Just what is the significance of Australia Day? These days, especially for many backpackers visiting Australia, it’s a day off work and an opportunity to drink with their friends. But Australia Day signifies something very important for the history of this country.
Australia Day falls on the 26th January every year. If the 26th happens to fall at the weekend then a public holiday will follow the Monday directly afterwards.
The 26th January marks the first landing by Captain Arthur Phillip at Port Jackson in New South Wales in 1788. This meant that Australia was claimed as part of the British Empire. The early settlers wanted to celebrate this colonisation and for many years it was celebrated in just NSW. This celebration has now spread to the rest of the country although it wasn’t officially recognised as a public holiday countrywide until 1994.
Whilst in the first years after settlement Australia Day was a celebration of expanding the British Empire by the settlers, this was obviously not an occasion that the indigenous Australians wished to celebrate. These days Australia Day now celebrates the multi-cultural and multi-ethnic diversity of the country, although there are still some people who are uncomfortable with the term ‘celebrate’ because for many years the 26th January was not a celebration for the indigenous population but a day of mourning that their country had been claimed by the British.
For a full history of Australia Day of over the last few centuries check out the NSW Australia Day website
Australia Day Events
As well as festivals and community events Australia holds many ceremonies on Australia Day, including citizenship ceremonies, Australian of the year and flag flying ceremonies (the Australian flag and also the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags).
What’s on Australia Day?
Celebrations, festivals, community events and more have been organised throughout the country. For events happening in your local area it’s worth checking out http://www.australiaday.org.au/events/
Many of the larger events have an alcohol ban, so do check before you set off, you don’t want to waste your booze!
If you’re staying at one of our Nomads Hostels in Australia, many of them are organising their own Australia Day events at the bars located within them, however if you want to go to an official Australia Day event during the day here’s our pick of some the best:
Sydney – there are numerous events going on in Sydney on the 26th January, and it’s quite hard to pick just one, however it sounds like The Rocks and Darling Harbour are both places to be for some free live music! Start the day off with a special performance of music and dance by Indigenous performers at Barangaroo whilst the Aboriginal and Australian flags are raised on Sydney Harbour Bridge. During the day head to Circular Quay for live music, numerous food stalls, and get yourself a temporary tattoo of the Australian Flag… The Rocks has markets, live music and loads going on all day.
Melbourne – Do not miss the Australia Day Parade which will take place from Swanston St to St Kilda Road from 11am to midday. Docklands is the place to head to for a line-up of some local talent, and great food trucks and of course the Australia Day fireworks at around 9pm. Live music will played into the night in time for the fireworks.
Byron Bay – A breakfast in the park in honour of Australia Day, this will be held next to the Byron Bay surf club from 7.30am until 11am (or at Brunswick Heads from 7.30am until 10am). From 11am until 2.30pm watch the “Celebration of the Survival of Indigenous Culture in Byron Bay” at Main Beach Park. Or you could just get your Aussie flags out and head to the beach for the day!
Brisbane – Head to Victoria Park if you’re a kid or a big kid as there’s lots going on for the young at heart.
Australia Day 2019 at Nomads
Every year most of our Australian Hostels have some sort of events centred around Australia Day. For more details of Australia Day 2019 at Nomads contact the hostel you’re staying at.
Usual festivities include the Triple J countdown and pool parties and expect to see lots of Australian Flags!