Western Australia Day

When is Western Australia Day 2023?

Western Australia Day 2023, also known as WA Day, is on Monday, 5 June.

The holiday falls on the first Monday in the month of June every year.

Western Australia Day 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026

Western Australia Day FAQ

Is Western Australia Day a public holiday?

Yes, Western Australia Day is a public holiday in the state of Western Australia.

History of WA Day

Western Australia Day, celebrated on June 1 each year, is an important public holiday in Western Australia.

It marks the anniversary of the day the Swan River Colony was officially declared in 1829. The Swan River Colony was established on the western half of Australia by the British in 1829 as a penal colony.

The Swan River Colony, which later became the city of Perth, was the first significant European settlement in the area. 

This anniversary holiday was originally known as Foundation Day and celebrated the founding of the colony.

It wasn’t until the year 2012 that it was officially renamed Western Australia Day, but it was declared an official public holiday all the way back in 1949.

Early WA Day

The first governor of the colony, Captain James Stirling, arrived in June 1829 and the colony was officially declared on that day, June 1.

The initial settlers of the Swan River Colony were mainly from the British Isles, with a significant number of free settlers arriving in the early 1830s.

These early settlers were mainly farmers, miners and entrepreneurs who sought to make a new life in the new colony. 

In 1832, James Stirling decided to establish an annual celebration to unite the new colony’s inhabitants, including all settlers and Aborigines.

Stirling chose June 1st each year, to commemorate the colony’s founding.

The holiday was originally called ‘Foundation of the Colony Day’, then later became ‘Foundation Day’ and now is simply ‘Western Australia Day’.

Modern WA Day

In recent years, Western Australia Day has become a highly anticipated event in the state, attracting tens of thousands of visitors and locals alike.

The day is celebrated with a range of events and activities, including parades, concerts, cultural festivals, and community gatherings.

The city of Perth, in particular, is a hub of activity on Western Australia Day, with many of the state’s largest and most popular events taking place in and around the city.

In addition to the events and activities that take place on Western Australia Day, the holiday is also an opportunity for Western Australians to reflect on the rich history and cultural heritage of their state.

This includes exploring the contributions of the Indigenous peoples who have lived in the region for thousands of years, as well as the influence of early settlers, migrants, and other groups who have helped shape the state into what it is today.

WA Day Changes

Despite its long history and cultural significance, Western Australia Day has faced some criticism and controversy in recent years.

Some have argued that the celebration of Western Australia Day is a celebration of colonialism, and that it overlooks the experiences and contributions of Indigenous peoples who have lived in the region for thousands of years.

In response to these concerns, some Western Australian communities have started to organize alternative events and celebrations that focus on Indigenous culture and heritage.

No matter what your connection is to Western Australia, there’s many opportunities on this public holiday to have fun and enjoy yourself!

How to Celebrate Western Australia Day 2023

Have a blast at the WA Day Festival

WA Day is one of the state’s biggest holidays, and as a result they party hard! The WA Day festival is a massive celebration with live shows, carnival games and rides and special entertainment booths, all for free!

There’s food trucks available to buy delicious foods, beer and wine of all kinds and flavours, with some of the country’s finest vendors!

There’s also a display of the Whadjuk Noongar culture, the native peoples of WA, through animated films and stories.

The WA Day Festival always includes amazing light shows, like the 2022 festival, which included a fantastic fireworks display and a massive light show with over 500 drones!

The day’s activities are rounded off with a concert in the evening, featuring some of the best artists and bands from around Australia.

WA Day is a great chance to celebrate all that makes WA an amazing place to live, and it’s always a fantastic time for everyone involved!

Celebrate the Western Australian of the Year

The Western Australian of the Year Awards recognise Western Australians who demonstrate excellence in their field and make a positive contribution to our community.

There are seven award categories – Aboriginal, Arts & Culture, Business, Community, Professions, Sport and Youth.

The awards are presented at a beautiful awards show that is streamed live all over the state, so those who can’t make it to the show can also join the festivities.

With seven different awards categories, there’s been many different winners over the years. In fact, as of last year the award has been running for over 50 years!

Because of that, the Western Australian of the Year Awards has put together a webpage showing 6 of the most inspiring stories from over the years, which you can view here!

The awards are a great way to see and celebrate the amazing people who make Western Australia great and celebrate everything beautiful about the state!

Visit the S&R Orchard Perth

If you’re looking for a little quiet and some beautiful natural scenery, you can come down to the S&R Orchard and enjoy their Autumn Festival which is held every year on Western Australia Day!

The Autumn Festival shows the orchard trees in beautiful orange colors and celebrates the harvest season.

There are tractor rides, an animal farm and petting zoo, food trucks with delicious choices, coffee and ice cream, face painting and even a bouncy castle for kids!

There are also special Autumn-designed photo locations and props that you can use to take beautiful Autumn themed photos!

It’s a great way to experience the autumn holiday and the beautiful nature that comes with the weather

Not only is it a great place to enjoy nature, but it’s also a great opportunity to learn about the S&R Orchard and its history.

What better way to celebrate the season than to come down to the S&R Orchard and experience the beauty of autumn?

Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with family and friends, or just want to relax and take in the sights and sounds of nature, the Autumn Festival has something for everyone to enjoy!

If you have any ideas for celebrating Western Australia Day in 2023, we’d love to hear more, so feel free to post in the comments below! 

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