Western Australia Day marks the founding of the Swan River Colony (now Perth) by British settlers in 1829. The holiday was originally called Foundation Day but was renamed in 2012 to recognize all Western Australians, including Aboriginal Australians, as part of the state's history.

Table of Contents

1. When is Western Australia Day?
2. The History of Western Australia Day?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. More about Western Australia?

When is Western Australia Day?

Western Australia Day is a public holiday celebrated annually on the first Monday in June in Western Australia.

The following is the list of Western Australia Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Western Australia Day? 

In May 1829, Captain Charles Fremantle claimed the western part of Australia as a British colony. On June 1, 1829, Admiral Sir James Stirling arrived with the first settlers aboard the Parmelia, establishing the Swan River Colony (modern-day Perth and Fremantle). This marked the beginning of European settlement in WA, separate from the penal colonies in New South Wales and Tasmania.

Foundation Day was first celebrated in 1832 to commemorate the British arrival and the beginning of colonial governance. Over time, it became an annual public holiday on the first Monday in June, marked by community events, parades, and official ceremonies.

However, it primarily focused on British settlement, overlooking the long history and contributions of Aboriginal Australians.

In 2012, the holiday was officially renamed Western Australia Day to recognize the contributions of all people in WA's history (including Indigenous Australians, migrants, and later settlers), and to promote unity rather than just colonial achievements.

The change was widely welcomed as a step toward reconciliation with Aboriginal communities.

Now, the holiday is a celebration of WA's diverse culture and achievements. Events focus on unity, multiculturalism, and Indigenous heritage, rather than only colonial settlement.

What Do People Do on This Day?

Perth and Fremantle host major free public events with live music, food stalls, fireworks, and cultural performances. Other regional areas such as Albany, Bunbury, and Geraldton hold parades, concerts, and local festivals.

Western Australia Day now emphasizes Indigenous heritage and Noongar culture. Events include traditional music, dance performances, storytelling, and art exhibitions showcasing Aboriginal contributions to WA's history.

A special AFL (Australian Rules Football) match between West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers is a highlight of the long weekend. The match, known as the WA Day Derby, attracts thousands of fans.

Many people take advantage of the long weekend for beach trips, camping, or barbecues in parks.

Schools and libraries run educational programs on early settlement and Indigenous history.

More about Western Australia?

Western Australia (WA) is the largest state in Australia, covering about 2.6 million square kilometers (1 million square miles), making up nearly one-third of the country.

The capital is Perth, which is one of the most isolated major cities in the world. Western Australia is the largest of Australia's states, covering almost the same landmass as Western Europe.

Aboriginal Australians have lived in WA for at least 50,000 years. The Noongar people are the traditional custodians of the southwest region, including Perth.

Dutch explorers first sighted WA in the 1600s, but British colonization began in 1829 with the Swan River Colony. Towns like Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie boomed due to gold discoveries in 1890s.
Western Australia joined the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901, despite initial reluctance.

Western Australia is a world leader in iron ore, gold, lithium, and natural gas exports.