About Australia Day

This Britannica Kids page gives an overview of Australia Day, the ways in which it is celebrated, and explains why some Australians protest the date selected for celebrations.

Australian of the Year

The Australian of the Year awards are announced by the Prime Minister the day before Australia Day each year. The awards celebrate the achievements of people who inspire us. You can read about the nominees and award winners here. 

The First Australians

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have lived in Australia for over 60 000 years. Learn about Indigenous culture at the Behind the News website through a variety of short videos.

Citizenship

Every Australia Day people who have settled here from all over the world take the pledge to become new Australian citizens. Read what it means to be an Australian citizen. Can you pass the test to become an Australian citizen? Take the quiz at the National Museum to find out.

National Anthem

Visit this Australian Government site to listen to the Australian Nation Anthem, Advance Australia Fair. You can watch videos of beautiful landscapes as you listen. The third video features First Nations people playing Indigenous instruments and a traditional welcome smoking ceremony.