- Categories:
- Federal
- Tags:
- CivicCulturalHistorical
- Where:
- Australia
- Date change rule:
- Second Monday of March
- Holiday emoji:
- 🇦🇺
Canberra Day celebrates Australia’s capital city every second Monday of March. Explore the rich history, cultural significance, and vibrant community spirit that defines this unique observance. Join in the festivities, support local businesses, and discover the charm of Canberra.
Want to sponsor Canberra Day? Learn how
Expected Canberra Day Deals
Canberra Day, as a public holiday, often sees local businesses, cultural institutions, and tourism operators offering special promotions and community events. While we await official 2027 programs, past celebrations have featured free entry to attractions like the National Museum of Australia and the National Gallery of Australia. Local restaurants and cafes, such as those in the Canberra Centre or Braddon precinct, typically offer themed menus or discounts. The ACT Government often sponsors family-friendly activities across the city. Look for special deals from local wineries and producers like Pialligo Estate, and community markets. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as March approaches.
Platform Guide for Canberra Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #CanberraDay. Share photos of Canberra’s landmarks, local events, or your favorite spots in the capital.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #CanberraDay. Engage in discussions about Canberra’s history, urban planning, or favorite local experiences.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #CanberraDay. Share community event listings, local business spotlights, and family activities happening in Canberra.
Canberra Day Hero
Walter Burley Griffin
History of Canberra Day
Canberra is the largest inland city of Australia and the seat of the government. Many distant features like planned townships, an open skyline, mountain cover, and year-round pleasant weather make it stand apart from the rest of the country.
The plains and valleys of Canberra have been home to Indigenous people for over 21,000 years. Canberra’s etymology traces to the word ‘Kamberri’, used by the inhabitants before the Europeans discovered the mainland.
In the initial decades of colonization, little emphasis was laid on the landlocked area of the territory. The Europeans continued to establish their strongholds throughout the 19th century, driving the majority of indigenous people out of the city. The city garnered national prominence after the efforts of notable settlers such as the Murray and Gibbes families.
Canberra’s designation as the capital of Australia was finalized after much contention, as the cities of Sydney and Melbourne appeared to be more developed and poised to host the seat of the government. But, it was the constitutional commandment of section 125, stating that the capital must be in the state of New South Wales that settled the issue. Eagerly, parliament passed the Seat of Government Act in 1908, changing the course of Canberra’s history.
On March 12, 1913, Lady Gertrude Mary Denman, wife of then Governor-General Lord Denman, announced the official name of the city with the proclamation, “I name the capital of Australia, Canberra.” Ever since then, the third Monday of March is observed in the celebration of the great city of Canberra. The day was moved from the third Monday of March to the second in 2007 to have it fall closer to its original date, March 12.
Canberra Day timeline
European Explorers Charles Throsby Smith, Joseph Wild, and James Vaughan discover the central territory of Australia.
Lieutenant Joshua John Moore builds a hut on the discovered area, which is later named Canberry Cottage.
Scottish rector Pierce Galliard Smith describes the land across the Molonglo River Canberra for the first time.
Lady Denman, the wife of the Governor-General of Australia, officially names the Australian Capital Territory as Canberra on March 12.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Canberra Day
Local businesses in Canberra can honor Canberra Day by hosting special events, offering discounts to residents, or decorating their premises with Australian-themed decor. Restaurants and cafes could feature menus highlighting local produce from the region. Retailers might run promotions on Canberra-themed merchandise or collaborate with local artists. Participating in community festivals or sponsoring family-friendly activities also provides a great way to engage with the city’s spirit.
Canberra Day FAQs
When is Canberra Day?
In 2027, Canberra Day falls on Monday, March 8, marking another opportunity for the community to come together and appreciate Canberra’s history and culture.
Why is Canberra Day celebrated?
The holiday serves as a reminder of the foresight and planning that went into creating Australia’s capital. It’s a day for residents to reflect on Canberra’s unique identity and its contributions to the nation.
How many people live in Canberra?
The population of Canberra continues to grow steadily, attracting residents with its high quality of life, employment opportunities, and access to nature. The city is a hub for government, education, and research.
Is Canberra Day a public holiday?
As a gazetted public holiday, Canberra Day provides an opportunity for residents to enjoy a long weekend in March. Many choose to attend civic events, cultural activities, or simply relax with family and friends.
Canberra Day Activities
Explore the city of Canberra
Start your day with the National Gallery of Australia, spend your afternoon rowing in the waters of Lake Burley Griffin, move to the somber clutch of Australia’s War Memorial, and finish your day in some of the finest dining spots of the country.
Plan a brunch
Is there anything greater than brunch in March? Yes — a brunch on Canberra Day, a designated public holiday. Take your friends and family out for brunch, as the menu calls for bottomless mimosas, smoked salmon, the perfect egg salad, and an extra-large slice of carrot cake.
Enjoy the Canberra Balloon Spectacular
The Canberra Balloon Spectacular is an annual hot air balloon festival held in March. More than 50 hot air balloons are launched in the sky over two weeks. The celebration perfectly coincides with Canberra Day, as it lifts the city with joy, and attracts thousands of spectators from all over the country.
5 Important Facts About Canberra
Diversity’s the charm
Of Canberra’s residing population, 32% are born overseas, making it one of the most diverse cities in Australia.
The distillery capital
Canberra is home to some of the best distilleries, breweries, and wineries in Australia.
Bikes over cars
The number of bikes outnumbers cars in the streets of Canberra, clearing pathways, and sparing filthy carbon emissions.
The political imprint
Most of Canberra’s suburbs are named after ex-Prime Ministers — paying the ultimate homage to the city’s political leanings.
Fight the reputation
Despite being considered a “boring city filled with lobbyists and politicians,” Canberra is one of the top-rated tourist attractions in Australia.
Why We Love Canberra Day
It celebrates its unique history
Canberra’s history goes back 21,000 years. From the Aboriginal inhabitation to the European discovery in the year 1820, the rocky plains have bore witness to tremendous cultural, geographical, and ecological transformation. On Canberra Day, we celebrate the historical landscape that serves as Australia’s capital.
It cherishes diversity
Canberra is considered the talent pool of Australia, attracting sharp minds and creative souls from all around the country and the world to participate in the trade, politics, arts, and culture of the capital city. Thousands of people from all backgrounds, ethnicities, and social upbringings buy a one-way ticket to Canberra each year.
It honors the worthy
Canberra Citizen of the Year is an annual award honoring an individual for their work in the field of Indigenous affairs, refugee settlement, charity, community organization, and advocacy. The award is bestowed by the Chief Minister during the celebration of Canberra Day.
Social Media Tips for Canberra Day
Individuals
Creators
Brands