Australia’s BBQ culture is well known around the world, and Aussies regularly get together for some outdoor grilling. BBQs are a fun way to make new connections and get to know your new town or city at the same time.
At Remitly, we want to give you every tool possible to thrive in your new environment. Let’s take a look at the most important things you need to know to get the most out of any Aussie BBQ.
Australia BBQ culture: the origins
BBQ is serious business in Australia—in fact, you could go so far as to say it’s a way of life. There are countless spots around the country to get grilling—not to mention your own backyard—and Aussies love nothing more than some delicious grilled food, cold drinks, and spending the day with friends and family.
Barbecuing is said to date as far back 40,000 years in Australia, when Aboriginals cooked their food on open fires. That’s a long time for local culture to embed itself in the tradition. The fun-in-the-sun outback barbecue is a simple thing to get right if you understand these few tips. It’s casual, it’s social, and it’s outdoors.
When we say casual, we mean it in every way. There’s no need for fancy dishes, food or clothes. In fact, snags on bread are a beloved staple at any barbecue. So, put on some comfy clothes, and you’re almost ready to go.
Australian BBQ lingo
If you’re new to Australia, you might not be familiar with all the new terms and phrases that get used in conversation. Let’s go over some you might hear at an Aussie BBQ.
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- BBQ is shorthand for barbecue, or simply “barbie.”
- Then there’s “esky”—a portable, insulated cooler box used to keep food and drinks cold.
- “Snags” are sausages. They’re a great choice at an Aussie BBQ, and not only because they’re simple to grill. They’re also really easy to eat without proper utensils.
- Chook is often used to refer to chicken.
- To accompany your food, you might take some tinnies, or cans of beer.
It’s more than just lunch—it’s outdoor fun!
Of course, there needs to be food, but an Aussie BBQ is so much more—it’s a social event. It’s about spending time outdoors with friends and family, a place where good food and stories are shared in a relaxed setting. Talking about food is a great way to get the mouths watering as the food is being prepared.
Snacking and chatting, laughing with loved ones and new friends is a tradition as old as time. And in Australia, it’s found its home by the grill. Our favourite part about this beloved tradition is that it’s an occasion to be shared and enjoyed by everyone.
Another thing we love about an Aussie BBQ is that there’s no need for fancy grilling techniques. Everyone is gathered to relax and enjoy good company.
BBQ equipment you’ll need to get started
You might be wondering what are some Aussie BBQ favourites. At a BBQ down under, you can expect things like juicy corn on the cob, seafood, assorted grilled veggies, and any kind of meat, like chicken, steak, or lamb chops. Here are some mouthwatering ideas and tips on how to prepare them.
Along with the food, there are other things that you’ll commonly find at a BBQ. Let’s break down what might be needed:
Meat, fish, seafood, and veg
This can be steak, snags, prawns, salmon, or whatever you’d like to put on the outdoor grill. Check out our top Aussie dishes for some ideas.
If you’re vegan or vegetarian, let the host know or, better yet, bring your own plant-based alternatives.
Drinks
Bring along an esky to keep your drinks chilled. Aussies love a beer at a barbie, so if you want to immerse yourself in the culture, you might consider taking some tinnies along. Just be mindful that drinking alcohol in public is an offence in many parts of Australia.
Side dishes
Things like garlic bread, potato salad, or garden salad work wonderfully. Since this is a BBQ, you don’t need to bring anything fancy. Easy to transport, serve, and eat is the main idea. Groups often decide in advance who’s going to bring what, to avoid any duplicates.
Cutlery and cooking utensils
You’ll need some grill tongs and a spatula for the grill. Paper plates are easy, but any will do—along with knives and forks, spoons, and serviettes. Remember to take some bin bags and paper towels to clean up afterwards.
Picnic blanket or rug
Depending on the venue, there may be tables set up, but it’s never a bad idea to be prepared in case they’re occupied. You might also take some camping chairs, and a portable speaker to play some music.
Get ready for games
Aussies enjoy adding an element of fun to the day out, with games that everyone can get involved in. Cricket is a classic that has been modified time and time again to make it easier for everyone to enjoy.
