The "first day" of Australia depends on the perspective: modern Australia began as a nation on January 1, 1901, when the colonies federated, but the date celebrated as Australia Day is January 26, marking the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet and the raising of the British flag at Sydney Cove, establishing British settlement. While Indigenous Australians have a history spanning 65,000+ years, January 26 commemorates the start of British colonization, a day of significance for some but also of mourning for many Indigenous people.
Yes, September 1st is the official first day of spring in Australia, marking the start of the meteorological spring, which divides seasons into three-month periods for easier climate tracking, even though the astronomical spring (the equinox) happens later, around September 23rd.
Australia Day is celebrated on January 26th to commemorate the raising of the British flag by Captain Arthur Phillip at Sydney Cove in 1788, marking the establishment of the British colony of New South Wales, though the First Fleet had arrived in Botany Bay days earlier, according to SBS Australia and SBS Australia. This date, initially called "Anniversary Day," became a public holiday in New South Wales in 1838 and was adopted by other colonies, evolving into a national celebration of Australian identity, though it is also recognized by many First Nations people as a day of mourning, survival, and protest, known as Invasion Day or Survival Day.
Note: Style Manual lists Monday as the first day of the week. This is consistent with the order of calendar days in a calendar week as defined in the international standard adopted by Australia.
On January 26, 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip raised the British flag at Sydney Cove, officially establishing the first British penal colony in Australia, marking the beginning of European colonization, which is commemorated today as Australia Day but is also viewed by many Indigenous Australians as Invasion Day or Survival Day, symbolizing dispossession and cultural trauma. The First Fleet had arrived days earlier, but chose Sydney Cove for its fresh water and suitable harbor after finding Botany Bay inadequate.
January 26, 1788, wasn't actually the day Captain Cook first landed in Australia (that's a common mix-up!). It was the day Captain Arthur Phillip raised the British flag at Sydney Cove, claiming NSW as a British Colony.
In recent years, there has been a growing debate and discussion surrounding the date of Australia Day as January 26. This is because the date marks the beginning of dispossession, violence, genocide, and the negative impacts of European colonisation on Indigenous communities.
This is the day that, according to the Old Testament, was blessed by the Lord (Gen 2:3,Ex 20:11). However, in the New Testament, something extraordinary occurs because the Lord did not rise on the Sabbath, the Holy day, but on the 'first day of the week' – on the Sunday.
Generally, January is Australia's hottest month, marking peak summer with widespread heatwaves and record-breaking temperatures, especially in southern regions, though the tropical north's hottest days can occur earlier, in late spring (October/November) before its wet season. Australia's hottest month on record was January 2019, with national mean temperatures exceeding 30°C for the first time, highlighting the intense summer heat.
The First Fleet sailed from England on 13 May 1787 and arrived at Botany Bay eight months later, on 18 January 1788. Governor Arthur Phillip rejected Botany Bay choosing instead Port Jackson, to the north, as the site for the new colony; they arrived there on 26 January 1788.
The date of 26 January 1788 holds great significance for First Peoples of this country as it signifies the day when the country was invaded/colonised.
Top celebrity birthdays on January 26, 2025
Traditionally, we celebrate the first day of spring on March 21, but astronomers and calendar manufacturers alike now say that the spring season starts on March 20 in all time zones in North America.
While several places get extremely hot, Onslow in Western Australia shares the record for Australia's highest temperature ever recorded (50.7°C in 2022), and Marble Bar, also in WA, is famous as "Australia's Hottest Town" for its record-breaking 160 consecutive days over 37.7°C (100°F) in 1923-24. The Pilbara region, where these towns are located, consistently experiences Australia's most extreme heat.
Astronomical seasons are based on the Sun's position in the sky. According to the meteorological definition of seasons, which is based on temperature cycles and the Gregorian calendar, the first day of fall is usually considered to be September 1 in the Northern Hemisphere (March 1 in the Southern Hemisphere).
The best time to visit Australia generally falls between September and November (spring), or March and May (autumn). These seasons offer milder temperatures and less rainfall and less rainfall across the country, making it ideal for exploring various regions and enjoying outdoor activities.
Burkina Faso (84.7° F) The title of world's hottest country goes to Burkina Faso, a landlocked country characterized by a varied climate that transitions from a Sahelian semiarid region in the north to a more humid tropical savanna in the south.
Sunday is the day of the Lord's resurrection. And so, because Sunday is the day of the Lord's resurrection, we want to celebrate that day in particular.
On the third day, Jesus' resurrection is made all the more paramount. It is the climactic day of God's plan for new life and covenant faithfulness.
Most historians agree the seven-day week dates back to Babylonians who started using it about 4,000 years ago. The number 7 was sacred to the Babylonians. Emperor Constantine of the Roman Empire made the Day of the Sun (dies Solis, "Sunday") a legal holiday centuries later.
Supporters of 'Change The Date' argue that January 26 is an inappropriate day to celebrate because it marks the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. For them, the date doesn't reflect the diverse, multicultural Australia we have today.
26 January was chosen as the date for Republic Day as it was on that day in 1930 when the Declaration of Indian Independence was proclaimed by the Indian National Congress.
Australia remains the only former British colony to celebrate its national day on the anniversary that colonisation commenced.