AS her nation revels, Australia Day baby Candace Smith, who has been celebrating her birthday on the national holiday for 21 years, comes of age.

Sunny like the land of her origin, the Werribee resident makes a great ambassador for Australia Day.

In 1989, the Banner reported on Ms Smith's arrival at the Mercy Hospital on January 26 at 12.03am to parents Kathryn and Wayne. She was the first person in Victoria to be born on Australia Day that year.

This year her birthday also coincided with the Big Day Out music festival.

Ms Smith says she usually celebrates her birthday with a backyard barbecue with family and friends.

It doesn't hurt that the entire nation is celebrating with her.

"I was stoked when I found out Big Day Out was on my birthday this year. It was like a big party with all my best mates there, but without all the organising."

She said she felt lucky to share her birthday with her country.

"People are always in a good mood on my birthday because it's a public holiday and everyone's out enjoying the sun, spending time with family and friends, and feeling proud to be Australian.

"Not many people have the privilege of having their birthday on a national holiday. I'll never have to work on my birthday.

"If it were on Boxing Day or Christmas, it would be a bit of a hassle, but January 26 is a relaxed, happy day and friends are always up for getting out and celebrating. And they never forget the date," she said with a laugh.

She said being an Australia Day baby had made her feel patriotic from a young age.

"It's an important day for Australians. Being such a young nation, we should be proud of how far we've come and what we've achieved."

At a birthday dinner on Monday night, Ms Smith endured what all 21-year-olds must - embarrassing speeches.

"Nothing too incriminating was said, just the usual stories about making a fool of yourself in front of friends."

Ms Smith has just completed a bachelor of psychology at RMIT and begins a diploma of education course in March.