Australia Day is the official national day of Australia. Celebrated annually on 26 January, the day 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 the landscape of the nation and are marked by community and family events, reflections on Australian history, official community awards and citizenship ceremonies welcoming new members of the Australian community.

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. On New Year's Day 1901, the British colonies of Australia formed a federation, marking the birth of modern Australia.

Australian day is considered as national pride and glory for all of the Australian  People. On this day they are flying the Australian flag from businesses, homes, cars.  Australian’s show this emotion on the Social Media, by telling and wishing all the loved ones and friends they know.

Why Australia day is important

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. 

Importance of Australia in the present year 2020

This day is important in 2020, as like all the other years Australians celebrate by giving several awards to its people to show how they are important to society.  The awards given on this day are

1. Australian of the Year 2020: 2020 Australian of the Year is eye surgeon Dr James Muecke, of Adelaide, for his work helping to prevent blindness. Dr Muecke began his medical career in Kenya but has most recently turned his focus to type 2 diabetes - the leading cause of blindness in adults.

#BREAKING: Doctor James Muecke has been announced as the 2020 Australian of the Year. The Adelaide eye surgeon is working to prevent blindness with his focus now on the leading cause - type 2 diabetes. Congratulations!https://t.co/6wejyOpLZJ

— news.com.au (@newscomauHQ) January 25, 2020

1. Senior Australian of the Year 2020: Professor John Newnham has been named the Senior Australian of the Year for 2020. The 67-year-old obstetrics specialist is recognized as one of the world's leading authorities in the prevention of preterm birth, the single biggest cause of death and disability in children under five.

Professor John Newnham, WA Senior Australian of the Year, is an obstetrician whose work preventing premature births has had an extraordinary impact. #abc730 pic.twitter.com/afA0ArcQsi

— abc730 (@abc730) January 15, 2020

1. Young Australian of the Year 2020: Ash Barty has netted a national prize as she battles to become Australia's first Open singles champion on home soil since 1978. The 23-year-old tennis sensation from Ipswich in Queensland has been named 2020 Young Australian of the Year.

Congratulations Ash Barty Young Australian of the Year 2020.🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺 #AshBarty pic.twitter.com/1YSYbbHN3R

— Carol Ann (@12c214) January 25, 2020

1. Australia’s Local Hero 2020: Ex-Gunnedah youth officer Bernie Shakeshaft has taken out the title of Australia's Local Hero.

Congratulations to our 2020 Local Hero, Bernie Shakeshaft. #ausoftheyear pic.twitter.com/QatbuQITrM

— AusoftheYearAwards (@ausoftheyear) January 25, 2020

Australia uniting the country by celebrating all together

Apart from this, we celebrate the day to build nationalism and cultural unity among all its people and inhabitants who live in Australia. 

Sydney

1. Sydney Harbour Bridge's flag-raising
   Australia Day in Sydney starts at the Harbour with the 7:30 am raising of the Aboriginal and Australian flags on Sydney Harbour Bridge. This dramatic event begins with the lighting of an honorary fire at the Sydney Opera House, which is carried to the Tribal Warrior, an Aboriginal vessel. Bark canoes are then dispatched to meet the Tribal Warrior beneath Harbour Bridge. Fire from each of the tribes rises like incense as the Aboriginal and Australian flags are raised, paying tribute to the nation’s history.
2. Sydney Ferrython
   This unique race begins at 11 am when decorated commuter ferries depart Circular Quay for Shark Island and back to Sydney Harbour Bridge. Although the ferries don’t have passengers, the feat is viewed from vantage points along the racing route. Premium perches are found around Circular Quay, Sydney Opera House, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Spectators can also cross Harbour Bridge for a view from Milsons Point.
3. Salute to Australia
   A spectacular 21-Gun Salute to Australia takes place at 12 pm at Bradfield Park, under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Military officers are honoured by the salute from the Royal Australian Navy Flagship. Sydney-siders join together to sing the national anthem, led by synchronized choirs. Completing the grand ceremony is a breathtaking aerial display by the Royal Australian Air Force.
4. Australia Day Harbour Parade
   Starting at 12:45 pm, vessels in colourful flair and flags loop around Sydney Harbour and finish at Athol Bay. At 2 pm, $2,000 in cash prizes are awarded for the Best Dressed Vessels.
5. Tall Ships Race
   The spellbinding parade of Sydney’s tall ships starts at 1 pm. Beginning at Bradley’s Head, historic and charter vessels race their way down the harbour and back to Sydney Harbour Bridge. Regal white sails kiss the sky while surfing sapphire waters.
6. Australia Day Regatta
   The Australia Day Regatta begins at 1:15 pm, featuring a line-up of traditional and classic yachts, some of which are 100 years old. The second fleet of racing yachts zooms to Botany Bay and back, competing for the City of Sydney Trophy. Prime viewing spots are from Milsons Point and Lavender Bay.

Melbourne

1. Australia Day Parade
   A thrilling annual tradition is the Australia Day Parade. It is preceded by a rousing flag-raising ceremony at 10:30 am, at Melbourne Town Hall. The Governor of Victoria gives an Australia Day Address, accompanied by the Royal Guard of Honour. Then the Premier of Victoria leads the public in the Australia Day Affirmation. At 11 am, the colourful parade begins on Swanston Street. It then crosses Princess Bridge and proceeds into Kings Domain. Admiring crowds line the streets, cheering on participants and waving flags and banners.
2. Melbourne RACV Picnic and Federation Vehicle Display
   Kings Domain Gardens in Melbourne is the site of a classic car show on Australia Day. Over 450 vintage, veteran, and classic vehicles are on display in the gardens, beginning at 10 am. There is entertainment throughout the day, including special guest appearances. Delicious food is available, along with free activities, and giveaways. At 3:30 pm, the cars leave the gardens, and process through the streets. The event is sponsored by local community groups, including Greening Australia, Royal District Nursing Service, Alzheimer’s Australia, and the National Stroke Foundation.
3. Australia Day at Docklands
   A day-long celebration takes place at Docklands in the NewQuay Piazza. Beginning at 12 pm, there are special performances, live music, and free activities. Participants can shop and feast to their hearts’ content. Concluding the fun is a fabulous fireworks display.
4. Festival of Sails
   The largest annual yachting regatta in the Southern Hemisphere, this is Geelong’s Australia Day Festival. More than 400 sailing yachts participate and more than 100,000 spectators enjoy this thrilling display on the water.

Brisbane

At The Parklands at South Bank in Brisbane, fireworks cap off a day of music, interactive art, and swimming.

Perth

Perth’s Langley Park is the site of the state’s largest annual fireworks celebration. Smiling down on the Swan River, the park is also host to pony and camel rides, a petting zoo, and a laser water show.