Top Australia Day resources
Celebrate Australia's diverse society and landscape with these hand-picked lesson plans and activity ideas
Observed on 26 January every year, Australia Day officially marks the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet of convict ships from Britain in 1788 and the raising of the Union Jack at Sydney Cove by Governor Arthur Phillip. These days, it's an opportunity to celebrate the country's diverse history, as well as welcoming new citizens into the community, with events taking place in every town and city.
Why not get involved in the festivities by exploring all things Australian in your classroom? We've picked out a few of our favourite resources to help you to do just that:
Primary resources
Kick-start your Australia Day topic by displaying and talking through this pictorial timeline, featuring key historical dates. Move on to discover more about the country itself with this fully resourced lesson, including a presentation investigating slang words, key facts and a design-your-own-flag task.
Alternatively, get pupils practising basic literacy skills with this cross-curricular workbook, packed full of fun activities all about Australia.
Secondary resources
Explore the lives of early Australian settlers, including images of housing, clothing and food, with this fascinating presentation and learn more about the Australian aboriginals through their symbols and art in this short unit.
Help students to understand the significance of Australia Day for those who have emigrated to the country in more recent times with this thought-provoking lesson.
Ideas for all ages
Ideal for a wide range of ages and abilities, this research-based lesson is a great way to explore the history and meaning of Australia Day.
Or, brighten up your classroom and display your pupils’ learning with these Australian-themed resources, including a banner, border strips and templates for blank and lined paper.
Quick links
| Primary resources | Secondary resources | Ideas for all ages |
| Australian history timeline | Early settlers lesson | Australia Day research project |
| Discovering Australia lesson | Aboriginal art unit | Decorative Australia banner |
| Themed literacy workbook | New citizens lesson | Display board border strips |
| Themed writing paper |
Have you made an Australia Day resource to share? Drop us an email to let us know. Don't forget to include a link to the resource!
This post was originally published on 15 January 2016, and was refreshed on 20 January 2017.
