Australia Day is Australia's national day, marked on 26 January — in 2026 a Monday. It's a day of celebrations and citizenship ceremonies, but also one of genuine national debate. Here's the history and why the date is contested.
See the Australia Day holiday page or Australia's holiday calendar.
Why is Australia Day on January 26?
It marks 26 January 1788, the day the First Fleet of British ships, led by Captain Arthur Phillip, raised the British flag at Sydney Cove — the start of British settlement in Australia.
The date wasn't a national public holiday everywhere until relatively recently: it was only marked uniformly across all states and territories as "Australia Day" on 26 January from 1994.
How Australia Day is celebrated
- Citizenship ceremonies welcoming new Australians.
- Barbecues, beach gatherings and concerts in the summer (it falls in the Southern Hemisphere summer).
- The Australian of the Year awards.
- Fireworks and community festivals nationwide.
The "Invasion Day" debate
For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, 26 January marks the beginning of colonisation, dispossession and suffering — and is referred to as "Invasion Day" or "Survival Day." Protests and "change the date" campaigns have grown, calling for a national day that all Australians can celebrate together.
The debate is ongoing: some local councils have moved their celebrations, while the national date remains 26 January. It's a live and sensitive national conversation — and any honest history of the day includes both perspectives.
Quick answers
Why is Australia Day on January 26? It marks the arrival of the British First Fleet at Sydney Cove on 26 January 1788.
When is Australia Day 2026? Monday, 26 January 2026 — it is always 26 January.
Why is Australia Day controversial? For many Indigenous Australians, the date marks the start of colonisation and dispossession; it's also called "Invasion Day," and there are ongoing calls to change the date.
Is Australia Day a public holiday? Yes — it is a national public holiday across all states and territories.