When is Australia Day 2022 and how is ‘Straya Day’ celebrated?

AUSTRALIA DAY has arrived, with Aussies everywhere celebrating their national holiday.

Every year on January 26, Australia marks the day of Captain Arthur Philip arriving in the country with a fleet of British ships - here's how they celebrate.

When is Australia Day?

This year, Australia Day, also referred to as Straya Day, is being celebrated on Wednesday, January 26 2022.

It is a public holiday, and is about national pride and achievements.

The holiday is marked by the presentation of the on Australia Day Eve (January 25), the Australia Day Honours list, and speeches from the Governor-General and Prime Minister.

In 2022 for the first time, a person with disability was named the 2022 Australian of the Year - Paralympian tennis champion Dylan Alcott.

In the capital of Australia, Canberra, the day is marked by a coronavirus restrictions-compliant food, music and firework displays, National Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony.

What is Australia Day commemorating?

Australia Day is the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet of 11 convict ships, sent from Britain.

On this day, in 1788, commander Captain Arthur Phillip famously raised the Union Jack in Sydney Cove - to signal their arrival.

The celebration has evolved and today people tend to celebrate the diverse society of Australia, its national history and community parties.