Australia Day
When is Australia Day in 2023?
Australia Day is on 26 January, 2023.
This year, that day is Thursday.
This date marks the arrival of British ships in 1788 and the establishment of the first European settlement in Australia.
In each State and Territory, when 26 January falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the public holiday is moved to Monday to ensure everyone has a chance to observe it.
Australia Day 2023, 2024, 2025,2026
| Year | Date | Holiday | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 26 Jan | Australia Day | National |
| 2024 | 26 Jan | Australia Day | National |
| 2025 | 26-27 Jan | Australia Day Holiday | National |
| 2026 | 26 Jan | Australia Day | National |
Why could Australia Day be changed?
The current date of Australia Day, 26 January, celebrates when the first European settlers arrived in the country.
However, for many Aboriginal and Indigenous peoples, that date marked the beginning of persecution and trouble for their cultures and way of life.
Some call Australia Day Invasion Day or Survival Day, viewing things from this perspective.
A Survival Day concert has been held on 26 January in Sydney since 1992, as a celebration of Indigenous culture.
Many feel that by celebrating this specific landing event, rifts between Aboriginal and Indigenous people and other Australians may be widened.
To some, it can feel like one part of the country is insensitive to the sufferings born by another part.
Changing the date of the current Australia Day celebrations can provide an outlet for all Australians to come together and rejoice in everything good about the nation.
It may also help break down colonially embedded stigmas around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
History of Australia Day
On 26 January, Australia celebrates its national day, which commemorates the arrival of eleven British ships that transported 750 convicts to establish the first European settlement in Australia.
In addition, 300 more citizens from military and medical backgrounds made the journey to establish Australia as a new colony.
Since that time, more and more people moved to the country, increasing the size and number of the cities, until Australia became the nation we know it as today.
Modern Australia
On Australia Day, Australians have an opportunity to reflect on this history and appreciate all that has made this country great.
The national day is also an opportunity to celebrate the progress that Australia has made over the past hundred years.
During this time, the country has become a global leader in many industries, including agriculture and mining.
Australians have also been instrumental in shaping the world we live in today, from contributing to scientific discoveries to playing a major role in international diplomacy.
How To Celebrate Australia Day 2023
Congratulate the Australian of the Year
Each year Australia picks one ‘Australian of the Year’ to commemorate and honor, and this award is given out on Australia Day.
As the country celebrates what makes it great, they award the people they feel contribute to that greatness in different ways.
Recipients are chosen for demonstrating excellence in their field, contributing significantly to their local community and nation, and serving as an inspirational role model to Australian citizens.
The ceremony is televised so give a shout-out on social media to all the winners!
Past winners of Australia Day include Dylan Alcott, a paraplegic athlete, Grace Tame, a sexual assault survivor advocate, James Muecke, an eye surgeon and Michelle Yvonne Simmons, a quantum physics professor.
Watch the Ferrython
Each year for Australia Day, there’s a ferry race called Ferrython, in which dozens of ferries participate in a 35 minute race along the Sydney Harbor.
Prizes are given out to the winner of the race, as well as the best small ferry, the most creative ferry and several other categories.
Over tens of thousands of viewers attend the event, which was first started in 1976.
The event is free to attend, but you can also buy a ticket for one of the ferries participating in the race, for an unforgettable experience.
This Australia Day in 2023 will mark the 47th annual Ferrython.
The Sydney Harbor ferry race is one of the most exciting events in Sydney each year.
Thousands of people come to watch the ferries race along the harbor, and there are many different categories in which ferries can compete.
Whether you’re a fan of sailing or just looking for an interesting event to attend, Ferrython is definitely worth checking out!
Attend a party
Parties are common on Australia Day, no matter which city you’re in, and often feature food, music, activities, rides and games.
Beachside parties are also common and are a great way to stay cool in the summer.
There are also fireworks displays and many businesses often offer free entry or discounted prices to celebrate, so it’s a great time to go somewhere exciting.
Australia Day is also a great time to tour some of the city’s most popular spots. Sydney, for example, has several beautiful beaches that are perfect for a day of swimming and sunbathing.
Melbourne has many attractions, including the Queen Victoria Market, which is home to a variety of food stalls and shops. Perth is famous for its lakes and Botanic Gardens.
Many attractions offer free admission on Australia Day, so it’s worth taking the time to check them all out.
Attend a citizenship event
Australians don’t just celebrate the past, they celebrate what makes the country great in the present, and this Australia Day in 2023 will be no different.
Citizenship and flag-raising ceremonies are often held on Australia Day, as a way to welcome those who are now part of the country and help celebrate their place in society.
Australia Day is a time to come together and celebrate our country’s achievements.
It’s also a chance to show our new citizens what makes Australia great, and to celebrate those who have become part of the Australian community.
There are many events and celebrations planned for Australia Day 2023, so be sure to check out the official Australia Day website or social media pages for more information.
These are just a few of the many, many amazing things that come with Australia Day.
From food to fireworks, from parties to parades, from races to remembrances, Australia Day is a spectacular event that promises a fantastic time to all who attend.
Find some friends, find an event that catches your eye and go celebrate everything that makes Australia wonderful!
If you have any ideas you’d like to share or events you think we should mention, make sure to tell us about them in the comments below!
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