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All-Aussie Feasts for Australia Day


Once a year, there's a fever that grips the nation. It manifests itself in mysterious ways, compelling some to shout "Aussie Aussie Aussie! Oi Oi Oi!" at passers-by in the street, and bringing others to adorn themselves in green-and-gold regalia while watching the cricket or throwing a shrimp on the barbie. There's no other day like Australia Day.

But for those not grouped around barbecues, this public holiday offers an opportunity to pig out on hearty lunches and dinners that broaden the horizons of what can be considered an "all-Aussie feast", from kangaroo pizzas to Southeast Asian banquets.

1
 
The Australian Heritage Hotel
The Rocks
Flying the Union Jack and Southern Cross flag outside its doors, this award-winning heritage hotel remains a classic watering hole, offering mouth-watering native Australian pizzas. Tie down a pepper kangaroo pizza or try to resist the saltwater crocodile with fresh Thai herbs and spicy coconut cream (just don't tell Croc Dundee). Pie lovers can savour beauties such as the beef and Bock pie soaked in Burragorang Bock beer.

2
 
Coast
Darling Harbour
In prime position for the Australia Day evening fireworks and live entertainment, this elegant Darling Harbour fine-dining venue offers a four-course celebration menu for $135 per person ($55 for children under 12 years of age). Sample the contemporary Australian flavours of grilled barramundi, Batemans Bay rock oysters and grilled whole snapper, amid other pleasures.

3
 
La Vintage Steak & Rib House
St Kilda
Hit this beachside grill for prime Aussie steak in the hub of St Kilda. Mixing the feel of an old wooden-decked Aussie outback steakhouse with a chandelier-fitted fine-dining establishment, La Vintage brings traditional Aussie flavours together with European panache, with meaty dishes such as the Western Plain suckling pig and the rib and porterhouse combo, and more vegie-friendly fare such as the vegetable mixed grill with truffle vinaigrette.

4
 
Red Ochre Grill
Alice Springs
Red-centre dining at the Red Ochre Grill is true-blue outback dining, mixing Aussie bush tucker with modern Australian finesse. Native fruits, berries, game meats and seafood are sprinkled across the menu and, if you re game enough, tuck into the Aussie game medley, which features dukkah kangaroo, sweet potato and saltbush gratin, mini camel pie with bush tomato chutney, barramundi with pumpkin puree, gumnut-smoked emu, river mint tomatoes and wilted spinach.

5
 
Annalakshmi on the Swan
Perth
This traditional Asian, Indian and Sri Lankan restaurant displays the diversity of cultures celebrating their common home of Australia. Annalakshmi, as its name suggests, sits on the Swan River, offering a 360-degree panorama of the Perth city skyline, South Perth and Kings Park. View the Lotterywest Skywork fireworks from the Bell Tower precinct after indulging in a special Australia Day four-course buffet dinner ($50 for adults and $25 for kids).

6
 
Tukka Restaurant
West End
From confit of Tasmanian possum (yes, possum) to emu fan fillet, Brisbane's multi-award-winning specialty restaurant Tukka takes our national icons and freshest farm ingredients and whips up a storm that has brought it into the big league of native Australian cuisine. Dessert lovers might enjoy treats such as the wattleseed pavlova (the "pav" may have - contentiously - originated in New Zealand, but it's right at home as an Aussie icon).

7
 
Beach House Cafe & Take Away
Victor Harbor
This cafe/takeaway/live music venue is set to sizzle on Australia Day, with an all-day barbecue and live rock and blues and roots from the Bondi Cigars, Roj & the JamJets, and the Blues Cats, starting at noon. The $60 entry fee includes nosh and entertainment in this beach love shack overlooking Wright Island and The Bluff.

8
 
Bookplate
City
Brush up on your First Fleet knowledge by spending Australia Day fossicking through the bookshelves of the National Library of Australia, where the Bookplate Cafe will be open for the day. Sandwiches, cakes and coffees should satisfy hungry bookworms, while blackboard specials offer multicultural surprises, including curries, soups and quiches. For less bookish types, a hop, skip and a jump takes you to the Australia Day Live concert at Parliament House.