Life in Australia Guide
Australian Public Holidays Calendar
View 2026-2027 Australian federal and state public holidays, add to Google Calendar, or download as iCal.
Australian Public Holidays 2026 & 2027 by State and Territory
The tables below list Australian public holidays for 2026 and 2027 by state and territory. National days such as New Year's Day, Good Friday and Christmas Day are shared, but Labour Day, the King's Birthday and regional days differ by state. Dates are based on each state and territory government's official public holiday pages (checked July 2026) — see the official source links below for the latest proclamations.
New South Wales (NSW) Public Holidays 2026 & 2027
| Public holiday | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Thu, 1 Jan | Fri, 1 Jan |
| Australia Day | Mon, 26 Jan | Tue, 26 Jan |
| Good Friday | Fri, 3 Apr | Fri, 26 Mar |
| Easter Saturday | Sat, 4 Apr | Sat, 27 Mar |
| Easter Sunday | Sun, 5 Apr | Sun, 28 Mar |
| Easter Monday | Mon, 6 Apr | Mon, 29 Mar |
| Anzac Day | Sat, 25 Apr | Sun, 25 Apr |
| Anzac Day (additional holiday) | Mon, 27 Apr | Mon, 26 Apr |
| King's Birthday | Mon, 8 June | Mon, 14 June |
| Bank Holiday | Mon, 3 Aug | Mon, 2 Aug |
| Labour Day (NSW/ACT/SA) | Mon, 5 Oct | Mon, 4 Oct |
| Christmas Day | Fri, 25 Dec | Sat, 25 Dec |
| Boxing Day | Sat, 26 Dec | Sun, 26 Dec |
| Christmas Day (additional holiday) | — | Mon, 27 Dec |
| Boxing Day / Christmas / Proclamation Day (additional holiday) | Mon, 28 Dec | — |
| Boxing Day / Proclamation Day (additional holiday) | — | Tue, 28 Dec |
The Bank Holiday on the first Monday of August applies only to banks and certain financial institutions — most employees are not covered. Because Anzac Day falls on a weekend in 2026 and 2027, the NSW Government declared the following Monday an additional public holiday by order under the Public Holidays Act 2010.
Victoria (VIC) Public Holidays 2026 & 2027
| Public holiday | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Thu, 1 Jan | Fri, 1 Jan |
| Australia Day | Mon, 26 Jan | Tue, 26 Jan |
| Labour Day (Victoria) | Mon, 9 Mar | Mon, 8 Mar |
| Good Friday | Fri, 3 Apr | Fri, 26 Mar |
| Easter Saturday | Sat, 4 Apr | Sat, 27 Mar |
| Easter Sunday | Sun, 5 Apr | Sun, 28 Mar |
| Easter Monday | Mon, 6 Apr | Mon, 29 Mar |
| Anzac Day | Sat, 25 Apr | Sun, 25 Apr |
| King's Birthday | Mon, 8 June | Mon, 14 June |
| AFL Grand Final Friday | Fri, 25 Sept | Fri, 24 Sept |
| Melbourne Cup Day | Tue, 3 Nov | Tue, 2 Nov |
| Christmas Day | Fri, 25 Dec | Sat, 25 Dec |
| Boxing Day | Sat, 26 Dec | Sun, 26 Dec |
| Christmas Day (additional holiday) | — | Mon, 27 Dec |
| Boxing Day / Christmas / Proclamation Day (additional holiday) | Mon, 28 Dec | — |
| Boxing Day / Proclamation Day (additional holiday) | — | Tue, 28 Dec |
The Friday before the AFL Grand Final is confirmed each year by the Victorian Government once the AFL fixture is finalised. Melbourne Cup Day applies unless a non-metro council has arranged an alternative local holiday.
Queensland (QLD) Public Holidays 2026 & 2027
| Public holiday | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Thu, 1 Jan | Fri, 1 Jan |
| Australia Day | Mon, 26 Jan | Tue, 26 Jan |
| Good Friday | Fri, 3 Apr | Fri, 26 Mar |
| Easter Saturday | Sat, 4 Apr | Sat, 27 Mar |
| Easter Sunday | Sun, 5 Apr | Sun, 28 Mar |
| Easter Monday | Mon, 6 Apr | Mon, 29 Mar |
| Anzac Day | Sat, 25 Apr | Sun, 25 Apr |
| Anzac Day (additional holiday) | — | Mon, 26 Apr |
| Labour Day (Queensland) | Mon, 4 May | Mon, 3 May |
| Royal Queensland Show (Brisbane) | Wed, 12 Aug | Wed, 11 Aug |
| King's Birthday (Queensland) | Mon, 5 Oct | Mon, 4 Oct |
| Christmas Day | Fri, 25 Dec | Sat, 25 Dec |
| Boxing Day | Sat, 26 Dec | Sun, 26 Dec |
| Christmas Day (additional holiday) | — | Mon, 27 Dec |
| Boxing Day / Christmas / Proclamation Day (additional holiday) | Mon, 28 Dec | — |
| Boxing Day / Proclamation Day (additional holiday) | — | Tue, 28 Dec |
The Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) holiday applies to the Brisbane area only; other Queensland regions observe their own show day on different dates. The Christmas Eve part-day holiday (6pm to midnight on 24 December) is not shown in the table.
