Australia Day Countdown 2025
Australia Day - January 26th
Australia Day is the official national day of Australia. Celebrated annually on 26 January, it marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales, and the raising of the Flag of Great Britain at Sydney Cove by Governor Arthur Phillip.
Celebrations and Activities
Australia Day is a public holiday in every state and territory of Australia. It is a day of celebration and reflection, marked by community events, family gatherings, citizenship ceremonies, and awards. Common activities include barbecues, beach parties, concerts, and fireworks displays. The Australian of the Year awards are also announced on this day.
A Day of Reflection
While Australia Day is a time for celebration, it is also a day of reflection, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. For many, January 26th marks the beginning of colonization and the dispossession of their lands, and is observed as 'Invasion Day' or 'Survival Day'. This difference in perspective leads to ongoing discussions about the date and meaning of Australia Day.