Australia Day 2027 — How Many Days Until Australia Day?
About Australia Day
Australia Day on 26 January is Australia's national day, marking the arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour) on 26 January 1788 — the date Captain Arthur Phillip raised the British flag and formally established the Colony of New South Wales. It became a public holiday in all Australian states and territories in 1994.
The day is observed with citizenship ceremonies welcoming new Australians, community events, concerts, fireworks, and the announcement of Australian of the Year. It is one of the biggest public holidays of the Australian summer, with barbecues, beach outings, and sporting events central to the celebrations.
However, Australia Day is increasingly contested. For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, 26 January marks the beginning of colonisation — a period of dispossession, violence, and cultural destruction. The movement to change the date has grown significantly since the 2010s, and several local councils and organisations now refuse to hold Australia Day events on 26 January. An official change at the federal level remains a subject of ongoing national debate.
- Australia Day marks 26 January 1788 — when the First Fleet arrived and the British flag was raised at Sydney Cove
- It became a public holiday in all states and territories in 1994
- The Australian of the Year Award is announced on Australia Day each year
- 26 January is known as "Invasion Day" or "Survival Day" by many Indigenous Australians
- Approximately 16,000 people become Australian citizens in ceremonies on Australia Day each year