Australia National Day 2027
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About the event
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.
Australia Day is the most popular day for new citizens to take their oath — ceremonies held across all states and territories.
Why this 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.
Timeline
- 1788First Fleet arrived at Sydney Cove
- 1901Federation created modern Australia
- 1994National public holiday nationwide
Key figures
Stay for the event
Check-in 25 Jan, check-out 27 Jan 2027 — 2 nights around 26 January 2027. Change the dates to stay longer.
AREA
Find stays in SydneyGetting there
- Celebratednationwide
- CapitalCanberra
- Time zoneMultiple (AEST UTC+10 to AWST UTC+8)
Host country
- Currency: Australian dollar
- Language: English
- Driving: on the left
- Capital: Canberra
- Phone: +61
- Emergency: 000
- Electricity: 230 V, 50 Hz, plugs I
What to eat
Lamb cutlets sizzled on the backyard barbecue — the Australia Day centrepiece promoted by MLA's iconic lamb advertisements.
Crispy meringue base topped with whipped cream and fresh summer fruit — Australia and New Zealand dispute its invention.
Sponge cake squares dipped in chocolate and rolled in desiccated coconut — one of Australia's most beloved baked goods.
Minced beef in a short pastry case — the hand-held Australian sports stadium and bakery staple.
Chocolate cream-filled biscuits — Australia's most iconic export snack, eaten by biting corners for a "Tim Tam slam".
Yeast extract spread on buttered white toast — an acquired taste that every Australian grows up with.
What to drink
Victoria Bitter and XXXX Gold are the iconic Australian lagers — cold cans consumed at every outdoor Australia Day event.
Queensland's famous dark rum — mixed with cola in the "Bundy and Coke", Australia's informal national cocktail.
Australia's contribution to global coffee culture — espresso with velvety steamed milk, invented in Sydney or Melbourne (both claim it).
Culture & traditions
Australia Day is the most popular day for new citizens to take their oath — ceremonies held across all states and territories.
The backyard barbecue and beach cricket match are the informal centrepieces of Australia Day for most families.
The Australian of the Year and other national honours are announced on Australia Day — a moment of civic recognition.
Tens of thousands march in major cities to recognise the impact of colonisation on Indigenous Australians on 26 January.
Coming years
Australia National Day 2028
- Wednesday 26 January 2028Next event date
Australia National Day 2029
- Friday 26 January 2029Event date
Australia National Day 2030
- Saturday 26 January 2030Event date