Thousands of Australians have been celebrating Australia Day, as 26 January marks the date that the “First Fleet” arrived in 1788.
The official public holiday sees the presentation of the Australian of the Year Awards as well as the Honours List for new year.
Midway through the Australian summer, fireworks, barbecues and street parties mark the public holiday, while the nation’s leaders give an official address.
On British shores, Happy Australia Day has been trending across social networks, with many offering their support for adoptive Aussies. One social networker tweeted
Another celebrated classic Australian soap Home and Away, with a revival of some Aussie 'lingo' from character Alf Stewart.
While Australia day is a light-hearted holiday for many, the date has been controversial for native Australians and indigenous rights campaigners, who have branded it “Invasion Day.” Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard was caught up in Australia Day protests in Canberra yesterday, after Opposition leader Tony Abbott questioned the continued presence of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy during their 40th anniversary meeting.
However on Bondi beach in Sydney the mood was much more upbeat, as Australians splashed in the sea, wearing giant sunglasses. Some took to the spray surfing on giant inflatable flip flops, while others showed off Australia Day tattoos.