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Australia is a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage, and its public holidays reflect this diversity.

The country observes a number of national holidays as well as state-specific holidays, giving citizens and visitors alike plenty of opportunities to celebrate and reflect on important events and figures in Australian history.

In this guide, we will provide an overview of the public holidays observed in the different regions of Australia, including the date and significance of each holiday. We will also provide information on how the holidays are celebrated and any special traditions or customs associated with them.

This guide will help you plan your travels and activities in Australia and make the most of your time in this beautiful country.

National Public Holidays in Australia

These national public holidays are celebrated across all states and territories in Australia:

New Year’s Day: January 1st 

New Year’s Day is a public holiday in the ACT, and it is celebrated on January 1st every year. The holiday marks the start of the New Year, and it is a day for people to reflect on the past year and make new resolutions for the year ahead. Many people celebrate the holiday by attending fireworks displays, having barbecues, and spending time with friends and family.

Australia Day: January 26th 

Australia Day is a national public holiday that marks the arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales, in 1788. It is a time for Australians to celebrate their national identity and reflect on the country’s history and achievements. The day is marked by ceremonies, parades, and community events, as well as the presentation of the Australian of the Year awards. This public holiday is also controversial and there is a push to move this holiday to another date due to sensitive issues for this day to the Indigenous Australians.

Good Friday: April 7th 

Good Friday is a national public holiday that marks the Christian observance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a time for reflection, prayer, and mourning.

Easter Monday: April 10th

Easter Monday is a national public holiday that is the day following Easter Sunday. It is a time for family and friends to come together and continue the celebrations of Easter Sunday. Many people take the day off to enjoy a long weekend and participate in Easter-themed activities.

ANZAC Day: April 25th 

ANZAC Day is a national public holiday that marks the anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand soldiers, known as Anzacs, on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey during World War I. It is a time for Australians to remember and honour the sacrifices of those who have served in the country’s armed forces. The day is marked by ceremonies, parades, and the laying of wreaths at war memorials.

Christmas Day: December 25th 

Christmas Day is a national public holiday, and it is celebrated on December 25th every year. The holiday is a Christian festival that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. The day is marked by church services, family gatherings, and the exchange of gifts.

Boxing Day: December 26th 

Boxing Day is a national public holiday that is celebrated on December 26th. It is a day of rest and relaxation that follows Christmas Day. Many people take advantage of the day to spend time with family and friends and recover from the Christmas celebrations.

The holiday is traditionally a day for giving gifts to people in need, and for visiting with friends and family. Many people also participate in charitable activities, such as volunteering at shelters or donating to food banks.

Australian Capital Territory Public Holidays

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is the smallest mainland state and territory of Australia and its capital city is Canberra. Apart from the above-mentioned National Holidays, ACT has a unique set of public holidays that are different from the other states and territories of Australia. These holidays are:

Canberra Day: March 13th 

Canberra Day is a public holiday in the ACT, and it is celebrated on the second Monday in March every year. The holiday is celebrated to commemorate the naming of Canberra as the capital of Australia in 1913. This day is celebrated with parades, festivals, and events that showcase the city’s culture and history.

Easter Saturday: April 8th

Part of the Easter celebrations, Easter Saturday is observed as a public holiday in Australian Capital Territory.

Easter Sunday: April 9th 

Easter Sunday is also a public holiday celebrated in Australia Capital Territory that marks the Christian observance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a time for celebration, prayer, and the exchange of gifts.

Reconciliation Day: May 29th

Reconciliation Day is a public holiday in ACT that is celebrated on the 29th of May. It is also known as National Sorry Day and is a day to commemorate the mistreatment of Indigenous Australians and to promote reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Sovereign’s Birthday: June 12th

Sovereign’s Birthday is a public holiday in the ACT, and it is celebrated on the 12th of June every year. The holiday is celebrated to mark the birthday of the reigning monarch of Australia, currently King Charles III. The day is marked by ceremonies, parades, and events that celebrate the history and achievements of the Australian monarchy.

Labour Day: October 2nd 

Labor Day is a public holiday in the ACT, and it is celebrated on the first Monday of October every year. The holiday is celebrated to commemorate the achievements of the trade union movement, which played a significant role in the establishment of fair working conditions and rights for workers in Australia. The day is marked by parades, rallies, and events that celebrate the contributions of workers to Australian society.

In summary, the Australian Capital Territory has the following public holidays in 2023:

• New Year’s Day: January 1st
• Additional public holiday for New Year’s Day: January 2nd
• Australia Day: January 26th
• Canberra Day: March 13th
• Good Friday: April 7th
• Easter Saturday: April 8th
• Easter Sunday: April 9th
• Easter Monday: April 10th
• ANZAC Day: April 25th
• Reconciliation Day: May 29th
• Sovereign’s Birthday: June 12th
• Labour Day: October 2nd
• Christmas Day: December 25th
• Boxing Day: December 26th

New South Wales Public Holidays

New South Wales (NSW) is the most populous state in Australia and is home to many of the country’s iconic landmarks and tourist destinations. The state also has a diverse and rich cultural heritage, which is reflected in its public holidays.

Labor Day – October 2nd

This holiday is a public holiday in New South Wales and is marked to celebrate the achievements of workers. The day is marked with parades, speeches, and other events to recognize the contributions of workers to the state’s economy and society.

King’s Birthday: 12th June

The King’s Birthday is a public holiday that is celebrated on the 12th of June in the Northern Territory. It marks the birthday of the reigning monarch, King Charles III. The day is marked by official celebrations, parades, and community events.

In addition to these holidays, there are also a number of regional holidays and special days that are celebrated in New South Wales.

In summary, New South Wales has the following public holidays in 2023:

• New Year’s Day: January 1st
• Additional public holiday for New Year’s Day:: January 2nd
• Australia Day: January 26th
• Good Friday: April 7th
• Easter Saturday: April 8th
• Easter Sunday: April 9th
• Easter Monday: April 10th
• ANZAC Day: April 25th
• King’s Birthday: June 12th
• Labour Day: October 2nd
• Christmas Day: December 25th
• Boxing Day: December 26th

Northern Territory Public Holidays

The Northern Territory is a unique and fascinating region of Australia, known for its rugged beauty, diverse wildlife, and Indigenous culture. The region also has its own set of public holidays, which reflect the unique history and culture of the Northern Territory.

Easter Saturday: April 8th

Part of the Easter celebrations, Easter Saturday is observed as a public holiday in Norther Territory.

May Day: May 1st

May Day also known as Labour Day holiday is celebrated on the first Monday in May in Northern Rerritory. It marks the achievement of the eight-hour working day for the state’s workers and is a day to celebrate the contributions and rights of workers. The day is marked by parades and community events.

June Public Holiday: June 12th

June Public Holiday is a public holiday that is celebrated on the 12th of June in the Northern Territory. It marks the birthday of the reigning monarch, King Charles III. The day is marked by official celebrations, parades, and community events.

Picnic Day: August 7th

Picnic Day is a public holiday that is celebrated on the 7th of August in the Northern Territory. It was originally established as a holiday to allow residents of Darwin to take a day off to go on picnics and enjoy the city’s parks and gardens. Today, the day is marked by community events, parades, and festivals that celebrate the region’s cultural heritage.

Christmas Eve: December 24th

It is a part public holiday and is observed only between 7pm to midnight on Christmas Eve in the Northern Territory.

New Year’s Eve: December 31st

Just like Christmas Eve public holiday, New Year’s Eve is a part public holiday from 7pm to midnight.

In summary, the Northern Territory observe the following public holidays in 2023:

• New Year’s Day: January 1st
• Additional public holiday for New Year’s Day:: January 2nd
• Australia Day: January 26th
• Good Friday: April 7th
• Easter Saturday: April 8th
• Easter Monday: April 10th
• ANZAC Day: April 25th
• May Day: May 1st
• June Public Holiday: June 12th
• Picnic Day: August 7th
• Christmas Eve: December 24th (7pm to midnight)
• Christmas Day: December 25th
• Boxing Day: December 26th
• New Year’s Eve: December 31st (7pm to midnight)

Some other popular regional public holidays celebrated in the Northern Territory are:

• Alice Springs Show Day: July 7th
• Tennant Creek Show Day: July 14th
• Katherine Show Day: July 21st
• Darwin Show Day: July 28th
• Borroloola Show Day: August 18th

Queensland Public Holidays

Queensland is the second-largest state (by size) in Australia. Queensland is also known for its beautiful beaches, warm climate and stunning tourist attractions.

The state observes a number of public holidays throughout the year. This includes national holidays and some regional holidays that include:

Easter Saturday: April 8th

Part of the Easter celebrations, Easter Saturday is observed as a public holiday in Queensland.

Easter Sunday: April 9th 

Easter Sunday is also a public holiday celebrated in Queensland that marks the Christian observance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Labour Day: May 1st

Labour Day is a public holiday that is celebrated on the first Monday in May in Queensland. It marks the achievement of the eight-hour working day for the state’s workers and is a day to celebrate the contributions and rights of workers.

Royal Queensland Show: 16th August

The Royal Queensland Show, commonly known as the Ekka, is an annual agricultural show that takes place in the Brisbane area of Queensland, Australia. The show is held at the Brisbane Showgrounds and typically runs for 10 days in August. It is also known as Ekka People’s Day and Brisbane Show Day

The Ekka is one of the oldest and most popular events in Queensland, attracting over 400,000 visitors each year. The show features a wide range of exhibits and competitions, including horse shows, agricultural and horticultural displays, and cooking and craft competitions. The showground also features carnival rides and games, live music and entertainment, and food and drink vendors.

King’s Birthday: October 2nd

The King’s Birthday is a public holiday that is celebrated on the 2nd of October in Queensland. It marks the birthday of the reigning monarch, King Charles III.

Christmas Eve: December 24th

It is a part public holiday and is observed only between 6pm to midnight on Christmas Eve in the Queensland.

In summary, Queensland will observe the following public holidays in 2023:

• New Year’s Day: January 1st
• Additional public holiday for New Year’s Day:: January 2nd
• Australia Day: January 26th
• Good Friday: April 7th
• Easter Saturday: April 8th
• Easter Sunday: April 9th
• Easter Monday: April 10th
• ANZAC Day: April 25th
• Labour Day: May 1st
• Royal Queensland Show (Brisbane Area only): August 16th
• King’s Birthday: October 2nd
• Christmas Eve: December 24th (6pm to midnight)
• Christmas Day: December 25th
• Boxing Day: December 26th

South Australia Public Holidays

South Australia is a state located in the southern region of Australia, known for its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and strong agricultural and mining industries.

Apart from the above-mentioned national public holidays, these are some of the other public holidays celebrated in South Australia:

Adelaide Cup Day: March 13th

Adelaide Cup Day is a public holiday that is celebrated on the second Monday in March in South Australia. It marks the Adelaide Cup, an annual horse racing event that takes place at the Morphettville Racecourse in Adelaide. The day is marked by horse racing and other sporting events, as well as live music and food and drink vendors.

Easter Saturday: April 8th

Part of the Easter celebrations, Easter Saturday is observed as a public holiday in South Australia.

King’s Birthday: June 12th 

The King’s Birthday is a public holiday that is celebrated on the second Monday in June in South Australia. It marks the birthday of the reigning monarch, King Charles III.

Labour Day: October 2nd

Labour Day is a public holiday that is celebrated on the first Monday in March in South Australia. It marks the achievement of the eight-hour working day for the state’s workers and is a day to celebrate the contributions and rights of workers.

In summary, South Australia have the following public holidays in 2023:

• New Year’s Day: January 1st
• Additional public holiday for New Year’s Day:: January 2nd
• Australia Day: January 26th
• Adelaide Cup Day: March 13th
• Good Friday: April 7th
• Easter Saturday: April 8th
• Easter Monday: April 10th
• ANZAC Day: April 25th
• King’s Birthday: June 12th
• Labour Day: October 2nd
• Christmas Eve: December 24th (7pm to midnight)
• Christmas Day: December 25th
• Boxing Day: December 26th
• New Year’s Eve: December 31st (7pm to midnight)

Tasmania Public Holidays

Tasmania is an island state located south of the mainland of Australia. It is the 26th largest island in the world and the smallest state in Australia.

The island is known for its rugged wilderness, beautiful landscapes, and unique wildlife. These are additional public holidays that state observes in 2023 apart from the national public holidays:

King’s Birthday: June 12th                            

The King’s Birthday is a public holiday that is celebrated on the second Monday in June in Tasmania. It marks the birthday of the reigning monarch, King Charles III.

Eight-Hour Day: March 13th

The Eight Hour Day is a public holiday that is celebrated on the third Monday in March in Tasmania. It marks the achievement of the eight-hour working day for Tasmania’s workers and is a day to celebrate the contributions and rights of workers. The day is marked by parades and community events.

Royal Hobart Reggatta: February 13th 

Royal Hobart Reggatta is usually celebrated for 3 days in the second week of February each year. This year it will be celebrated from 11th to 13th February. It is a series of water sports competitions held in the capital city of Hobart. The public holiday is only for the southern part of Tasmania

Recreation Day: November 6th 

Recreation Day holiday is observed in the norther part of Tasmania. It usually falls on the first Monday o f November each year, It is an offset holiday for people living in norther parts as they miss out public holiday for Royal Hobart Reggatta.

In summary, Tasmania will observe the following public holidays in 2023:

• New Year’s Day: January 2nd (Substitute for 1st January public holiday
• Australia Day: January 26th
• Royal Hobart Regatta: Februray 13th (mostly in southern parts)
• Eight Hours Day: March 13th
• Good Friday: April 7th
• Easter Monday: April 10th
• Easter Tuesday: April 11th (public service only)
• ANZAC Day: April 25th
• King’s Birthday: June 12th
• Recreation Day: November 6th (mostly in northern parts)
• Christmas Day: December 25th
• Boxing Day: December 26th

Some other popularly celebrated public holidays celebrated in Tasmania are:

• King Island Show: March 1st
• Burnie Show: September 30th
• Flinders Island Show: October 14th
• Royal Hobart Show: October 20th
• Devonport Show: November 25th

Victoria Public Holidays

Victoria is a state located in the southeastern region of Australia. It is the second most populated state in Australia and is home to the city of Melbourne, which is the state capital and the second-largest city in Australia.

The state observes a number of public holidays throughout the year. They include:

Labour Day: March 13th 

Labour Day is a public holiday that is celebrated on the second Monday of March in Victoria. It marks the achievement of the eight-hour working day for the state’s workers and is a day to celebrate the contributions and rights of workers.

Easter Saturday: April 8th

Part of the Easter celebrations, Easter Saturday is observed as a public holiday in Victoria.

Easter Sunday: April 9th 

Easter Sunday is also a public holiday celebrated in Victoria that marks the Christian observance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

King’s Birthday: June 12th 

The King’s Birthday is a public holiday that is celebrated on the 12th of June in Victoria. It marks the birthday of the reigning monarch, King Charles III.

AFL Grand Final Holiday: To Be Confirmed

This public holiday is the newest holiday in the list for Victoria. This public holiday is usually observed on the Friday before the AFL finals (Australian Football League). It usually falls on the last Friday of September, but it is subject to the AFL schedule.

Melbourne Cup Day: November 7th

Melbourne Cup Day is a public holiday that is celebrated on the 7th of November in Victoria. It marks the running of the Melbourne Cup, a famous horse race that is considered the “race that stops the nation”. The day is marked by horse-racing events, fashion parades, and parties.

In summary, Victoria will observe the following public holidays in 2023:

• New Year’s Day: January 1st
• Additional public holiday for New Year’s Day:: January 2nd
• Australia Day: January 26th
• Labour Day: March 13th
• Good Friday: April 7th
• Easter Saturday: April 8th
• Easter Sunday: April 9th
• Easter Monday: April 10th
• ANZAC Day: April 25th
• King’s Birthday: June 12th
• AFL Grand Final: TBC
• Melbourne Cup Day: November 7th
• Christmas Day: December 25th
• Boxing Day: December 26th

Western Australia Public Holidays

Western Australia is the largest state (by size) in Australia, located in the western part of the country. It is known for its diverse landscapes, including deserts, tropical forests, and rugged coastline.

