Australians are celebrating and protesting across the country as Australia Day draws attention to political differences over Indigenous rights months out from a federal election.

As 15,000 New Citizens are sworn in on Australia Day, millions of residents are firing up the barbecues and catching rays on the beach to celebrate the national holiday.

Australia Day is being celebrated all over the country this Sunday. In Sydney, traditional ceremonies took place at dawn in various locations including Bondi beach and Barangaroo. The Sydney Opera House was also lit up with traditional paintings.

Early risers in Sydney enjoyed an Australia Day dawn reflection service at the Sydney Opera House as the sun rose today. As the skies were painted streaks of purple and pink during a magnificant sunrise, the Opera House sails also lit up in an incredible display of Indigenous art.

Tens of thousands of Australians protested over the treatment of Indigenous people on Sunday as the country celebrated a national holiday marking the 1788 arrival of British colonisers. The January 26 national day commemorates the arrival of a British fleet in Sydney Harbour to establish a penal colony.

More than 450 Australians have been celebrated for their contribution to the country in this year’s Australia Day honours list, which marks the 50th anniversary of the system.

Earlier reports suggested that more than 30,000 anti-Australia Day and pro-Palestine protesters could take to the streets in Melbourne’s CBD. Protests are set to begin from 9am in Brisbane’s Queen’s Garden,