Western Australia (WA) Public Holidays 2026 & 2027
| Public holiday | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Thu, 1 Jan | Fri, 1 Jan |
| Australia Day | Mon, 26 Jan | Tue, 26 Jan |
| Labour Day (Western Australia) | Mon, 2 Mar | Mon, 1 Mar |
| Good Friday | Fri, 3 Apr | Fri, 26 Mar |
| Easter Sunday | Sun, 5 Apr | Sun, 28 Mar |
| Easter Monday | Mon, 6 Apr | Mon, 29 Mar |
| Anzac Day | Sat, 25 Apr | Sun, 25 Apr |
| Anzac Day (additional holiday) | Mon, 27 Apr | Mon, 26 Apr |
| Western Australia Day | Mon, 1 June | Mon, 7 June |
| King's Birthday (Western Australia) | Mon, 28 Sept | Mon, 27 Sept |
| Christmas Day | Fri, 25 Dec | Sat, 25 Dec |
| Boxing Day | Sat, 26 Dec | Sun, 26 Dec |
| Christmas Day (additional holiday) | — | Mon, 27 Dec |
| Boxing Day / Christmas / Proclamation Day (additional holiday) | Mon, 28 Dec | — |
| Boxing Day / Proclamation Day (additional holiday) | — | Tue, 28 Dec |
South Australia (SA) Public Holidays 2026 & 2027
| Public holiday | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Thu, 1 Jan | Fri, 1 Jan |
| Australia Day | Mon, 26 Jan | Tue, 26 Jan |
| Adelaide Cup Day | Mon, 9 Mar | Mon, 8 Mar |
| Good Friday | Fri, 3 Apr | Fri, 26 Mar |
| Easter Saturday | Sat, 4 Apr | Sat, 27 Mar |
| Easter Sunday | Sun, 5 Apr | Sun, 28 Mar |
| Easter Monday | Mon, 6 Apr | Mon, 29 Mar |
| Anzac Day | Sat, 25 Apr | Sun, 25 Apr |
| King's Birthday | Mon, 8 June | Mon, 14 June |
| Labour Day (NSW/ACT/SA) | Mon, 5 Oct | Mon, 4 Oct |
| Christmas Day | Fri, 25 Dec | Sat, 25 Dec |
| Boxing Day | Sat, 26 Dec | Sun, 26 Dec |
| Proclamation Day | Sat, 26 Dec | Sun, 26 Dec |
| Christmas Day (additional holiday) | — | Mon, 27 Dec |
| Boxing Day / Christmas / Proclamation Day (additional holiday) | Mon, 28 Dec | — |
| Boxing Day / Proclamation Day (additional holiday) | — | Tue, 28 Dec |
South Australia's part-day public holidays on 24 and 31 December (7pm to midnight) are not shown in the table. Proclamation Day is observed on 26 December.
Tasmania (TAS) Public Holidays 2026 & 2027
| Public holiday | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Thu, 1 Jan | Fri, 1 Jan |
| Australia Day | Mon, 26 Jan | Tue, 26 Jan |
| Royal Hobart Regatta | Mon, 9 Feb | — |
| Eight Hours Day | Mon, 9 Mar | Mon, 8 Mar |
| Good Friday | Fri, 3 Apr | Fri, 26 Mar |
| Easter Monday | Mon, 6 Apr | Mon, 29 Mar |
| Anzac Day | Sat, 25 Apr | Sun, 25 Apr |
| King's Birthday | Mon, 8 June | Mon, 14 June |
| Christmas Day | Fri, 25 Dec | Sat, 25 Dec |
| Boxing Day | Sat, 26 Dec | Sun, 26 Dec |
| Christmas Day (additional holiday) | — | Mon, 27 Dec |
| Boxing Day / Christmas / Proclamation Day (additional holiday) | Mon, 28 Dec | — |
| Boxing Day / Proclamation Day (additional holiday) | — | Tue, 28 Dec |
The Royal Hobart Regatta applies to southern Tasmania only, while northern Tasmania observes Recreation Day on the first Monday of November instead (not shown). Check the Tasmanian Government's notices for regional coverage.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Public Holidays 2026 & 2027
| Public holiday | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Thu, 1 Jan | Fri, 1 Jan |
| Australia Day | Mon, 26 Jan | Tue, 26 Jan |
| Canberra Day | Mon, 9 Mar | Mon, 8 Mar |
| Good Friday | Fri, 3 Apr | Fri, 26 Mar |
| Easter Saturday | Sat, 4 Apr | Sat, 27 Mar |
| Easter Sunday | Sun, 5 Apr | Sun, 28 Mar |
| Easter Monday | Mon, 6 Apr | Mon, 29 Mar |
| Anzac Day | Sat, 25 Apr | Sun, 25 Apr |
| Anzac Day (additional holiday) | Mon, 27 Apr | Mon, 26 Apr |
| Reconciliation Day | Mon, 1 June | Mon, 31 May |
| King's Birthday | Mon, 8 June | Mon, 14 June |
| Labour Day (NSW/ACT/SA) | Mon, 5 Oct | Mon, 4 Oct |
| Christmas Day | Fri, 25 Dec | Sat, 25 Dec |
| Boxing Day | Sat, 26 Dec | Sun, 26 Dec |
| Christmas Day (additional holiday) | — | Mon, 27 Dec |
| Boxing Day / Christmas / Proclamation Day (additional holiday) | Mon, 28 Dec | — |
| Boxing Day / Proclamation Day (additional holiday) | — | Tue, 28 Dec |
Northern Territory (NT) Public Holidays 2026 & 2027
| Public holiday | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Thu, 1 Jan | Fri, 1 Jan |
| Australia Day | Mon, 26 Jan | Tue, 26 Jan |
| Good Friday | Fri, 3 Apr | Fri, 26 Mar |
| Easter Saturday | Sat, 4 Apr | Sat, 27 Mar |
| Easter Sunday | Sun, 5 Apr | Sun, 28 Mar |
| Easter Monday | Mon, 6 Apr | Mon, 29 Mar |
| Anzac Day | Sat, 25 Apr | Sun, 25 Apr |
| Anzac Day (additional holiday) | — | Mon, 26 Apr |
| May Day | Mon, 4 May | Mon, 3 May |
| King's Birthday | Mon, 8 June | Mon, 14 June |
| Picnic Day | Mon, 3 Aug | Mon, 2 Aug |
| Christmas Day | Fri, 25 Dec | Sat, 25 Dec |
| Boxing Day | Sat, 26 Dec | Sun, 26 Dec |
| Christmas Day (additional holiday) | — | Mon, 27 Dec |
| Boxing Day / Christmas / Proclamation Day (additional holiday) | Mon, 28 Dec | — |
| Boxing Day / Proclamation Day (additional holiday) | — | Tue, 28 Dec |
The Northern Territory's part-day public holidays on 24 and 31 December (7pm to midnight) and regional show days (Darwin, Alice Springs and others) are not shown in the table.
A dash (—) means the item does not apply in that year or has not yet been officially proclaimed. Regional and part-day holidays are excluded from the tables, and state and territory governments proclaim holidays anew each year — re-check the official pages before planning travel or calculating pay.
Official sources (checked July 2026)
- NSW Government — Public holidays (opens in a new window)
- Business Victoria — Victorian public holidays (opens in a new window)
- Queensland Government — Public holidays (opens in a new window)
- WA Government — Public holidays in Western Australia (opens in a new window)
- SafeWork SA — Public holidays (opens in a new window)
- WorkSafe Tasmania — Public holidays (opens in a new window)
- ACT Government — Public holidays (opens in a new window)
- Northern Territory Government — NT public holidays (opens in a new window)
- Fair Work Ombudsman — Public holidays (opens in a new window)
Related guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to pay if I work on a public holiday in Australia?▾
Public holiday penalty rates aren't set directly by the Fair Work Act — they're set by your occupation's Award or Enterprise Agreement. Under many Awards the rate is roughly 2 to 2.5 times the base rate, but it varies by Award, so check your exact rate with the Fair Work Ombudsman's P.A.C.T pay calculator (calculate.fairwork.gov.au). What the NES guarantees by law is paid time off when a public holiday falls on a day you would normally work, and the right to refuse work on reasonable grounds.
Do public holidays differ by state in Australia?▾
Yes. Federal holidays such as New Year's Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day are the same nationwide, but the King's Birthday date, Melbourne Cup (VIC), Recreation Day (TAS) and Reconciliation Day (ACT) vary by state. Use the State filter in the calendar or the state-by-state tables above to view your state's holidays.
What happens when a public holiday falls on a weekend?▾
When a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday (or nearest weekday) is typically designated as a Substitute Day.
Can Working Holiday visa holders receive public holiday pay?▾
Yes. WHV holders are covered by the Fair Work Act. You are entitled to public holiday penalty rates. If your employer refuses to pay, report to the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Are Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday also public holidays?▾
Easter Saturday (the Saturday before Easter Sunday) is, as of 2026–27, a public holiday in six states and territories — all except TAS and WA. WA is legislating to add Easter Saturday as a public holiday from 2028 (bill passed the lower house in October 2025; not yet law). Easter Sunday is, as of 2026, a public holiday in every state and territory except Tasmania. Good Friday and Easter Monday are national public holidays. Check each state's coverage with the State filter or the state-by-state tables above.
When are the public holidays in Australia in 2026, and how many are there?▾
The seven national public holidays in 2026 are 1 January (New Year's Day), 26 January (Australia Day), 3 April (Good Friday), 6 April (Easter Monday), 25 April (Anzac Day), 25 December (Christmas Day) and 26 December (Boxing Day). Because Boxing Day falls on a Saturday, Monday 28 December is a public holiday in every state and territory — an additional day everywhere except Tasmania, where the Monday replaces the Saturday (Saturday 26 December itself is not a public holiday in TAS). State holidays such as Labour Day and the King's Birthday bring the total to roughly 10–15 days a year depending on your state — see the state-by-state tables above for exact dates.
How are Western Australia's public holidays different from other states?▾
In 2026 Western Australia observes Labour Day on 2 March, Western Australia Day on 1 June and the King's Birthday on 28 September — a different month from most states (8 June). Easter Saturday is not a WA public holiday in 2026–27 — from 2028 WA is legislating to add Easter Saturday and Show Day and move the King's Birthday to the second Monday of June (Public and Bank Holidays Amendment Bill 2025, passed the lower house on 23 October 2025 and before the upper house). When New Year's Day, Anzac Day or Christmas Day falls on a weekend the following Monday becomes an additional public holiday (Monday 27 April in 2026). See the WA table above and the WA Government's official page for full dates.
Public Holidays In-Depth — Penalty Rates, Work Rights, State Differences, Trading Restrictions, Culture
The public holiday system is a mix of what the Commonwealth sets through the NES and what individual state laws and occupation-specific Awards set, so even the same public holiday can differ enormously in whether you're paid, what penalty rate applies, and what trading restrictions kick in depending on which state you're in and what work you do. The information below is general and current as of July 2026 — for the exact rules that apply to you, we recommend confirming with the Fair Work Ombudsman (fairwork.gov.au) and your state government's official pages.
Working On and Refusing Public Holidays — What the NES Actually Guarantees
Penalty Rates Come From the Award, Not the Law (Penalty Rate Source)
Many people believe that 'if you work on a public holiday, the law guarantees you double or 2.5 times pay,' but public holiday penalty rates themselves aren't set directly by the NES in the Fair Work Act — they're set by your occupation's Award (a tribunal ruling) or by an Enterprise Agreement. What the NES guarantees by law is two things: paid time off when a public holiday falls on a day you'd normally work, and the right to refuse work when you have a reasonable reason. The actual penalty rate varies from Award to Award. So don't assume 'every workplace must pay 2.5 times' — the accurate approach is to first check the Award that applies to you. For some high-income contractors and others not covered by an Award, the contract and individual agreement are the reference point.
Paid Even If You Don't Work (Paid Day Off — NES)
Full-time and part-time employees are paid their base rate for their ordinary hours when a public holiday falls on a day they would 'normally work,' even without working that day (NES). The catch is the day-of-week condition — for example, for a part-timer who only works Monday to Wednesday, a public holiday that falls on a Friday isn't a day they'd normally work, so it's not covered as paid time off. In other words, whether a public holiday is paid comes down to 'were you rostered to work that day,' not simply that the calendar shows a red day for everyone. If your work days are irregular, it's judged on your recent working pattern — and if it's unclear, check with your employer or Fair Work.
The Right to Refuse Public Holiday Work (Right to Refuse — s114)
An employer can 'request' that you work a public holiday, but the request must be reasonable, and you can refuse if you have a reasonable reason (Fair Work Act s114). Reasonableness takes into account the nature of the industry, how much notice was given, whether penalty rates are paid, the type of employment, family circumstances, and more. Taking adverse action — such as dismissal or a pay cut — against an employee who reasonably refuses is prohibited, and forcing someone on the day without notice, or penalising them for refusing, may be unlawful. It's best to put your refusal in writing (text, email) so you have a record to rely on if there's a dispute.
The Casual Trap — No Paid Public Holidays (Casuals)
Casual employees are paid only when they actually work on a public holiday, and get no paid day off for public holidays they don't work — because casual loading is already built into their hourly rate. In return, when casuals do work a public holiday, the Award penalty rate is often set higher than for full-timers (for example, 250% under retail and hospitality Awards). So the situation of 'the shop is closed for the public holiday, and I don't get paid' isn't strange for a casual — it's normal. Check your Award and payslip to confirm whether your hourly rate includes casual loading and what the penalty rate is for public holiday work.
Substituting a Day by Agreement (Substitution by Agreement)
Some Awards and Enterprise Agreements allow an employer and employee to 'agree' to take a different day off instead of the public holiday. This is a different concept from a substitute day, where a public holiday that falls on a weekend is automatically moved to the Monday — here it requires mutual consent and can't be imposed one-sidedly. Whether it applies and on what terms is set out in your Award, and it's mainly used in places like hospitals and 24-hour operations that can't shut down on public holidays. When substituting by agreement, it's safest to put in writing which day is being swapped and how it will be treated.
How to Check Your Penalty Rate — Fair Work P.A.C.T (Pay Calculator)
You can look up your exact public holiday penalty rate by entering your occupation, Award and employment type into the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay and conditions tool, P.A.C.T (calculate.fairwork.gov.au). The most common reason migrant workers get shorted on public holiday pay is not knowing which Award applies to them — and if you don't know your Award, you end up being paid whatever the employer decides. If you haven't been paid the penalty rate, you can get advice from or report to the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94), with interpreter support and even anonymously. The service is free, and worker rights are protected equally regardless of your visa status.
Links to Paid Leave and Pay
A Public Holiday During Annual Leave Isn't Deducted (Public Holiday During Annual Leave)
If a public holiday falls during a period of annual leave, that day is paid as a public holiday and isn't deducted from your annual leave balance (NES). For example, if you took 10 working days of annual leave including Anzac Day (a Monday), the actual annual leave deduction should be 9 days. A common trap is a payroll system that fails to account for this exception and deducts the full 10 days — so always check the actual number of days deducted on your payslip and leave balance statement. If the deduction is wrong, ask your employer to correct it with your work records, and if it isn't resolved you can raise it with Fair Work.
Public Holidays During Sick and Other Paid Leave (Personal/Sick Leave)
The same principle applies to paid personal/carer's leave — a public holiday that falls during paid leave is paid as a public holiday and isn't taken from your sick leave balance. In other words, a public holiday takes priority over most paid leave and is counted as a 'public holiday' rather than a 'leave day.' The more precious your leave balance, the more you gain by attaching it to a week that contains a public holiday, since it reduces the days actually deducted. That said, the detailed treatment can vary by Award and agreement, so check the deduction items on your payslip.
Public Holidays During Unpaid Leave (Unpaid Leave)
Conversely, a public holiday that falls during unpaid leave or unpaid parental leave isn't paid, because there are no 'ordinary hours' in that period. Paid public holiday time off is compensation for hours you would otherwise have worked, so where there were no rostered hours to begin with, there's no basis for payment. So remember that public holiday treatment splits completely depending on the type of leave — paid or unpaid. Before taking long-term unpaid leave, it helps to check in advance how public holidays will be handled during that period, so you can predict your pay.
Relationship With Leave Loading and Overtime (Leave Loading & Overtime)
Many Awards add 17.5% annual leave loading when you take annual leave, but a public holiday falling within that leave is treated separately under the public holiday rules, not the loading. Also, public holiday penalty rates usually don't stack on top of overtime penalties — under many Awards, whichever is higher applies, but not both. The exact way they combine is set out in the Award clauses, and adding them together arbitrarily easily produces a wrong figure. If you're unsure, cross-check with the P.A.C.T calculator or confirm with Fair Work.
