Australia Day
January 26, Friday
History
On 26 January 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip, commander of the First Fleet, landed in Australia with approximately 700 convicts, soldiers and their families. This event is considered to be the beginning of European colonisation of Australia.
The celebration of this day dates back to 1818, when the first official commemoration took place on the 30th anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet. Over the years, Australia Day has been celebrated in different states and territories until it became a national holiday in 1935.
Traditions and Celebrations
Australia Day is a day of fun, with a variety of events and celebrations:
Parades and Festivals: Major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane host parades, concerts and cultural events featuring local artists and bands.
Fireworks: Fireworks displays are organised across the continent in the evening, especially in major cities, to celebrate this special day.
Family Picnics: Many Australians gather for picnics and barbecues with friends and family. This is a time when people enjoy traditional Australian cuisine.
Australian Awards: Awards such as the Order of Australia are presented on this day to recognise individuals for their achievements in a variety of fields, including the arts, sport, science and charity.
Reflection Day: In recent years, there has been an increased focus on recognising Australia’s Indigenous people and their culture. Some Australians mark the day as a "Day of Reflection", recognising that the arrival of Europeans led to suffering and loss for Indigenous Australians.
Australia Day in other years
- 2021 January 26, Tuesday
- 2022 January 26, Wednesday
- 2023 January 26, Thursday
- 2025 January 26, Sunday