<P> The meaning and significance of Australia Day has evolved over time . Unofficially , or historically , the date has also been variously named `` Anniversary Day '' , `` Foundation Day '' , and `` ANA Day '' . 26 January 1788 marked the proclamation of British sovereignty over the eastern seaboard of Australia ( then known as New Holland ) . Although 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 . A national day of unity and celebration was looked for . It was not until 1935 that all Australian states and territories adopted use of the term `` Australia Day '' to mark the date , and not until 1994 that the date was consistently marked by a public holiday on that day by all states and territories . </P>
<P> The meaning and significance of Australia Day has evolved over time . Unofficially , or historically , the date has also been variously named `` Anniversary Day '' , `` Foundation Day '' , and `` ANA Day '' . 26 January 1788 marked the proclamation of British sovereignty over the eastern seaboard of Australia ( then known as New Holland ) . Although 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 . A national day of unity and celebration was looked for . It was not until 1935 that all Australian states and territories adopted use of the term `` Australia Day '' to mark the date , and not until 1994 that the date was consistently marked by a public holiday on that day by all states and territories . </P>
when was australia day first celebrated on 26 january
when was australia day first celebrated on 26 january
1935
1935