17 Australia Day Trivia Questions with Answers
17 public questions with answers, drawn from the well. How many can you answer?
Australia Day trivia explores the history, ceremonies, symbols and public traditions associated with 26 January. Questions range from the First Fleet and the evolution of the holiday’s official name to Australian of the Year recipients, state observances and major public celebrations.
This set also examines Indigenous perspectives, including Sydney’s WugulOra Morning Ceremony, and well-known events such as Perth’s annual Skyworks fireworks display. It suits Australia-themed game nights, Australian history lessons, pub quizzes and anyone testing their knowledge of national milestones, civic traditions and changing interpretations of the day.
What was the name of the first Australian of the Year, awarded in 1960?
Answer
Sir Macfarlane Burnet
Which state was the last to adopt Australia Day as a public holiday?
Answer
South Australia
How many ships made up the First Fleet?
Answer
11
What is the name of the Indigenous morning ceremony held in Sydney on Australia Day?
Answer
WugulOra Morning Ceremony
Which organization awards the Australian of the Year?
Answer
National Australia Day Council
What was Australia Day originally called before the name change?
Answer
Foundation Day
What is the name of Australia's national anthem?
Answer
Advance Australia Fair
What is the name of the naval vessel that led the First Fleet?
Answer
HMS Sirius
On what date is Australia Day observed?
Answer
26 January
Australia Day trivia — quick answers
What are good Australia Day trivia questions?
Good questions cover the First Fleet, the origins and changing name of the holiday, Indigenous ceremonies, Australian of the Year recipients, state public holidays and major celebrations such as Perth Skyworks.
How hard is Australia Day trivia?
It ranges from easy questions about the First Fleet and 26 January to harder questions about the year Australia Day became official nationwide, the last state to adopt it as a public holiday and Indigenous ceremonies.
How many ships made up the First Fleet?
The First Fleet consisted of 11 ships. It transported convicts, marines and supplies from Britain to establish the first European penal colony in New South Wales, arriving at Sydney Cove in January 1788.
What is the WugulOra Morning Ceremony?
The WugulOra Morning Ceremony is an Indigenous Australia Day observance held in Sydney. It honours First Nations culture and connection to Country, acknowledges the continuing history of Aboriginal peoples and provides a reflective alternative to purely celebratory events.
What is Perth’s Australia Day fireworks display called?
Perth’s major Australia Day fireworks celebration is known as Skyworks. Traditionally staged over the Swan River, it became one of the country’s best-known Australia Day public events, combining fireworks with large crowds and city-wide celebrations.