Happy Australia Day Activities For School 2025
Australia Day is a wonderful opportunity for schools to foster patriotism, appreciation of heritage, and cultural inclusivity. By organizing meaningful and enjoyable activities, educators can ensure students learn about Australia’s past, present, and future while building awareness of its cultural diversity.
This blog outlines a range of activities designed to suit various age groups and preferences. From creative art projects to storytelling sessions, you’ll find ideas that will inspire and educate.
Why Australia Day Matters in the Classroom
Australia Day, commemorated on January 26, honors the arrival of the First Fleet at Port Jackson in 1788. However, in recent years, it has evolved into a day of reflection, celebrating the resilience of First Nations people and acknowledging the country’s multicultural identity.
For schools, teaching about Australia Day offers a chance to present a balanced view of history while fostering values of respect, unity, and understanding. It’s important to ensure that activities promote inclusiveness and consider varying perspectives, particularly of First Nations communities.
Activities for Younger Students (Ages 5–10)
Engaging younger students in Australia Day activities is all about making learning fun and interactive. Incorporate hands-on projects and vibrant storytelling to spark their curiosity.
Aboriginal Dot Painting
Introduce kids to the art of Aboriginal dot painting, an ancient tradition filled with symbolism. Provide the students with templates of animals or landscapes and encourage them to dot-paint their designs using earthy tones like red, yellow, and black.
What they’ll learn:
- The significance of storytelling in Aboriginal culture
- The importance of traditional art forms as expressions of identity
Australian Animal Masks
Have students create masks of iconic Australian animals like koalas, kangaroos, or platypuses. Using craft materials such as paper plates, paint, and markers, they’ll learn about the country’s incredible wildlife while unleashing their creativity.
What they’ll learn:
- Fun facts about native Australian animals
- How to share visual representations of what they learn
Story Time with Dreaming Stories
Share Dreamtime stories that explain the origins of the land, animals, and people. Follow up the storytelling with a simple discussion about the lessons each story conveys.
Recommended stories:
- “How the Kangaroo Got Its Tail”
- “Why the Koala Has No Tail”
Activities for Older Students (Ages 11–15)
Older students benefit from more structured, discussion-heavy activities that explore history, culture, and societal issues deeper.
Debate on Australia Day
Encourage critical thinking by dividing the class into teams and debating the significance of Australia Day. Ask questions like, “Should the date of Australia Day remain unchanged?”
Takeaways:
- Respect and empathy for differing viewpoints
- Skills in research, argument building, and public speaking
Create a “Timeline of Australia”
Assign students to research key events in Australian history, which can then be organized chronologically in an informative mural or poster display. Collaborate as a class to ensure diverse perspectives are included.
Write Letters to Local Indigenous Elders
Students can write respectful letters to Indigenous elders expressing gratitude while asking questions about their culture. This heartfelt activity bridges gaps in understanding and helps students connect with First Nations communities.
What they’ll gain:
- Deeper emotional engagement with Indigenous culture and traditions
- Writing skills and an understanding of formal communication
Activities for All Ages
These activities can be enjoyed school-wide and bring the entire school community together.
Host a Traditional Australian BBQ
A school BBQ is a perfect way to bring everyone together. Serve classic Australian dishes like sausages, veggie patties, damper, and lamingtons. Encourage students to assist in planning and prepping the event.
Pro Tip: Offer a collaborative wall where students can stick Post-it notes sharing what they love about Australia.
Acknowledgment of Country Ceremony
Open the day with an Acknowledgment of Country to pay respects to the Traditional Custodians of the land. You could also invite a local Indigenous elder to conduct a Welcome to Country ceremony.
Plan an Australia Day Quiz
Test your students’ knowledge with an entertaining quiz. Include questions about Australian history, geography, slang, and famous landmarks. Offer prizes like pencils, notebooks, or small Australian flags to make it even more engaging.
Plant a Bush Tucker Garden
Engage students in a long-term activity by planting a garden filled with native Australian plants. Teach them about bush tucker, and how these plants were traditionally used by Indigenous Australians for food and medicine.
