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Important days for Australians · 1 min read

Australia Day

On 26 January each year, we celebrate Australia Day. Australia Day is a public holiday in every state and territory in Australia. It is the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet from Great Britain in 1788.

On Australia Day, communities across Australia reflect on our history, and the people who have contributed to our shared achievements. It is the biggest annual public holiday in Australia.

Australia Day is about acknowledging and celebrating the contribution that every Australian makes to our contemporary and dynamic nation: from our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples—who have been here for approximately 65,000 years—to those who have lived here for generations, and those who have come from all corners of the globe to call our country home. Australia Day is marked by events across Australia, including special citizenship ceremonies.

During Australia Day celebrations, the Prime Minister announces the Australian of the Year Awards in Canberra.

Test yourself on this topic

8 questions on this topic, each with the answer explained.

  1. 1. Approximately how long have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples been in Australia?

    • About 6,000 years
    • About 500 years
    • About 65,000 years
    • About 15,000 years

    Explanation: Australia's First Peoples have lived here for roughly 65,000 years.

  2. 2. Australia Day is the anniversary of which event?

    • The opening of the first Australian Parliament
    • The arrival of the First Fleet in 1788
    • The landing of Australian troops at Gallipoli
    • The founding of the city of Canberra

    Explanation: The date marks the day the First Fleet arrived from Great Britain in 1788.

  3. 3. How is Australia Day described among Australia's public holidays?

    • A holiday marked mainly in country towns
    • The biggest annual public holiday in Australia
    • A holiday held on a different date each year
    • The oldest holiday celebrated in Canberra

    Explanation: No other yearly public holiday in Australia is bigger.

  4. 4. On which date is Australia Day celebrated each year?

    • 26 January
    • 1 January
    • 25 December
    • 25 April

    Explanation: Australia Day falls on 26 January every year.

  5. 5. What does the Prime Minister announce during Australia Day celebrations?

    • The winners of the national sporting awards
    • The Australian of the Year Awards, in Canberra
    • The list of new public holidays for the year
    • The date of the next federal election

    Explanation: Each Australia Day the Prime Minister announces the Australian of the Year Awards in the national capital, Canberra.

  6. 6. Which kind of ceremony is often held as part of Australia Day events?

    • School graduation ceremonies
    • The formal opening of parliament
    • Compulsory voting registration sessions
    • Special citizenship ceremonies

    Explanation: Many people become Australian citizens at special ceremonies held on Australia Day.

  7. 7. Which statement about Australia Day as a public holiday is correct?

    • It is a public holiday only in New South Wales and Victoria
    • It is a normal working day in most states
    • It is a public holiday in every state and territory
    • It is a public holiday for government workers only

    Explanation: The holiday applies everywhere in Australia, in all states and territories.

  8. 8. Whose contribution does Australia Day celebrate?

    • Australians who arrived in the past ten years
    • Australians born in Australia after 1788
    • Every Australian, whenever their family arrived
    • Australians who now hold public office

    Explanation: The day celebrates what all Australians add to the nation, from the First Peoples to the newest arrivals.

From Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet