A Complete List of Public Holidays in Australia

A national holiday held on January 26 in all states and territories every year, Australia Day marks the date that the first fleet of British ships docked in Australia. This date is especially significant for many new Australian citizens, who participate in naturalisation ceremonies throughout the country.

With several exciting events planned across the country, including sports and family-friendly carnivals, you can enjoy a full day of fun that concludes with spectacular fireworks in the evening.

A significant day to recognise the value of Australian workers towards a prosperous economy, Labour Day commemorates the introduction of an eight-hour workday to improve working conditions.

While its exact date varies across different states, it always falls on a Monday. It is held in March in Western Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania; October in South Australia, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory; and May for Queensland and Northern Territory. Labour Day is also known as Eight Hours Day in Tasmania and May Day in Northern Territory.

There are several free, family-friendly events in every state on Labour Day, including the largest free community festival in Australia, known as the Moomba festival. It is held over the long weekend in Melbourne, with a street parade, carnival, and fun activities along the Yarra River.

A religious and national holiday falling between late March to April, Easter is marked by four consecutive days of public holidays, including Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday. It is a great time to experience traditions such as eating seafood dishes and hot cross buns on Good Friday, as well as Easter egg hunts and a lamb roast on Easter Sunday.

You can spend the long weekend participating in different activities of your choosing. You also have plenty of time to go camping, take a short trip or organise catch-ups with family and friends.

Observed in both Australia and New Zealand on April 25, ANZAC Day is a National Day of Commemoration to acknowledge the sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand soldiers in World War I, as well as military veterans.

Their heroic actions are honoured in ceremonies, memorials and dawn services at war memorials and Returned Services League (RSL) clubs around the country, with all members of the public welcome to attend.

This is followed by military parades in each capital city, which you can watch from the sidelines. It is a solemn day that provides Australians the opportunity to learn and reflect on the country’s history, as well as the meaning of war. Learn more about ANZAC Day here.

A day set aside to celebrate the birthday of Australia’s Head of State, King Charles III, the King’s Birthday public holiday is held in June for all Australian states and territories except for Western Australia and Queensland. In these states, it is held in September and October respectively. As it falls on a Monday, this gives Australians the opportunity to enjoy a long weekend to relax or take a holiday.

Around this date, the King’s Birthday Honours List is released, where Australians are recognised for their significant achievements and services with an Order of Australia honour. It is a good opportunity to read their stories and learn more about how these inspiring Australians have contributed to the country.

Australian football, also called Australian rules football, is the most popular sport in the country. As the heartland of football, Victoria is the only state which observes the day before the grand final match is played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This is usually held in late September.

It is an exciting day marked by the grand final parade, which takes place through the city and showcases all the players taking part in the match. It’s an opportunity for not only fans of the grand finalists, but all football fans, to come together and meet the players. This is the perfect way to immerse yourself in an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement for the big game the next day.

Known as the “race that stops a nation”, and the highlight of the Spring Racing Carnival every year, the Melbourne Cup horse race public holiday is held on the first Tuesday of November in Victoria. It attracts thousands of horse racing enthusiasts and fashionistas who gather at Flemington Racecourse.

You can mingle with the crowd while you eat, drink, and watch horse races throughout the day. If you’re elsewhere, there are plenty of Melbourne Cup lunch functions you can attend with friends and family for a fun day out.

As both a religious day of celebration and a national public holiday on December 25, Christmas Day is an excellent opportunity to gather with family and friends to sing Christmas carols and exchange gifts placed under a decorated Christmas tree.

While most shops are closed in Christmas Day, many reopen bright and early on Boxing Day, which falls on December 26. It is arguably one of the busiest days in retail where you can advantage of the famous stocktake sales to grab a bargain.