Public Holidays During Termination and Notice Periods (Termination & Notice Period)
If a public holiday falls during your notice period or during accrued annual leave that's being paid out in cash, that day must also be counted as paid and reflected in your final pay. In particular, when unused annual leave is paid out, how any public holidays within it are treated varies by Award, which can create differences in the final amount. On your final payslip, carefully check that the base pay, public holiday, annual leave and leave loading items are each correct. If the amount is off, query it with your employer using your work records, and if it isn't resolved, seek advice from the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Checking Your Payslip and Reporting Underpayment (Verifying & Reporting)
Public holiday pay should appear on your payslip with the base pay and the public holiday penalty as separate line items, so you can verify it yourself by multiplying your hours by the rate. Employers are legally required to issue payslips and keep employment records for seven years, so keeping your own payslips gives you the basis to claim back any underpayment later. If you confirm a penalty rate wasn't paid, you can report it to the Fair Work Ombudsman online or by phone (13 13 94), and interpreter support is provided. Note that wage-recovery remedies proceed regardless of the reporting worker's visa status.
The State-by-State Public Holiday Landscape
Labour Day Is a Completely Different Day in Each State (Labour Day Varies)
Labour Day varies widely by state — in 2026, it's 2 March in WA, 9 March in VIC and TAS (TAS calls it 'Eight Hours Day'), 4 May in NT and QLD (NT calls it 'May Day'), and 5 October in ACT, NSW and SA. If you work remotely across several states or run a business spanning multiple states, it's easy to get confused about which state's day off applies. Public holidays are generally applied based on the 'state where you work,' so if you work from home, check which state is recorded as your workplace in your employment contract. You can confirm the exact dates each year on the Fair Work Ombudsman's public holidays page.
King's Birthday Is a Different Month in Some States Too (King's Birthday)
The King's Birthday (renamed from 'Queen's' after Charles III's accession in 2023) is the second Monday of June in most states, but WA takes it in late September (28 September in 2026) and QLD in early October — completely different months. This is because WA uses June for Western Australia Day, pushing the King's Birthday back. It's a day designated by each state independently of the monarch's actual birthday, so note that while people in other states are off in June, WA and QLD are working a normal weekday. In WA the substitute day can differ by region, so it's safest to also check your local council's notices.
Region-Only Public Holidays — Show Day (Regional Show Holidays)
Some public holidays apply not to the whole state but only to a particular region (a Local Government Area). A prime example is Brisbane's The Ekka (Royal Queensland Show), which is a public holiday only in the Brisbane area, while other QLD cities take their own regional show day on different dates. As a result, even within the same state, the next town over may be working while your town has a public holiday. Check your local council's notices for the regional show day date, and if you work across several regions, keep track of each workplace's public holidays separately.
VIC's Unique Public Holidays — Melbourne Cup and AFL Grand Final (VIC-only)
Victoria has two public holidays that no other state has — Melbourne Cup Day on the first Tuesday of November (based on the greater Melbourne area, with some regions designating a different day instead) and the Friday before the AFL Grand Final (the date is announced each year based on the match schedule). Both are public holidays only in VIC, so they don't apply to workers in other states. The upshot is that working in VIC means one or more extra public holidays a year compared with other states. In places where Melbourne Cup Day isn't a local public holiday, a different day may be designated instead, so check your workplace's rules.
Part-Day Public Holidays — Christmas Eve and NYE (Part-day, SA·NT)
South Australia (SA) and the Northern Territory (NT) designate 7pm to midnight on 24 December and 31 December as 'part-day public holidays,' so if you work in those hours, the public holiday penalty rate applies. What's unusual is that daytime is the weekday rate and only after 7pm is the public holiday rate. It's a system no other state has, so service and hospitality workers on Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve nights should check whether their state has this rule. These part-day public holidays don't affect shop trading hours — they only relate to work penalty rates.
The Bank Holiday Trap (NSW August Bank Holiday)
The 'Bank Holiday' on the first Monday of August in NSW and the ACT is, as the name suggests, a public holiday that applies only to certain industries such as banking and finance — most general workers don't get the day off and there's no penalty rate. Even if your calendar app shows it as a 'public holiday,' whether your occupation is actually covered is an entirely separate question. If you're not in finance, treat it as an ordinary work day — schools and shops often operate normally too. If you're unsure whether your industry is covered, check your Award or with Fair Work.
Retail and Trading Restrictions — Preparing for the Days Things Close
The Concept of Restricted Trading Days (Restricted Trading Days)
Australia has a system of 'restricted trading days' where shop trading is limited by law on certain public holidays — the main examples being Good Friday, Christmas Day and the morning of Anzac Day. These restrictions are set not by the Commonwealth but by individual state laws, so their intensity differs completely from state to state. That's why, in your early days here, you'll often run into the situation of 'why is the big supermarket closed on a public holiday?' You can check which shops are restricted on which days on your state's fair-trading or industry department's pages.
