Australia National Day

Australia National Day

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  1. 1788First Fleet arrived at Sydney Cove
  2. 1901Federation created modern Australia
  3. 1994National public holiday nationwide

The story behind the day

Australia Day marks 26 January 1788, when the First Fleet raised the British flag at Sydney Cove. It is a national holiday, but also a contested date because many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience it as Invasion Day or Survival Day.

The day mixes citizenship ceremonies, awards and community events with protests, reflection and calls to change the date. That tension is now part of the holiday itself.

Visitors may see barbecues, concerts, harbour events and fireworks, alongside Indigenous-led rallies and remembrance. Understanding both sides is essential to understanding modern Australia.

  1. 202626 January 2026 · Monday
  2. 202726 January 2027 · Tuesday
  3. 202826 January 2028 · Wednesday
The flag
Australia flag

The Australian flag has the Union Jack, the Commonwealth Star and the Southern Cross. It reflects British colonial history, federation and southern-hemisphere identity, while Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags are also prominent on the day.

Australia Day is a summer barbecue occasion — lamb on the barbie, pavlova for dessert and a cold beer in the January heat. The lamb ad is an Australian institution.

What to eat

BBQ lamb chopsLamb cutlets sizzled on the backyard barbecue — the Australia Day centrepiece promoted by MLA's iconic lamb advertisements.
PavlovaCrispy meringue base topped with whipped cream and fresh summer fruit — Australia and New Zealand dispute its invention.
LamingtonsSponge cake squares dipped in chocolate and rolled in desiccated coconut — one of Australia's most beloved baked goods.
Meat pieMinced beef in a short pastry case — the hand-held Australian sports stadium and bakery staple.
Tim TamsChocolate cream-filled biscuits — Australia's most iconic export snack, eaten by biting corners for a "Tim Tam slam".
Vegemite on toastYeast extract spread on buttered white toast — an acquired taste that every Australian grows up with.

What to drink

VB or XXXX beerVictoria Bitter and XXXX Gold are the iconic Australian lagers — cold cans consumed at every outdoor Australia Day event.
Bundaberg rumQueensland's famous dark rum — mixed with cola in the "Bundy and Coke", Australia's informal national cocktail.
Flat whiteAustralia's contribution to global coffee culture — espresso with velvety steamed milk, invented in Sydney or Melbourne (both claim it).
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Culture on National Day

Australia Day has a complicated and evolving character — celebrated with beach BBQs and citizenship ceremonies by many Australians, and marked as Invasion Day by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Citizenship ceremoniesAustralia Day is the most popular day for new citizens to take their oath — ceremonies held across all states and territories.
Beach cricket and BBQThe backyard barbecue and beach cricket match are the informal centrepieces of Australia Day for most families.
Australia Day awardsThe Australian of the Year and other national honours are announced on Australia Day — a moment of civic recognition.
Invasion Day marchesTens of thousands march in major cities to recognise the impact of colonisation on Indigenous Australians on 26 January.