Australia Day (previously known as Anniversary Day, Foundation Day, and ANA Day)is the official national day of Australia. Celebrated annually on 26 January, the date commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788 and the proclamation at that time of British sovereignty over the eastern seaboard of New Holland.
Although it was not known as Australia Day until over a century later, records of celebrations on 26 January date back to 1808, with the first official celebration of the formation of New South Wales held in 1818. It is presently an official public holiday in every state and territory of Australia and is marked by the presentation of the Australian of the Year Awards on Australia Day Eve, announcement of the Honours List for the Order of Australia and addresses from the Governor-General and Prime Minister. With community festivals, concerts and citizenship ceremonies the day is celebrated in large and small communities and cities around the nation. Australia Day has become the biggest annual civic event in Australia.
The girls had a day off from school so we headed to South Banks via train to attend an Australian Day Festival. Unfortunately, we had have heavy rains for two days before and it was forecasted to rain, so the festival was canceled. The day was beautiful and we still had fun on the “beach” at South Banks and a few drinks to beat the heat.
Happy Australia Day!
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