Australia Day

Australia Day, public holiday throughout Australia, commemorating the founding of the colony of New South Wales on January 26, 1788. If January 26 falls at a weekend, the holiday takes place on the following Monday.

Although Captain James Cook claimed the eastern coast of Australia for Britain in 1770, it was not until 1787 that the British decided to establish a penal colony in New South Wales. After a voyage from England of more than nine months, Governor Arthur Phillip, with a party of 1,030 including 736 convicts, landed at Sydney Cove in Port Jackson, New South Wales on January 26, 1788. It was some time before the settlement was well established and transportation of convicts to New South Wales continued until 1840.

However, for Australians not only of New South Wales but of all states, Australia Day marks the birth of Australia as a nation. As a result the day is celebrated throughout the country with a wide range of events and entertainments. These include flagraising and other civic ceremonies, regattas, fireworks displays, sheepshearing and woodcutting competitions, Aboriginal festivals, street parades, and concerts.