Australia Day Public Holiday

Posted by Philippa Rowlands Jan 26, 2007

Australia day, January 26th is a national public holiday that celebrates the begining of Australia as a nation.

Most shops are shut for the day except for large chain supermarkets and some small shops like bakeries.

Don't get caught out as the holiday often extends through the nearest weekend and there is often a mass exodus from the cities.

Bus, train and tram timetables can be unpredictable (most running on a reduced sunday timetable) and some tourist venues will be closed. It is best to call ahead to check for changes.

In Sydney and Melbourne and in the other major cities large concerts and firework displays are an annual feature of the holiday and in the outer suburbs there are often smaller well organised concerts.

Most Australians celebrate Australia day in a relaxed way. Australians care deeply for their country, but are generally not overtly patriotic. More Australian flags do appear on this holiday, but it is not celebrated with a great deal of fervour or passion.For most Australians Australia Day is a summer day off and many people head for the beach or have a BBQ with friends.