Australia Day Celebrated

Australia Day is the official national day of Australia celebrated on January 26 marking the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British Ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales and raising of the Flag of Great Britain at that site by Governor Arthur Phillip. It wasn’t until 1818 that the Governor recognized it as a holiday and it was called “Foundation Day”. In 1838, the 50th anniversary, the day was recognized as Australia’s first public holiday.

On January 25, 1915 in Eldorado, Victoria, Australia, an Australia Day parade took place. Men stand behind a field gun while women and children watch.