For more news visit ☛ http://english.ntdtv.com or<br />Follow us on Twitter ☛ http://twitter.com/NTDTelevision<br /><br />Australians celebrate their official national day today, January 26 - the anniversary of the First Fleet of convict ships from Great Britain, arriving in Australia, carrying the first European settlers.<br /><br />Sydneysiders heralded Australia Day Wednesday by celebrating the many unique aspects of their culture.<br /><br />The day started out with an indigenous Woggan-ma-gule, a "meeting of the waters" ceremony at the Royal Botanical Gardens.<br /><br />The area is an important ceremonial place for the Aboriginal Gadigal people who once lived there.<br /><br />The Australian military fired a 21 gun salute in honor of the day, as thousands celebrated on and near Sydney Harbor.<br /><br />Others celebrated the day at home with friends and family.<br /><br />"I think on Australia Day we should all mix together. We are a multicultural country, and that's the way we should be. We're all friends."<br /><br />Citizenship ceremonies were carried out across the country, with a total of 14,000 people becoming new Australians.<br /><br />"It's a really great feeling after becoming Aussie, Aussie, Aussie."<br /><br />The famous Bondi beach was the destination of choice for many people. Hundreds bobbed on the waters on inflatable rafts in the shape of thongs, or flip-flops, celebrating Australia's love for beach footwear. A record was set this year, with 2068 inflatable thongs floating at sea.
