Festivals Festivals Calendar Of Festivals Buddhist Christian Hindu Islam Jewish Sikh Passing Through Life Change And Renewal Family Festivals World Festivals Fun Festivals Seasonal Festivals Celebrating The Arts National Days One Special Day Other Beliefs Remembering The Past World Gatherings	Australia Day British prisoners were not very happy when they arrived in Australia on January 26, 1788 - they had to build a new colony! But this date marked the start of the modern nation and is now honoured as Australia Day. This public holiday falls during the hot Australian summer. An Australian surfer   Previous: Back Book: Festivals Section: Festivals Chapter: National Days