Oi, Aussies…
If you’re not heading to Whistralia [Whistler] this weekend for ‘Straya Day with the rest of the clan, don’t stress, there’s a few other shindigs happening around Vancouver where you can sink a couple of frothies and toast to the sunburnt country.
Aussies are a proud bunch and occassionaly a little rowdy, and as one myself, I’d just like to apologize in advance on behalf of any larrikins and cheeky buggers who might cause a ruckus come Jan. 26.
The date marks the anniversary of when the first fleet of British ships landed on Australia's sandy shores at Port Jackson, New South Wales, and Governor Arthur Phillip stuck a flag in the soil at Sydney Cove in 1788 ... donkey's years ago.
For Aussies today, it's a day to reflect on what it means to be from Down Under, to celebrate contemporary Australia, and to acknowledge our history, culture and diversity.
In a nutshell, "it's a celebration of everything we love about Australia: the land, the sense of a fair go, the lifestyle, democracy, the freedoms we enjoy and our people," the National Australia Day Council writes.
If you’re not an Aussie, don’t be shy; come say g'day and have a bevvy in the arvo with us. Find out what it means to be a true-blue Australian.
We don’t bite.
Here's what's on. Cheers, mate! Also, scroll to the bottom if you're craving Vegemite or a pie.
The ANZA Club
Firstly, if you didn’t already know there’s a social club for Australians and New Zealanders nestled in the heart of Mount Pleasant.
It’ll be hosting its annual Aussie Day celebration from 5 p.m. on Saturday. Folks are invited to “come Down Under to the best Aussie Day celebration in the city!” The party is held in the club’s downstairs lounge. There’s a pool table and dart boards, and the setting has often been likened to your favourite uncle's rec room.
But there’s more – the party will kick off with Triple J's Hottest 100 and they’ll be serving Bundaberg rum and cokes, Coopers beer, and cheesymite scrolls from Cobs Breads.
Date and time: Saturday Jan 26, from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Entry: $5
Location: 3 West Eighth Ave.
Moose’s Down Under
This is probably one of the most popular watering holes for Aussies who flew the coop and wound up living in Vancouver.
As per tradition, the venue will be hosting two Australia Day parties, because one just isn’t enough.
TIP: These events book up fast and we’ve heard they’re chockers – so make sure you call and reserve a spot for you and your crew.
First party Jan. 25: What time zone are we in mate?
This first event is so you can party at the same time as your mates back home. Forget time differences - It's Aussie Day today!
Australians and all their mates are invited to wear green and gold, bring their flags and enjoy some good Aussie tucker and drink specials.
Get excited, they have meat pies, chips, Vegemite and cheese sangers, chicken parmi, lamingtons, pavlova … and you can wash it all back with a Bundy too.
There will be a band playing all your fave Aussie tunes followed by a DJ until late.
Date and time: Friday Jan. 25 from 4 p.m.
Location: 830 West Pender St.
Reservations: Call 604 683 3300 or email corina@moosesdownunder.com
Second party Jan. 26: Live Triple J hottest 100
It’s time for round two – and the pub has another bonzer of a night planned.
The second event marks it officially being Australia Day in Vancity.
The pub will be broadcasting the Triple J Hottest 100. For those who don't know it's an annual music poll hosted by the government-funded, national Australian radio station, Triple J. Us Aussies take it rather seriously.
Once again Australians are invited to wear green and gold, bring their flags and enjoy some good Aussie tucker and drink specials until they cark it.
Date and time: Saturday Jan. 26 from 5 p.m.
Location: 830 W Pender St.
Reservations: Call 604 683 3300 or email corina@moosesdownunder.com
The Beaver Vancouver
This Granville Street bar is also throwing a party for us Aussies. They’re hosting a Triple J Hottest 100 shindig.
What’s better than counting down the best tunes of the year with your mates?
The live streaming of the top Aussie tunes will begin from 5 p.m.
The venue is also running a competition giving you the chance to win a snowboard – so you can hit up Whistralia.
Date and time: Saturday Jan. 26 from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Location: 1018 Granville St.
AFL British Columbia - Australia Day Games
There are enough Aussies here to start an AFL league - now that’s saying something.
If you feel like having a boot of the footy with some mates to start your Aussie Day right, then head down to Strathcona Park from 10 am to 3 pm.
There will be men’s and women’s games. The club’s event page says everyone is welcome.
The fun will continue with awards and bevvies at Carlos O'Bryan's Neighborhood Pub (1774 W 7th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J4Z9) at 7pm.
Date and Time: Football game: Saturday, Jan. 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: 857 Malkin Ave.
If you're craving a pie...
Try Peaked Pies or The Aussie Pie Man. Both offer delicious traditional Aussie meat pies and other tasty varieties.
Peaked Pies, location: 975 Denman St.
The Aussie Pie Guy: Check their website for their location aussiepieguy.com
If you're craving Vegemite...
Storm City Coffee
Starting today until Sunday Jan. 27 Storm City Coffee will be making Vegemite and cheese toasties, Vegemite and avocado toast, and of course Vegemite and cheese Scrolls (until sold out each day)!
Location: (West Broadway and Waterloo)
Order: You can order packs of six scrolls (604-428-9585) with 24 hours notice
If you know of any other Aussie Day events happening in Vancouver, let us know. Email eseeber@vancourier.com and we'll add your event to the list.
