Western Australia Day

Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Dec 22, 2023 By Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Originally Published on Mar 03, 2022
Fact-checked by Sonali Rawat
Western Australia Day celebrates the state and the people.

Where is Western Australia Day celebrated?

Western Australia Day is mainly celebrated in Western Australia, but is acknowledged in all Australian states.

Who is Western Australia Day celebrated by?

WA Day is widely celebrated by every Western Australian.

When did Western Australia Day first start?

People first began to celebrate Western Australia Day in 1832.

Who started Western Australia Day?

The administrator of Western Australia, Admiral Sir James Stirling was responsible for starting this day.

History And Timeline

Dutch explorers were the first to enter Western Australia in the 1600s. Apart from them, some French explorers also visited the country, but being unsure of the potential, they moved along to other areas.

Soon, the first British settlers established their outpost in 1826, and in 1827, Admiral Sir James Stirling commanded his officers that a permanent establishment would be made in the Swan River area, which came to be known as the Swan River Colony.

When in 1829, Stirling returned to the area with a merchant ship, he spotted a vast area of land and officially founded Perth. Stirling became the administrator of Western Australia and established 'Foundation Day' now known as Western Australia Day or WA day.

Western Australia Claimed

The Britain army led by Captain Fremantle claims Western Australia.

May 2, 1829

Foundation Day

WA day or Western Australia Day was earlier known as Foundation Day and celebrated on June 1 to remember the European settlers who founded the Swan River Colony in Western Australia.

June 1, 1829

Swan River Colony Became Official

The civilian settlers officially proclaimed the Swan River Colony on June 11.

June 11, 1829

Annual Celebration Established

The administrator of Western Australia, Admiral Sir James Stirling, established the celebration of Foundation Day on an annual basis.

1832

Western Australia Day

Foundation Day was changed to Western Australia Day so that all local inhabitants could feel inclusive.

2012

Traditions And Customs

There are no traditions on this day apart from the fact that it is a public holiday in Western Australia and people celebrate with family, friends, and loved ones.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate Western Australia Day

Western Australia celebrates WA Day as a national holiday. It is also the day they host events to honor people who have achieved great heights in different fields like arts and culture, business, sports, and community.

You can celebrate by being a part of the event. You can also visit museums that showcase and honor the people who founded Western Australia.

Another way of honoring this event is by visiting the SOTA music festival that features Australian music and is celebrated annually in Elizabeth Quay.

Facts And Stats

  • Western Australia Day also reminisces about facts like how Western Australia became a part of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901.
  • Western Australia does not celebrate the Queen's birthday in June because WA Day is also in June.
  • The hashtag of this day is not very famous on social media, however, it's celebrated widely in Western Australia.

What is the significance of Western Australia Day?

This day is celebrated in honor of the first settlers who helped build Western Australia and every native who has achieved something to make the country proud.

What is Western Australia Day celebrating?

This day celebrates the setting up of the Swan River Colony in Western Australia by British Captain Charles Fremantle.

How old is WA Day?

The first celebration of this day took place in 1832 making it almost 190 years old!

When did Western Australia Day start?

This day was first celebrated on the first Monday of June in 1832.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Monday, June 01, 2020
  • Monday, June 07, 2021
  • Monday, June 06, 2022
  • Monday, June 05, 2023
  • Monday, June 03, 2024

We Want Your Photos!
We Want Your Photos!

We Want Your Photos!

Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Email your photos

More for You

See All

Written by Rajnandini Roychoudhury

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

Rajnandini Roychoudhury picture

Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature. 

Read full bio >
Fact-checked by Sonali Rawat

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature, Masters of Art specializing in English and Communication Skills

Sonali Rawat picture

Sonali RawatBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature, Masters of Art specializing in English and Communication Skills

Sonali has a Bachelor's degree in English literature from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University and is currently pursuing a Master's in English and Communication from Christ University. With considerable experience in writing about lifestyle topics, including travel and health, she has a passion for Japanese culture, especially fashion, and anime, and has written on the subject before. Sonali has event managed a creative-writing festival and coordinated a student magazine at her university. Her favorite authors are Toni Morrison and Anita Desai.

Read full bio >