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About Australia Day

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About Australia Day

Australia Day is the national day of Australia, held on 26 January, in the middle of the summer holidays.

Across the country, councils hold citizenship ceremonies to welcome new Australians, communities give out Australian of the Year and local awards, and families gather for barbecues, beach days, cricket in the backyard and fireworks.

The date marks the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788. For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people it is a day of sorrow and remembrance, and many Australians use the day to reflect, to learn and to honour the world's oldest continuing cultures as well as to celebrate the country they share.

  • 26 January
  • Public holiday in all states
  • Since 1994 on the same date everywhere

Where it began

On 26 January 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip raised the British flag at Sydney Cove after the First Fleet arrived from England. The land had been home to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for tens of thousands of years.

Early colonists marked the date as Foundation Day or Anniversary Day. Over time the different colonies and later states joined in one national day.

The Australia Day procession of January 1953Australia

How it grew over time

  1. 1788

    The First Fleet arrived at Sydney Cove.

  2. 1818

    The 30th anniversary was marked officially in New South Wales.

  3. 1935

    All states used the name Australia Day for the celebration.

  4. 1994

    All states and territories began to keep the public holiday on 26 January itself.

  5. Today

    The day includes citizenship ceremonies, the Australian of the Year award and many community events.

How it is celebrated in different places

  • Sydney

    The harbour hosts ferry races, tall ships and fireworks.

  • Canberra

    The Australian of the Year awards are announced the night before.

  • Towns everywhere

    Councils hold citizenship ceremonies, breakfasts and family fun days.

Australia Day moments

A school float in the 1953 Australia Day processionAustralia
Australia Day in 1917Australia
Fireworks to close Australia DayGladstone, Queensland
Fireworks over Sydney HarbourSydney, New South Wales

Australia Day today

Many families spend the day at the beach or a park with a barbecue. Thousands of new citizens take their pledge on this day.

Many events also include a Welcome to Country and gatherings that honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

How people celebrate Australia Day

  • Citizenship ceremonies
  • Community awards
  • Barbecues and beach days
  • Backyard cricket
  • Fireworks and concerts
  • Reflection and learning about First Nations cultures

How to wish well

  • Keep wishes warm and inclusive: about the land, the people and the welcome Australia gives.
  • Be mindful that the day is painful for many First Nations people; a respectful message that acknowledges all who call Australia home is kind.
  • A message to a new citizen on their ceremony day is a lovely gesture.

Questions about Australia Day

When is Australia Day?

On 26 January every year. When it falls on a weekend, the public holiday moves to the Monday.

What does Australia Day mark?

The arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788. It is now the national day, with citizenship ceremonies and community events.

Why do some people not celebrate on 26 January?

For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people the date marks the start of colonisation and great loss, so it is a day of mourning. Some call it Survival Day or Invasion Day, and hold events to remember and to honour their cultures.

What do people do on Australia Day?

Attend citizenship ceremonies, go to the beach, have barbecues, watch fireworks and spend time with family and friends.

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