Australia Day is the official
National Day of
Australia. Celebrated annually on 26 January, it marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the
First Fleet of British Ships at
Port Jackson,
New South Wales, and the raising of the
Flag of Great Britain at
Sydney Cove by Governor
Arthur Phillip. In present-day Australia, celebrations reflect the diverse society and landscape of the nation, and are marked by community and family events, reflections on Australian history, official community awards, and citizenship ceremonies welcoming new immigrants into the Australian community.