The state’s capital is Perth, which is the largest city in Western Australia and the fourth-largest city in Australia.

These are some regional public holidays that state observe, apart from the national holidays:

Labour Day: March 6th

Labour Day is a public holiday that is celebrated on the first Monday in March in Western Australia. It marks the achievement of the eight-hour working day for the state’s workers and is a day to celebrate the contributions and rights of workers.

Western Australia Day: June 5th 

Western Australia Day is a public holiday that is celebrated on June 1st in the state of Western Australia. It marks the founding of the state in 1829 and is a time for Western Australians to celebrate their state’s history and achievements. There are many official ceremonies, parades, and community events to celebrate this day.

King’s Birthday: 25th September 

The King’s Birthday is a public holiday that is celebrated on the 12th of June in Victoria. It marks the birthday of the reigning monarch, King Charles III. Some regional areas in Western Australia celebrate the King’s birthday public holiday on different date.

In summary, Western Australia will observe the following public holidays in 2023:

• New Year’s Day: January 1st
• Additional public holiday for New Year’s Day:: January 2nd
• Australia Day: January 26th
• Labour Day: March 6th
• Good Friday: April 7th
• Easter Sunday: April 9th
• Easter Monday: April 10th
• ANZAC Day: April 25th
• Western Australia Day: June 5th
• King’s Birthday: September 25th (some areas observe on different date)
• Christmas Day: December 25th
• Boxing Day: December 26th

What happens on a public holiday in Australia?

On a public holiday in Australia, most businesses, government offices, and schools will be closed. Public transportation schedules may also be altered to reflect the holiday.

Many people use the day off work or school to spend time with family and friends and may participate in special events or activities.

Some popular activities on public holidays include attending parades or community events, such as festivals or fairs, visiting family and friends, and participating in outdoor recreational activities. Many people also use the day as an opportunity to travel and explore different parts of the country.

Those that work in retail, hospitality, and other customer-facing industries may have to work on public holidays and receive additional pay or time off in lieu.

In terms of religious holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, many people attend church services or participate in religious traditions and customs. For ANZAC Day, dawn services are held to commemorate the sacrifices of soldiers who have served in the country’s armed forces.

Working on public holidays in Australia

In Australia, some employees may be required to work on public holidays due to the nature of their job.

Retail, hospitality, and other customer-facing industries, for example, may need to be open on public holidays to meet the needs of customers. Emergency services and healthcare workers may also be required to work on public holidays to ensure that essential services are provided.

Employees who are required to work on public holidays are typically entitled to receive additional pay or time off in lieu.

The specific entitlements vary depending on the employee’s award, position, nature of employment or enterprise agreement. In general, employees are entitled to receive public holiday rates (up to 250% or 2.5x of normal wage rates) for hours worked on a public holiday, or an additional day off with pay at a later date.

Employers are also required to provide employees with reasonable notice if they are required to work on a public holiday. This means that employers should give employees as much notice as possible to allow them to make arrangements for their time off.

It’s important to note that some states and territories in Australia have different rules regarding public holidays and the entitlements of employees.

Therefore, it’s always best to check with your employer or with the relevant employer body in your state or territory for more information about working on public holidays in Australia.

You can check more details about working on public holidays in Australia here.

Which state has the highest number of Public Holidays in Australia?

As per Fairwork Australia, both Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Victoria (VIC) have the highest number of public holidays in Australia in 2023 with the residents of both areas enjoying 14 full days of public holidays in 2023.

Most of other states and territories will have a minimum of 12 public holidays during the year 2023.

Is there any replacement holiday if a public holiday falls over the weekend in Australia?

Yes, in Australia, if a public holiday falls over the weekend (Saturday or Sunday), then a state or territory can declare a substitute for that public holiday.

Usually a replacement holiday is on the Monday following the weekend.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, public holidays in Australia are a time for people to celebrate and commemorate important events and cultural traditions.

The number of public holidays varies between states and territories, with some states having more holidays than others due to regional and local holidays.