ANZAC Day (25 April) and Australia Day (26 January) are the two most significant national commemorations you need to know for the Australian Citizenship Test. ANZAC Day honours those who served and died in all wars. Australia Day marks the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet. Both reflect core Australian values tested in "Our Common Bond."
For the Australian Citizenship Test, you need to know that ANZAC Day is commemorated on 25 April each year to honour Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. It is one of Australia's most sacred national days and is directly referenced in the official test resource Our Common Bond.
Understanding national commemorations is more than memorising dates — it is about grasping what these days mean for Australian identity and values. The test will assess your knowledge of both the historical facts and the values these days represent.
ANZAC Day: Australia's Most Sacred National Commemoration
ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The day commemorates the 25 April 1915 landing of ANZAC troops at Gallipoli, Turkey, during World War I. Although the Gallipoli campaign was not a military success, the courage and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand soldiers became a defining moment in both nations' identities.
What Happens on ANZAC Day?
- Dawn services — held at sunrise across Australia and at Gallipoli, Turkey, attended by thousands
- Marches — veterans, current service members, and their families march through city centres
- Two-up — a traditional Australian gambling game legally played on ANZAC Day
- Wreaths and moments of silence — at war memorials throughout the country
- The Last Post — a bugle call played as a final farewell to fallen soldiers
The phrase "Lest we forget" is the ANZAC motto, used at commemorations to ensure the sacrifice of service men and women is never forgotten. This phrase appears in the official test resource and is highly likely to appear in test questions.
The ANZAC Spirit
According to the Department of Home Affairs, the ANZAC spirit represents the qualities Australians admire most: courage, mateship, respect, and sacrifice. These qualities are directly connected to the Australian values section of the citizenship test. Understanding the ANZAC spirit helps you answer values-related questions correctly — and remember, all 5 values questions must be answered correctly to pass.
Australia Day: Celebrating the Nation
Australia Day is celebrated on 26 January each year. This date marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at Port Jackson in New South Wales, and the raising of the British flag by Governor Arthur Phillip.
What Happens on Australia Day?
- Australian of the Year Awards — announced on Australia Day Eve and presented on the day
- Citizenship ceremonies — new citizens take the Australian Citizenship Pledge on this day
- Community events — concerts, fireworks, community gatherings across the country
- Reflection and debate — discussions about Australia's history, including its impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Australia Day is also known as "Invasion Day" or "Survival Day" by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians who mark this date as the beginning of European colonisation and its devastating impacts on Indigenous communities. The citizenship test may test your awareness of this perspective as part of understanding Australia's shared history.
Test Your Knowledge of Australian Commemorations
Practice citizenship test questions on ANZAC Day, Australia Day and national identity — free, no sign-up needed.
Start Free Practice TestOther Important National Days to Know
The Australian Citizenship Test may also reference these commemorations:
Remembrance Day — 11 November
Held at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, Remembrance Day marks the armistice that ended World War I in 1918. A one-minute silence is observed across the country. It is distinct from ANZAC Day — Remembrance Day specifically marks the end of WWI, while ANZAC Day commemorates all who served in all conflicts.
Reconciliation Week — Late May
National Reconciliation Week is held from 27 May to 3 June each year. The dates mark two significant milestones in the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians: the 1967 Referendum (27 May) and the Mabo decision (3 June 1992). Our Common Bond describes the importance of reconciliation as part of building a shared future.
NAIDOC Week — July
NAIDOC Week (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is held in the first week of July and is an important part of Australia's cultural calendar.
National Sorry Day — 26 May
Held on 26 May each year, National Sorry Day commemorates the mistreatment of Australia's Indigenous peoples, particularly members of the Stolen Generations — Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children forcibly removed from their families.
National Symbols You Need to Know
National commemorations are closely linked to national symbols. For the Australian Citizenship Test, know these key symbols:
| Symbol | Details |
|---|---|
| Australian Flag | Union Jack, Commonwealth Star (7 points), Southern Cross |
| National Anthem | "Advance Australia Fair" (changed from "God Save the Queen" in 1984) |
| National Floral Emblem | Golden Wattle |
| National Gemstone | Opal |
| Australian Coat of Arms | Kangaroo and emu (chosen because neither can walk backwards) |
How Commemorations Connect to Australian Values
The Australian Citizenship Test is not just about facts — it tests your understanding of Australian values. National commemorations reflect these values directly:
- Respect — shown through observing silence, attending services, and honouring veterans
- Mateship — the bond between Australians serving together, reflected in ANZAC traditions
- Equality — all citizens, regardless of background, participate in national commemorations
- Commitment to democracy and rule of law — commemorations protect the freedoms Australians fought for
According to the Department of Home Affairs, understanding Australia's history and shared values is central to citizenship. When you read Our Common Bond, pay close attention to sections on national identity and the significance of commemorations.
For deeper study on Australian values and how they connect to the citizenship test, visit our Study Guide or test yourself with our free practice questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ANZAC Day a public holiday in Australia?
Yes, ANZAC Day (25 April) is a national public holiday in all states and territories of Australia. Dawn services, marches, and commemorative events take place across the country. Most shops and businesses close or operate on reduced hours.
What is the difference between ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day?
ANZAC Day (25 April) honours all Australians and New Zealanders who have served in all wars and conflicts, not just WWI. Remembrance Day (11 November) specifically marks the armistice that ended World War I in 1918. Both are important but serve different commemorative purposes.
Do I need to know the date of Australia Day for the citizenship test?
Yes. According to the Department of Home Affairs, Australia Day (26 January) is a key date referenced in Our Common Bond. You should know the date, what it commemorates, and that citizenship ceremonies are held on this day across Australia.
What does "Lest we forget" mean?
"Lest we forget" is the ANZAC motto used at commemorations to ensure the sacrifice of service men and women is never forgotten. It originated from a poem by Rudyard Kipling and has become central to Australian remembrance culture. It appears in Our Common Bond and is likely to appear in citizenship test questions.
Will the citizenship test ask me about Reconciliation Week?
The Australian Citizenship Test may reference Australia's Indigenous history and reconciliation. While specific dates for Reconciliation Week are less commonly tested, understanding the 1967 Referendum and the Mabo decision — both of which Reconciliation Week commemorates — is important. Our Study Guide covers both in detail.