G'day mate! Today is the Australian national day, affectionately known as "Aussie Day".

Australian culture has broken into the Beijing market over recent years. Aussie chefs work at major restaurants, Aussie bars preside, and there is even an Aussie Rules Football team.

As a result, celebratory events this year are expected to be bigger than ever. Running just ahead of the Spring Festival, there are stacks of things happening in Beijing with typical Aussie charm.

Ned's

Celebrate with the Aussies in true outback style by heading to Ned's, a homage bar on Nanluoguxiang to the infamous Ned Kelly.

"All I can guarantee is friendly people, plenty of beer, good music and a great day," said owner Steven Zonneveld.

Ned's will be offering happy hour prices throughout the day as well as sausages and the world's biggest annual music poll, the Triple J Hottest 100 Countdown.

"It's the biggest day of the year!" Zonneveld said. "Come down and enjoy a snag and cold beer."

Jan 26, till late. 84 Nanluoguxiang, Dongcheng district,150-1136-2081.

12SQM

Once the smallest bar on Nanluoguxiang, 12SQM will be transformed into the scene of an all-night party on Aussie Day.

The Amber Nectar will flow all night with Coopers, VB and James Boags going for 20 yuan. South Australian wine and all other imported beers are also discounted.

Aussie music is set to play throughout the night, while Aussie beef pies are on sale to keep drinkers warm and in good cheer.

Jan 26, from 6 pm till 1 am. 1 Fuxiang Hutong (on Nanluoguxiang), Dongcheng district, 6402-554.

Mao Mao Chong

This hutong favorite is complete with Aussie decor and an impressive Aussie attitude.

In honor of Aussie Day, owner Stephen Rocard said: "We will be playing good old Aussie rock 'n' roll from

8:30 pm until late."

Specials include 25-yuan Aussie beers and cocktails and, of course, classic outback tunes to keep the party going.

Jan 26, from 8:30 pm till late. 12 Ban Chang Hutong, Dongcheng district, 6405-5718.

Outback Steakhouse

This American take on Aussie dining offers steaks, bloomin' onions and delicious sides and will be open on Aussie Day.

For non-Aussies, this is a fun way to get in the spirit of the holiday before going out for a night on the town. Of course, don't tell any real Aussies you went US.

Astral, another Australian-themed restaurant in town, is closed for renovations over the Aussie Day holiday.

Jan 26. North gate of the Workers' Stadium, Chaoyang district, 6506-5166.

Australia Day Kooka Networking

For serious Aussies, put away the Dundee hat and slap on a tie - the Australian Chamber of Commerce is hosting a networking event on Jan 28 to celebrate Aussie Day in an event they claim will be "bigger than rock itself".

The night will include a raffle with prizes, Australian icons in attendance and plenty of drinks. The dress code is "Australian attire".

The event is priced at 150 yuan for commerce members and 180 for everyone else. Go ready to network, celebrate and expand the social circle.

Jan 28, 6:30 pm. China World Hotel, 1 Jiangguomenwai, Chaoyang district, 6595-9252.

Media

Aussie Day celebrations will be broadcast live from the island on SKY all day on Jan 26. The annual concert at the Parliament building will be shown live on ABC 1 from 5:30 pm, Beijing time. The Australian Open continues on ESPN and other sports networks internationally. This is the 99th edition of the Open, hosted in Melbourne Park, Australia.

To learn more about Australia Day, visit the official website: www.australiaday.org