Australia Day and Other National Days: A Calendar for New Citizens
Australia Day, Anzac Day, Harmony Week, NAIDOC Week and more: the national days every future citizen should know, and what each one means.
Australia's national days reflect its history, its First Peoples, and its multicultural society. Knowing these dates helps you feel part of the community — and several of them appear in citizenship test questions. Here is a calendar of the most important ones.
Australia Day — 26 January
Australia Day is the national day. It marks the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet from Great Britain at Sydney Cove in 1788, led by Captain Arthur Phillip, who became the first Governor of the colony of New South Wales.
Australia Day is a national public holiday. Many Australians celebrate with community events, barbecues and fireworks, and many citizenship ceremonies are held on this day. The Australian of the Year awards are also announced around this time.
For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, 26 January is a day of sadness, as it marks the beginning of colonisation and the loss of land and culture. Some people call it Invasion Day or Survival Day. Understanding these different perspectives is part of understanding modern Australia.
Harmony Week — March
Harmony Week, which includes Harmony Day on 21 March, celebrates Australia's cultural diversity. Its message is that everyone belongs. Schools and workplaces often hold events where people share food, clothing and traditions from their cultures.
Anzac Day — 25 April
Anzac Day commemorates the landing of Australian and New Zealand soldiers at Gallipoli in 1915, and honours all Australians who have served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. It is a national public holiday, marked by dawn services and marches.
National Sorry Day — 26 May
National Sorry Day remembers the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, known as the Stolen Generations.
National Reconciliation Week — 27 May to 3 June
National Reconciliation Week encourages all Australians to learn about shared histories and to contribute to reconciliation. The dates mark two milestones: the successful 1967 referendum (27 May) and the High Court's Mabo decision (3 June 1992), which recognised native title.
King's Birthday — June (in most states)
The King's Birthday public holiday celebrates the birthday of the King of Australia, King Charles III. It is not held on his actual birthday, and the date varies between states and territories.
NAIDOC Week — July
NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Events are held across the country, usually in the first full week of July.
Australian Citizenship Day — 17 September
Australian Citizenship Day is a day for all Australians to reflect on the meaning and importance of citizenship. Many special citizenship ceremonies are held on or around this day.
Remembrance Day — 11 November
Remembrance Day marks the anniversary of the end of fighting in the First World War in 1918. At 11 am, Australians observe one minute's silence to remember those who died in wars and conflicts.
Other Public Holidays
Australians also have public holidays for New Year's Day, Good Friday and Easter Monday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and Labour Day, which recognises workers' rights. The dates of some holidays differ between states and territories.
Quick Test Reminders
- Australia Day: 26 January — the First Fleet arrived at Sydney Cove in 1788
- Anzac Day: 25 April — Gallipoli landing, 1915
- Australian Citizenship Day: 17 September
- Remembrance Day: 11 November
Learn the Dates the Easy Way
Dates are easy to mix up. Short, regular practice is the best cure. Try a few "Surprise Me" quizzes in CitiZen AU each day to keep national days fresh in your memory, with support in English and Vietnamese.