Australia Day: Celebrating Our Nation
- kindywithmissj
- Jan 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 12
Australia Day, celebrated on January 26th each year, marks the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet at Port Jackson in 1788. It’s a day when Australians reflect on their history, culture, and identity. For many, it’s a time to celebrate the achievements and diversity of our nation, while for others, it can also be a day to acknowledge the history and impact of colonization on Indigenous Australians. It’s important to approach the day with respect and awareness, fostering a dialogue about the country’s shared history.
Group Time Discussion Ideas for Australia Day
Here are some discussion topics that you can introduce during Group Time to engage children in meaningful conversations about Australia Day:
What makes Australia unique?
• Discuss the symbols and features of Australia, such as the Australian flag, the Southern Cross, kangaroos, koalas, and the Great Barrier Reef.
What are some traditions we celebrate on Australia Day?
• Talk about family traditions, community events, barbeques, and fireworks.
Who are the First Australians?
• Introduce children to the concept of Australia’s First Nations and how they’ve lived on this land for thousands of years.
What do we love about Australia?
• Encourage children to share what they enjoy about their country, such as the beaches, parks, animals, and different cultures.
Fun Facts About Australia
Australia is home to some very unique animals.
• Kangaroos, koalas, and wombats are all from Australia!
Australia has the world’s largest coral reef.
• The Great Barrier Reef is so big, it can be seen from space!
Australia is a country and a continent!
• It’s the only country in the world that is also a continent.
Australia has lots of beaches!
• There are over 10,000 beaches in Australia. That’s a lot of sand and water!
Koalas sleep a lot.
• Koalas can sleep for up to 18 hours a day. They love to nap in trees!
Australia has a lot of sunshine.
• Australia is known for having lots of sunny days.
The kangaroo is Australia's national animal.
• Kangaroos are so famous, they represent Australia all over the world.
Australia has the longest fence in the world.
• The Dingo Fence is longer than the Great Wall of China!
There are 2 types of penguins in Australia.
• Little penguins live on the beaches of Australia!
Australia’s national flower is the golden wattle.
• It has bright yellow flowers and is a symbol of Australia.
Book Recommendations for Australia Day
"Possum Magic" by Mem Fox
• This beloved classic tells the story of two possums, Hush and Grandma Poss, who embark on an adventure to make Hush visible again after a magical spell. It’s a charming way to introduce Australian animals and the magic of Australia’s landscape.
"The Koala Who Could" by Rachel Bright
• A beautifully illustrated story about a koala who learns to embrace change and adventure. This book explores themes of courage and growth, and is perfect for young children.
"Wombat Stew" by Marcia Vaughan
• In this fun and rhythmic tale, a dingo catches a wombat and decides to make wombat stew. Various animals try to stop him by adding their own ingredients to the stew, leading to a humorous and engaging story.
"Blue Back" by Tim Winton
• A heartwarming story about a boy and his love for the ocean, exploring themes of conservation and the environment. While the book is suitable for older children, it’s a great resource to start conversations about protecting Australia’s natural beauty.
"My Country" by Dorothea Mackellar
• This timeless poem about Australia’s vast and diverse landscape has been beautifully illustrated and is an excellent way to teach young children about Australia’s natural wonders.
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