Anzac Day Morning Closures (Anzac Day Before 1pm)
Anzac Day (25 April) has a strong commemorative character, so morning trading is restricted — in NSW and VIC, non-exempt retail shops stay closed until 1pm, in TAS until 12:30pm, and WA, SA and others also restrict general city-centre retail. You could get caught out trying to shop in the morning, so plan big shopping for after 1pm. By contrast, the ACT has no morning trading restriction, so the difference between states is large. The exact times and exemptions are governed by the state government's notice each year, so it's safest to check that year's guidance.
The Spectrum of State Strictness (State Strictness)
The intensity of restrictions differs sharply by state — broadly, WA, SA and QLD strongly restrict general retail on Good Friday, Christmas Day and Anzac Day morning; NSW and VIC are mid-range; and the ACT and NT are the most open. When you move from another state, you'll feel the difference of 'where I used to live it was open, but here everything's closed.' Always check your own state's rules for that year before planning big holiday shopping. The details of restrictions can change from year to year, so checking the official page is the most reliable approach.
Exempt Businesses (Exempt Shops)
Even on restricted trading days, pharmacies, petrol stations, cafes, restaurants, takeaways and newsagents, small independent shops with few staff, and shops within a tourist precinct are often granted trading exemptions. So it's not that 'every shop closes' — it's mainly larger retailers that shut. If you urgently need something, aim for convenience stores, shops attached to petrol stations, or tourist-precinct shops. That said, the exemption criteria differ by state and depend on shop size and location, so check in advance whether the shops you go to often open on public holidays.
Liquor Sales Restrictions (Liquor Restrictions)
On Good Friday, Christmas Day and Anzac Day morning, bottle shop (liquor retailer) trading is banned or time-limited in several states. So it's safest to buy alcohol for holiday gatherings the day before. Because state liquor licensing rules differ, it's common for a shop attached to a pub to open while a standalone bottle shop stays closed. Confirm whether a shop is trading on a specific date with your state's liquor regulator or directly with the shop.
Practical Prep — Shopping Ahead and Surcharges (Practical Planning)
On Christmas Day most shops close nationwide, so shopping a day or two ahead is effectively essential, and on the day itself often only IGAs, convenience stores and some small shops open. Many cafes and restaurants that open on public holidays add a public holiday surcharge of around 10–15% to reflect higher labour costs, so check your bill. A surcharge is legal if it's clearly disclosed on the menu or in the venue, whereas adding it without notice can be a problem. For multi-day long weekends, it also helps to prepare for public transport, fuel and cash withdrawals in advance.
Public Services, Transport, Childcare and Healthcare Operations
Public Transport — Sunday/Public Holiday Timetable (Sunday Timetable)
On public holidays, trains and buses run a reduced Sunday/public holiday timetable rather than a weekday one, so services are spaced further apart — always check the times on a transport app before you leave. In return, some states apply lower fare caps on public holidays; for example, the NSW Opal daily cap is lower on public holidays, making travel cheaper. Airport lines and major trunk routes generally run, but outer and branch lines can be greatly reduced or suspended. For late nights and long weekends, also check whether overnight services (such as NightRide) are running.
Banking and Payment Processing Delays (Banking & Payments)
On public holidays bank branches close, but apps and internet banking work normally, and PayID/Osko real-time transfers arrive almost instantly, 24 hours a day. By contrast, BPAY, direct debits and some transfers are processed on a 'business day' basis and can be pushed to the next business day, so before a long weekend, pay any bills with deadlines in advance. If the break is long, your pay date may be brought forward or pushed back, so factor that into managing your balance. For payments near their deadline, it's safer to use a real-time transfer method.
Government Offices Closed, but myGov Runs (Govt Offices Closed)
Centrelink, Medicare and ATO service centres (in-person counters) close on public holidays, but myGov online services run 24 hours. Centrelink regular payments are often brought forward when a public holiday falls, so factor that into managing your balance. Use your online account or self-service for urgent queries, and book in-person business to avoid the long-weekend rush, which cuts your wait time. You can check payment-date changes in advance on myGov or the relevant agency's app notices.
Childcare — Public Holiday Fees and the 42-Day Absence Rule (Childcare CCS)
Even when a childcare centre closes on a public holiday, the gap fee (the fee to hold your place) is still charged, and the day is counted as one of the allowable absences (up to 42 per child per financial year) with CCS subsidy still applying normally. In other words, a public holiday closure isn't free — you still pay your out-of-pocket portion (the gap fee) after the government subsidy. If you exceed 42 days within the financial year, CCS stops from that day and you pay the full amount, so families with frequent absences should keep track of their remaining absence days. You can find the latest details on the 42-day limit and how it applies in Services Australia's official guidance.
