If you’ve heard people discussing their upcoming plans in January, you’ve likely heard them talking about Australia Day. As a result, you might find yourself wondering, “What is Australia Day?”
Well, it’s the country’s national holiday, which falls in the middle of the sunny and scorching Australian summer – a season famous for beach days and backyard barbeques. Let’s explore everything you need to know about Australia Day and how it’s observed across the country.
When is Australia Day?
Australia Day is held annually on 26 January. The day marks the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, when British ships arrived in Port Jackson, New South Wales, and raised the Union Jack to mark the official declaration of British sovereignty.
Australia Day has been an official public holiday for all states and territories in Australia since 1994. In 2024, the Australia Day public holiday falls on a Friday. On the day, there will be plenty of Australia Day events happening across the nation. However, it’s important to understand the history of Australia Day and the context in which the public holiday sits, so you can decide what to do on Australia Day.
Australia Day past and present
Australia Day has become a matter of contention in Australia due to its history and relation to Aboriginal communities.
For some, the Australia Day public holiday has become synonymous with clothing and accessories adorned with the Australian flag.
However, for many others, namely Aboriginal Australians who had occupied the land for over 50,000 years prior to the arrival of the British, Australia Day is a day of mourning. Several non-Aboriginal Australians feel the same way, and you may hear the terms ‘Invasion Day’, ‘Survival Day’ or ‘Day of Mourning’ used instead.
As a result of this discourse, retailers Woolworths and Big W have announced that they will not be selling Australia Day merchandise in 2024.
Learn more about the controversial history surrounding Australia Day.
What is open on Australia Day?
On Australia Day, you will find that many pubs, bars, restaurants and cafés remain open to help people make the most of the public holiday. However, these venues will likely charge a surcharge (an extra fee or tax percentage) in light of the public holiday, so don’t be surprised if your bill is a bit pricier. In some cities, you will also find that museums and art galleries remain open, as well as botanic gardens, and even some entertainment complexes like cinemas.
The trading hours of shops and supermarkets will vary; some will close for the entire day, others will reduce their hours and others will stay open as usual. Check the websites of your local supermarkets or ask in store so that you can plan ahead. Remember that places like banks, schools and offices will all be closed.
Australia Day Events
At present, a range of celebrations, protests, ceremonies and remembrance events will take place across the nation on or around 26 January. Here’s what’s happening near you.
Sydney
Australia Day in Sydney begins with Dawn Reflection, where artwork by First Nations artist and proud Kamilaroi woman Rhonda Sampson, will be projected onto the Sydney Opera House. This will be followed by the raising of both the Australian Aboriginal and the Australian National flags on top of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Several other events on 26 January will aim to honour First Nations peoples, including the WugulOra Morning Ceremony — a traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony and dance — and Yabun Festival, which will feature live music, markets, and traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural performances. There is also an Invasion Day protest scheduled to take place at Belmore Park.
There will also be many other events that can be enjoyed from various vantage points of the Sydney Harbour, including markets, fundraisers, ferry races, and Australia Day Live 2024, a free concert followed by a spectacular fireworks display over Sydney Harbour.
Melbourne
In Melbourne, 26 January will be marked by a program of events, including a flag-raising ceremony and an open day at Government House. You can learn more about these events here.
Also taking place in Melbourne is Share the Spirit Festival, an annual festival celebrating the survival of First Nations peoples through music, art, craft and culture. You may also wish to attend Our Survival Day in Mount Martha, an event run by 100% Aboriginal-owned and woman-led organisation, Our Songlines.
Brisbane
You can enjoy Australia Day in Brisbane by heading to South Bank for this year’s Great Australian Bites, complete with food, pop-up stalls, live music and entertainment.
Perth
For a day full of adventure and entertainment, Perth has a great program for people to enjoy. The annual Birak Concert boasts a stellar line-up of entertainment, food vendors and more.
An Invasion Day rally is also currently planned and set to take place at Forrest Chase from 12pm, where everyone is invited to join.
Adelaide
The Australia Day Family Fair and Fireworks will take place in Noarlunga Downs, south of Adelaide’s CBD. The event will include activities such as face painting, live music, and of course, a vibrant fireworks display to conclude the festivities.
This year’s Survival Day March is set to be held in Tarndanyangga/Victoria Square on 26 January.
Canberra
In Canberra this year, you can head down to the Harmonie German Club to enjoy Australia In Harmonie. Here you’ll enjoy a program of talented First Nations and German artists, featuring performances by Stewart Barton, The Riverbank Band, and Taylor Moss.
Darwin
You can acknowledge First Nations peoples by attending the Smoking Ceremony at Darwin Waterfront. This event will also feature storytelling and performances by the Larrakia People and the Rirratjingu Dancers from North East Arnhem Land.
For a day and night of fun featuring Aboriginal and multicultural performances, food and games, check out OzFusion. You can see the full program for Australia Day in the Northern Territory here.
Hobart
If you’re looking for something to do on Saturday 27 January in Hobart, check out the Sandy Bay Regatta — now in its 175th year! The event will feature races on the water all day, plus roving entertainers, live music, best-dressed contests, pie-eating competitions and more!
Alternatively, show your support for First Nations peoples by participating in the Nipaluna Invasion Day protest held by the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre.
Other events
If you’d rather give 26 January a miss, there are several events around this date that you can enjoy instead (that have nothing to do with Australia Day!).
For example, the Triple J Hottest 100, an annual countdown of the year’s 100 best songs as voted by the public, will be broadcast on the Triple J radio station on Saturday 27 January.
Previously, the countdown had been held on Australia Day, but following a public survey in 2018, Triple J changed the date. Cast your votes, get together with some friends, and listen to see where your favourite tunes rank in the countdown!
Image courtesy of Destination NSW