A bat and a ball will be sure to bring hours of fun and entertainment, whatever your age. But, if that’s not for you, you can consider bringing a board game or even something as easy as a ball or frisbee to throw around.
Dive right into Australian BBQ culture
You’ve got all the tools you need to turn up fully prepared for your next Aussie BBQ. All that’s left is to invite some friends or find some like-minded locals to join in with. This might sound daunting if you’re new, but Aussies are a friendly bunch; you just need to find your crowd.
Perusing local Facebook or WhatsApp groups is a good first step to finding like-minded acquaintances nearby. If that’s too much, even just try a group for local meetups where you can post a small message inviting some locals. It could be the first step towards building a community around your new home.
Public BBQs in Australia
There are plenty of freely available public barbecue areas down under. They’re either electric or gas barbecues and are usually free or coin-operated. They have a flat hotplate, making them easy to use for cooking sausages, burgers, and other BBQ foods.
Most public BBQ areas also have picnic tables, rubbish bins, and sometimes even water taps. They’re great for families and friends to enjoy an outdoor meal without needing to bring a grill. Just remember to clean up after using them so everyone can enjoy the space.
How to turn public barbecues on
Most public barbecues in Australia are electric stove plates, and there’s usually a sign with basic instructions on how to operate them. Some BBQs have time limits and turn off after 10–15 minutes, which means you’ll have to restart them.
To switch them on, look for a button or switch near the BBQ plate, and press the start button (it might need to be held down for a few seconds). Then, check if there’s a timer knob you need to turn. If your BBQ doesn’t automatically turn off, press the ‘off’ button once you’re done.
Care for the community: clean up after yourself.
Being part of a community that gives you access to public facilities like barbecues and outdoor facilities is a great benefit. The best way to say thanks is to keep these facilities neat and tidy for the next group that comes to use them.
Wipe down the grill when you’ve finished, be sure to clear up your litter, and take your leftovers with you. If it’s your first time, here’s a short guide to grill cleaning that’ll teach you everything you need to know.
Top Picnic Spots for BBQ in Major Cities
There are thousands of public BBQ spaces across Australia. Here are just a few in some of the country’s biggest cities:
- Centennial Parklands, Sydney: Comprising three parks—Centennial Park, Moore Park, and Queens Park—there are various BBQ locations. You can also take your own portable BBQs with legs.
- Albert Park, Melbourne: This extensive park offers several locations to either use public BBQs or take your own.
- Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park, Brisbane: Offers BBQ facilities and great city views!
- Kings Park, Perth: As well as plenty of attractions and facilities to keep the whole family entertained, this Perth park has some free electric barbecues.
- Denise Norton Park, Adelaide: Many of the parks in Adelaide have BBQ facilities; this is just one of the ones you might want to check out if you’re in the area.
FAQs
What is the Australian BBQ style?
The style of an Aussie BBQ is laid-back. It’s about outdoor cooking and using fresh meats, seafood, and veggies. It’s not just about the food but also about bringing people together in backyards, parks, and beaches, often accompanied by a few beers and classic Australian tunes.
What is the Aussie slang for BBQ?
Aussies will often refer to a BBQ as a “barbie”, something you might have heard from the famous quote “Throw another shrimp on the barbie.”
How do I host an outdoor BBQ?
Start by choosing a spot like your backyard, a park, or a beach with BBQ facilities. Fire up the outdoor grill and cook classic Aussie favourites like snags, steaks, and prawns. Offer sides like fresh salads, bread rolls, and grilled veggies. Keep drinks cold with plenty of beer, soft drinks, and water.
Set up some seating and shade for comfort, and play some music to create a fun atmosphere. Don’t forget sunscreen and insect repellent if needed. Most importantly, enjoy the laid-back experience with family and friends!
When is the best time to host a BBQ?
Because of the outdoorsy nature of a BBQ, you’ll find the wonderful smell of meat on the fire happening more often in spring and onwards towards the summer months around Christmas. However, Aussies don’t let the cold weather stop them—it’s a year-round activity!