Melbournians took part in the Australia Day parade on Thursday as Australians enjoyed a day off to mark the day. /CFP Photo

Australia Day is celebrated annually on January 26 to commemorate the arrival of the First Fleet of British Ships to Sydney in 1788. /CFP Photo

Australian rock legend Jimmy Barnes was appointed “Officer of the Order of Australia” and performed during a ceremony onboard a ship sitting in Sydney Harbor. /CFP Photo