to work hungover. Doors open January 27th from 3pm-1am, with free entry before 4, or tickets for $20 after 4.
Coastal Jam at the Torquay Hotel
Who doesn’t love heading down to the beautiful beach town of Torquay for the annual Coastal Jam? Let’s celebrate this public holiday eve in style, featuring artisan food and beverages, as well as a high chance of some aussie sun and sea breeze, and triple j’s Hottest 100 pumping in the background. Take a nice scenic drive on January 27th from 2pm – late, tickets are $40, with a shuttle bus to take you back to Bloom to continue the after party.
Beach Party at Lambys
It’s finally time for the Lambys Beach Party. Come on down and celebrate Straya Day in true summer style, sipping on some bevies in your best beach attire with all your mates around you. Prizes will be given for best dressed, so think Baywatch, inflatables and Miami vibes. Drink specials for this unmissable evening are ‘Aussie Childhood Snacks’ so use your imagination… is there such thing as a Smiles influenced cocktail? #neverlambalone on January 27th, with FREE entry from 9pm.
Hottest 100 Party on The Rooftop at Murphys
Why listen to the Hottest 100 at home, when you could go and listen to it on Murphys Rooftop and take in all those stunning views. With a tonne of drink specials happening during the day, there will also be prizes to be won for those who can predict 2018’s number one. FYI: You’ll have to get in early though as each song can only be picked once!
The good times kick off from 12pm.
Indulge at Munich Brauhaus and The Bavarian
If you feel like heading to the city, Rockpool Dining Group’s Bavarian restaurants are turning things up a notch for Australia Day, with a line-up of true blue offerings for the entire weekend. Kicking it all off, Munich Brauhaus and The Bavarian will see Friday (25 January) host happy hour from 4pm to 6pm. Craft beers, spirits and house wines are all $5, with $1 chicken wings also on offer. A limited-edition Australia Day loaded schnitzel is also available all weekend for $25, featuring a classic chicken schnitty smothered, covered and loaded with authentic Aussie toppings of beetroot, pineapple, bacon, egg and cheese. While we like to party, we also love to eat! Check it out.
The Festival of Sails
This is one the whole family can enjoy. Returning in 2019 over the Australia Day long weekend, The Festival of Sails boasts a whole lot of racing action on the bay and a huge assortment of shoreside activities. With entry to the area free for all patrons, the entertainment hub will see a Regional Artisan Fair boasting exciting gourmet offerings from Geelong, the Great Ocean Road, the Bellarine Peninsula and Golden Plains, activities like Come and Try sailing, stand up paddle boarding and virtual reality sailing, free live music with 30 different artists performing across two stages; and of course the glittering spectacle of a waterfront fireworks display!
Other events worth mentioning include Ballarat’s Blaze Festival on Saturday January 26, Amped’s Australia Day beach party, The Australian Open in Melbourne if you’re an avid tennis fan, Wah Bah’s Aussie Bah Bah Q on Sunday, and the Red Hot Summer Tour with Jimmy Barnes in Ballarat.