Australia Day, observed on January 26, marks the 1788 landing of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove and the proclamation of British sovereignty. It is Australia's national day, though it remains controversial for Indigenous Australians who refer to it as Invasion Day or Survival Day.
January 26, 1788 — Captain Arthur Phillip raised the British flag at Sydney Cove. The 50th anniversary in 1838 was the first official celebration. The name "Australia Day" became standard in 1935, and it was officially uniform across all states only since 1994.
Citizenship ceremonies (thousands take their oath on this day). Barbecues. Beach trips — Australia Day falls in summer. Triple J's Hottest 100 music countdown. Tall ships in Sydney Harbour. Fireworks. Award of Australian of the Year.
Barbecue — sausages, prawns, steak. Lamingtons, pavlova, fairy bread. Vegemite on toast. Cold beer, particularly XXXX or VB.
"Happy Australia Day".
National public holiday. Most businesses closed. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane host major celebrations. Beaches packed. Indigenous-led counter-events also held.