Home, even away: The best Australia Day parties in London 2013

Australia Day at The Church 

This Aussie institution will be putting on its most raucous Sunday service of the year, so there’s no room for wimpy post-Oz Day hangovers.

As well as the customary cases of booze and exotic dancers, MacBackpackers and Stoke Travel will be giving away prizes throughout.

January 27, £12, 11.45am-4.30pm 21-25
St Johns Hill, SW11 1TT 
Tube | Clapham Junction 
thechurchlondon.com

Wine Tasting at Vinopolis 

If you’re looking to do something with a more sophisticated edge on Australia Day, this special masterclass in Aussie wine might just do the trick.

The experience starts with an expert introducing you to six wines, representing a range of styles from Down Under.

You’ll then be invited to explore Vinopolis’s impressive collection of vinos and spirits, so you can make good use of the seven drink tokens included in the £50 price tag.

Allow an hour for the masterclass and up to two hours for the tasting.

£50, January 26, 2.30pm No.1 Bank End, SE1 9BU 
Tube | London Bridge 
vinopolis.co.uk

TNT Australia Day Party

Who better to celebrate Australia Day with than your faithful old buddies TNT?

We’re putting on a stonking 12 hours of power at Infernos in Clapham, with a free VB for everyone who pre-registers on our website, kangaroo boxing, and a best-dressed competition that could see you win £1300 of prizes from Busabout. Sweet. 

Free, January 26, 9am-9pm Infernos, 146 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UH 
Tube | Clapham Common 
tntmagazine.com/australiaday

Elk bar 

Get an early start (the party begins at 9am) and enjoy £2.95 mojitos all day, a free sausage sizzle, and DJs spinning tunes to get you on the floor (though you may end up hitting the deck without their help thanks to the cheap drinks). 

Free, January 26, from 9am 587
Fulham Road, SW6 5UA 
Tube | Fulham Broadway 
elkbar.com

Walkabout Shepherd's Bush

Start with brekkie from 8am at this She Bu staple and stick around for live music and DJs throughout the day, including party band the Bondi Beach Bums.

Free, January 26, 8am-2am 
Shepherd’s Bush Green, W12 8QE  
Tube | Shepherd’s Bush 
walkabout.eu.com

Draft House

London’s Draft House collective of pubs has gone mad for Aussie craft beers in the run up to the big day, serving the likes of Fremantle’s Little Creatures (from £3.75), plus a special Ute Burger with pickled beets and Kylie’s Meat Pie (both £9.75). 

£3.75+. Until January 26, times vary 
Check the website for details
drafthouse.co.uk

Read more: Home, even away - Where to spend Australia Day in London this January 26, 2013