With more than a couple of Aussies here at HoneyKids HQ, we’re all feeling nostalgic for sandy beaches this Australia Day. This year it falls on the same weekend as Chinese New Year, so we’ve been devoting all our time to how we’re going to celebrate CNY and decking out our kids in the cutest cheongsams and Mandarin-collar shirts in Singapore. If you’re hoping to do more than throw a coupla shrimps on the barbie at home, here’s a few ways to celebrate with our mates from Down Under right here in Singapore.
Kick-off the day in style with a delish mod-Aus brunch at our fave Sydney-cafe-in-Singapore, Luxe. The coffee is true blue exceptional – we’re talking bearded Aussie barista level, people.
#01-04, 1 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089109; www.luxesydney.sg
BQ bar is holding a sausage sizzle sure to rival those held every weekend at Bunnings car parks Australia-wide. Pure Blonde beer + sausage = noice.
39 Boat Quay, Singapore, 049828, 12-2.30pm and 5-10pm 26 Jan 2016; www.bqbar.com
Boomarang is THE Aussie hang-out all year round, and it’s ramping it up with a huge Australia Day party. Watch the cricket on the big screen while necking a VB and chowing down on a classic surf and turf. Mate!
60 Robertson quay 01-15 the quayside 238252, and 52 Circular Road 049407; www.boomarang.com.sg
If you’re after a more refined way to salute the Southern Cross, enjoy awesome views and premium steaks at the Wooloomooloo Steakhouse (Singapore). The Aboriginal dot-painting mural is bloomin’ fantastic (as are the cocktails).
2 Stamford Road, Level 3 Swissotel The Stamford, Singapore 178882; www.wooloo-mooloo.com/sg
Once upon a time our Editor Selina whipped up a lovely batch of lamingtons for her little people and shared the recipe, so we’re willing to give it a crack this year if you are?
Grab the recipe at Ladyland.
Good news! You’ll get to don your thongs and Akubra hat and party all over again a weekend later at the ANZA Great Australia Day BBQ! Head down to the Australian International School for a fun arvo of trad-Aussie food, live music and kids activities (think slip ‘n slide, dunk tank, jumping castles and soccer).
1 Lorong Chuan, 556818, Singapore; 2-6pm Sun 5 Feb 2017; register with www.anza.org.sg
And if you’re up for a touch of glam, don’t miss the AUSTCHAM Australia Day Ball. This year’s theme ‘Masquerade Fantasy’ is a little bit fancy, and revellers will tuck into a six-course meal and then dance the night away. We’ll see you there!
Swissotel the Stamford, Fairmont Ballroom, Sat 4 Feb 2017; www.austcham.org.sg