Australia Day is a Public Holiday and this year Australia’s national day falls on a Tuesday - the 26th of January. Some people will make the most of their annual leave and take four days off to get nine days off work in return. Moreover, when January 26th falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the date of the public holiday is moved to the following Monday.

The date marks the arrival of the First Fleet from England at Sydney Cove in 1788 and the hoisting of the British flag there by Captain Arthur Philip. Although Australia Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over Australia, the date is definitely not free of controversy as many Indigenous Australians and those sympathetic to the cause consider it an invasion of the land by the British and call it Invasion Day or National Day of Mourning.

This date is an opportunity to reflect the nation's history, heritage, celebrate the cultural diversity, and to think about what it means to be Australian and how to make Australia an even better place to live.

The common celebrations involve many outdoor activities like fireworks, parades, outing, picnics in parks, air shows, parties, barbecues and concerts. It is certainly a good time to enjoy the summer with friends and family.

The current COVID-19 situation with restrictions in many states may make the day celebrations look a bit different this year. We recommend you to check some of the websites below to be updated about what is scheduled for your state on 26th January:

9 news | Finder | Australiaday.org.au

Did you know? It was not until 1935 that all Australian states and territories used the name 'Australia Day' to mark 26 January. In addition, it was not until 1994 that 26 January became a public holiday across the nation.