Why is Australia Day on the 26th? Origins, adoption and debate

Introduction: Why the date matters

Understanding why Australia Day is on the 26th matters because the date connects history, national identity and contemporary discussions about inclusion. The question “why is Australia Day on the 26th” is central to debates about how Australians commemorate the nation’s past, recognise Indigenous history and include new migrants in national celebrations.

Origins: The First Fleet and 1788

The date 26 January marks the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet of 11 convict ships from Great Britain and the raising of the Union Jack at Sydney Cove by Captain Arthur Phillip in 1788. That event is the historical anchor for the day, and it has long been cited in official explanations of Australia Day as the anniversary of this foundational moment.

How the date became official

Moves for a national day intensified after Federation in 1901. By the early 1930s, states were increasingly aligning on a single date: Victoria adopted 26 January in 1931 and, by 1935, all states were celebrating 26 January as Australia Day (it was still called Anniversary Day in some places). A public holiday at or around 26 January was established in all states by 1940. Since 1994 the date has been marked as a national public holiday, and Australia Day events now aim to reflect contemporary Australia.

Contemporary observance and debate

Today the National Australia Day Council encourages Australians to “gather with friends, family and their community to reflect, respect and celebrate,” while also broadening the focus to be more inclusive of Indigenous people and new migrants. Public opinion remains mixed: some polls cited show a majority of Australians support keeping Australia Day on 26 January, though support is lower among younger people. Historians note that changing the date would signal that many Australians do not regard 26 January as a meaningful date in a modern, diverse nation. Political commentary also features in the debate, reflecting differing views on national memory and identity.

Conclusion: Significance and the path ahead

Why Australia Day is on the 26th combines a clear historical origin with a complex path to official adoption and ongoing public debate. The date’s future as the national day will continue to be shaped by public sentiment, efforts to acknowledge Indigenous perspectives, and broader discussions about how Australia commemorates its history and defines national belonging.