Think - and drink Australian

On Australia Day, thousands of Aussies will do what comes naturally - heading to the pub for some tinnies and a good time. So why not join them? Have a bonzer day out at London's top Down Under-style boozers this weekend.

Walkabout

Temple Place, Embankment, WC2 (020-7395 3690). A real taste of home

This coming Sunday will see Australians throughout the world celebrating Australia Day in traditional style - downing a mammoth amount of tinnies in the hope that it will culminate in the world's greatest shag-fest. The new Walkabout at Temple* (formerly Shoeless Joe's) will provide the main focus of events for this antipodean chain of bars, although parties will rock and roll all day at venues in Shepherd's Bush, Shaftesbury Avenue (the old Limelight Club), Croydon, Covent Garden, Islington and Shoe Lane.

*The Beach Party at the Walkabout Temple will be where the heart of the Australia Day celebrations will be taking place. Running from 12pm to 12.30am the Foster's Beach Party will be packed with Aussie attitude, humour and 'no worries' fun. What can you expect? Aussie comedian Jim Jeffries and TV presenter Tania Zaetta will be hosting the beach themed fun so please follow the beachwear code! There will be comedians, live music, games and the chance to win a fantastic two week holiday to Australia for Australia Day 2004! Sunday 26 January, 12pm - 12.30am, no tickets required but entry is on a first come, first served basis

The Larrik

425 New King's Road, SW6 (020-7371 9585). Relive sporting triumphs

When The Larrik opened more than 18 months ago on the site of a previously derelict former pub, they warmly embraced the Australian community who live in these far-flung reaches of Fulham. Oz Day celebrations will take place all day on Saturday and Sunday with live music in the evenings, and the two giant screens showing Australian sporting triumphs (no doubt that will include the recent mauling of England in the Ashes) and classic Aussie films such as The Castle. An all-day barbecue will serve burgers, sausages and chicken dishes, and they'll have a promotion of bottled VB beer - 'buy lots, get lots free', the manager tells me.

The Swan

215 Clapham Road, SW9 (020-7978 9778). Free entry, cheap beer

This long, low-ceilinged bar directly opposite Stockwell tube will be the place to be for fans of Crowded House. Tribute band Crowdies House are scheduled to be on stage at 6pm, and DJs from Down Under will keep the entertainment going until 2am. Doors open at 3pm and admission is free until 10pm, and just £3 after. Lots of Aussie beers will be on tap with special promotions on Foster's Ice - someone has to drink the stuff and Aussies don't seem to mind what they drink as long as it has the desired effect.

Redback Tavern

264 High Street, W3 (020-8752 1827). Top live music venue

Aussies don't really travel east. Back at home they'd only hit New Zealand and what would be the point in that? West London is where most of them settle these days, and The Redback on any Sunday night is where many choose to hang out. This is London's premier Australasian live music venue with bands blasting out tunes, DJs keeping the atmosphere at a frenetic pace, and lots of sporting action on the big screen. Australia Day promises to be a real humdinger, and revellers should go home from this inn contented.

The Backpacker And The Church

126 York Way, N1 (020-7278 8318). Packing 'em in

Those who don't believe the stereotype of Australians being pissed-up politically incorrect punters should head for York Way on a Sunday to experience a journey back down the evolutionary scale. Sundays are the days Aussies go to worship at The Church, a nearby venue which kicks off at noon and can accommodate up to 1,000 people, who buy drinks tickets for tinnies served from chilled dustbins. The entertainment is provided by comedians, bands and strippers (male and female), then it's back to The Backpacker, where the party goes on until midnight.