AU Citizenship

History & Heritage

Australia Day, 26 January

Australia Day is celebrated on 26 January. It marks the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove (Port Jackson) in 1788. Today it is a national public holiday and the day on which many citizenship ceremonies are held.

Key facts

  • Australia Day falls on 26 January each year.
  • It marks the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet at Port Jackson.
  • It is a national public holiday across Australia.
  • Many new citizens make the pledge at Australia Day ceremonies.

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