Australia Day — every 26 January — started as a way of marking the anniversary of the first British ships landing at Sydney Cove in 1788, but in recent years has been considered controversial as Indigenous Australians see it as a celebration of the invasion of their land and destruction of their culture.
However, for many Aussie expats living here in London, Australia Day has come to represent something completely different — a chance to get together with their fellow Australians as a community, far from home, and celebrate their country. Whether you're a homesick Aussie in London, or a Londoner keen to support our cousins from Down Under, here's a guide to London's Australia Day 2023 events.
Australia Day at Kenrick's Wine
If you're more about the Frogmore Creek than the Fosters, head to Kenrick's Wines in Fulham for an evening of Aussie grub paired with six Australian wines, plus live music and a best-dressed competition.
From £10, 26 January 2023, 7pm.
Comedy Carnival's Australia Day show
Stand-up laughs club Comedy Carnival throws an annual Australia Day special at its Camden venue. Every year, an entirely Australian line-up takes to the stage, and for 2023 it's the turn of Javier Jarquin, Runi Talwar and Joshua Robertson — with Pete Gionis as MC.
£20 per person, 26 January 2023, 8pm.
Australia Day party at the Vauxhall Arches
Antipodean DJ duo Wonders of Down Under throw an Australia Day bash at Vauxhall Arches, partying well into the small hours. Expect a comedy bingo game show, acoustic covers of Aussie classics from singer-songwriter Mike Gill, plus a DJ set, raffles and prizes.
From £12 per person, 28 January, 5pm-3am.
Australian vehicle meet at Ace Cafe
With its chequered floor, jukebox and full English breakfasts, Wembley's Ace Cafe is more American or English than it is Australian. That's not stopping the bikers' pitstop getting in on the Australia Day action though — it's holding a day-long meet-up for Australian vehicles. If that's the sort of thing that gets your motor running, head over there to ogle all manner of cars and bikes hailing from Down Under — then fill up on one of those legendary breakfasts.
Free entry, 29 January 2023, 9am-5pm.