Barbecues and fireworks for WA Aussie Day

Few could appreciate living in Australia more than Syrian refugee Bashar Kujah and his young family who relocated to Perth two months ago.

His wife Khawlah and their children Mohammad, 8, Maryam, 7, Ahmad, 3, and two-month-old Abdullah were excited to attend a traditional Aussie barbecue in the City of Bayswater on Tuesday, just one of the many local events celebrating Australia Day.

The family, from Homs in western Syria, arrived in Perth in November as the first of 12,000 Syrian refugees planned to be resettled in Australia as part of its additional intake commitment.

Mr Kujah said through an interpreter that his priority was to continue learning English, educate his children and work as a butcher.

"They're very happy and they feel that they've come to a great country and they feel among family and friends here," the interpreter told reporters.

Ms Kujah said she was thrilled her youngest child was born in Australia.

"She's very happy, very pleased that he was born here in Australia so he's now officially an Australian citizen," the interpreter said.

The entire family hopes to eventually become Australian citizens.

A total of 3069 people from 109 countries - mostly from the UK, South Africa, the Philippines, India and Ireland - became citizens at 80 ceremonies across the state.

Opposition Leader Mark McGowan attended Australia's biggest ceremony at the City of Wanneroo where more than 800 people were welcomed, while Premier Colin Barnett greeted new citizens at a ceremony in the City of Swan.

But Australia Day is often referred to as Invasion Day by many indigenous people, while others prefer to think of it as Survival Day and use January 26 as an opportunity to celebrate Aboriginal culture.

Hundreds of protesters marched peacefully in Perth in support of the indigenous community, chanting: "Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land."

Police reported no major incidents by late afternoon as West Australians enjoyed the sunshine and water.

The festivities will continue as Perth hosts the nation's biggest Australia Day fireworks display.

About 300,000 people are expected to attend Skyworks along the Swan River, which will begin at 8pm.

This year, the laser show will also offer 360-degree visibility to South Perth, Kings Park and beyond.