Healthcare — GP Closures and Alternative Routes (Medical Access)
On public holidays most regular GPs (family doctors) and bulk-billing clinics are closed, so you'll need to use an after-hours GP, a hospital emergency department (ED), or a 24-hour pharmacy. If your symptoms are unclear and you don't know where to go, you can call the government's free health advice line, healthdirect (1800 022 222), first for guidance. Going to the ED when it's not an emergency can mean a long wait, and public holiday consultations carry a surcharge (public holiday fee), so bulk billing may not apply. For a life-threatening emergency, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.
Schools — Distinguishing Terms and Pupil-Free Days (School Terms)
The days your child's school is off differ between public holidays, term breaks, and staff training days (pupil-free days, or student-free days), so you can't judge whether there's school just by looking at public holidays. Term and holiday dates are published in the state education department's calendar (for example, the NSW or VIC Department of Education), and the holiday timing differs by state. In particular, pupil-free days differ from school to school, so you need to check each school's own notices separately. Working parents should plan separate care (such as vacation care) in advance for pupil-free days and school holidays.
Culture and Practical Etiquette for Major Public Holidays
The Australia Day Debate (Jan 26 / Invasion Day)
Australia Day on 26 January is also called 'Invasion Day' and 'Survival Day' because, for First Nations people, it marks the day colonial rule began, and debate and protests over changing the date are held every year. On the same day, citizenship ceremonies take place across the country, so celebration and mourning coexist. It's a sensitive topic in a multicultural society, so whether celebrating or commemorating, an attitude of respect for others' perspectives is the safe course. Various events are held region by region, so if you're interested, check your council's notices.
Anzac Day Etiquette and Two-up (Anzac Day)
Anzac Day on 25 April is a day of remembrance for veterans, with dawn services and RSL (Returned and Services League) events, and 'Lest We Forget' as its signature phrase. It's the classic day when 'two-up,' the coin-tossing gambling game that's illegal at other times, is legally permitted in some states such as NSW at RSL clubs and pubs only (depending on the state, it may also include VP Day on 15 August and the afternoon of Remembrance Day). The commemorative morning events call for solemnity and courtesy, so respect the atmosphere. When paying respects, follow local customs — remove your hat and join the moment of silence.
A Summer Christmas and Boxing Day (Summer Christmas)
Being in the Southern Hemisphere, Christmas in Australia is midsummer, so beach barbecues and outdoor gatherings are common, and on Christmas Day (25 December) the whole country is almost completely closed. The next day, Boxing Day (26 December), is famous for huge sales and the Boxing Day Test cricket, so its character shifts to a day of shopping and sport. Be sure to have any essential items and food for Christmas Day itself ready by the 24th. If you're chasing end-of-year sales, Boxing Day is one of the biggest discount seasons of the year.
The Easter Four-Day Long Weekend and Road Safety (Easter Long Weekend)
The four-day long weekend from Good Friday to Easter Monday is the biggest travel season of the year, so roads are busy and accommodation in popular areas books out early. In particular, NSW, WA, the ACT and others apply 'double demerits' — doubling traffic penalty points — during this weekend (and designated periods such as Anzac Day and Labour Day), so take special care with speeding, seatbelts and using your phone while driving. If you're planning a long drive, book accommodation and hire cars in advance and drive well-rested. You can confirm the double-demerit periods and states each year through police and transport authority notices.
Melbourne Cup — The Race That Stops a Nation (Melbourne Cup)
The Melbourne Cup on the first Tuesday of November is known as 'the race that stops a nation,' and office sweeps and watching the race broadcast are almost a ritual across the country. The public holiday itself is only in Victoria, so other states are working, but culturally it's a nationwide event. Keep gambling to the level of harmless workplace-sweep fun and beyond that, exercise restraint and follow responsible gambling principles. If you need help with a gambling problem, you can use free support such as Gambling Help Online.
King's Birthday and Fireworks (King's Birthday)
The monarch's birthday long weekend was renamed from 'Queen's Birthday' to 'King's Birthday' from 2023 following Charles III's accession. Some states such as QLD temporarily permit the sale and use of home fireworks ('Cracker Night') around this time. As noted earlier, the date differs by state (June, September or October), so it isn't a long weekend where the whole country is off at once. Whether fireworks are allowed, the sale and use periods, and the safety rules differ by state, so always check your own state's rules.
This page is for reference only. For the latest public holiday information, check Fair Work Ombudsman (opens in a new window).