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There’s no better place for that international feel than New York City. Looking for a change of scene or a taste of home? Check out all things Australian on this side of the equator with Australian coffee shops, Aboriginal art and of course, beer and a rugby match.

Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art added eight works by leading Aboriginal artists to their collection in the last five years. This is a significant addition to The Met in its representation of global, contemporary art, especially from a culture that rarely receives the attention it so deserves. Plan a trip to gaze at the works by Australia’s Indigenous artists. Look out for the minimal landscapes of Dorothy Napangardi, which convey a complex solitude; the textile compositions of Gunybi Ganambarr; and the colorful cell membrane-like pieces of Ena Gimme Nungurrayi. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is located in Central Park at 1000 5th Ave.

Little Australia & fashion

Okay, the name isn’t official, but the small population of aussie businesses in the area of North of Little Italy (Nolita) like to think so. Ruby’s Café on Mulberry Street is the long-standing “unofficial embassy” of Australia; other boutiques and fashion businesses have come and gone or remained in the area. Check out these Aussie-owned fashion businesses, found in and outside Nolita.

-Aesop Nolita - a Melbourne-based high-end cosmetic shop featuring plant-based hair and body products. 232 Elizabeth St., Nolita
-Ksubi - high-end fashion label worn by the likes of Kylie Jenner, A$AP Rocky, and The Internet. 26 Greene St., Lower Manhattan/SoHo
-Dinosaur Designs - a design studio specializing in resin-based jewelry and home decor. 21 Crosby St., SoHo
-Zimmermann - sophisticated Australian fashion design label for women. 55 Mercer St., SoHo

Café

Coffee shops have risen to popularity in Australia, both as a social hangout and dietary necessity. Two Hands is a popular café located just south of Nolita, owned by two Sydney transplants. As aforementioned, Ruby’s Café is somewhat of an institution, being one of the first Australian-owned businesses in the area in 2003. Bluestone Lane, a Melbourne mainstay, can be found throughout the city.

Eat

There’s a surprising amount of Australian restaurants in Manhattan, all serving up different takes on the country’s ever-changing cuisine. Here are three of our favorites:

Flinders Lane - modern and casual Australian eats that borrows influence from outlying Asian countries. 162 Avenue A, East Village

Dudley’s - mostly New American fare with an Australian twist. Dudley’s is a great place for brunch. 85 Orchard St., Lower East Side

Burke and Wills - fine dining Australian cuisine that’s internationally recognized. Looking for a fancy kangaroo burger? This is your place. Located close to Hotel Beacon at 226 W 79th St., Upper West Side

Rugby match & a beer

Finally, for our homesick Australians who want to watch an Australian football, rugby, or cricket match, The Australian in Midtown is your best bet. Order Australian comfort food, grilled roo, enjoy a cold one, and check game schedules ahead of time. 

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