Australia Public Holidays 2025

For reference only. Check the official Australian holidays website for exact details.

Some holidays are region-specific and may not be listed. See the table below for all holidays by region.👇👇

Australian Public Holidays 2026 Overview

The states and territories of Australia include: Australian Capital Territory (ACT), New South Wales (NSW), Northern Territory (NT), Queensland (QLD), South Australia (SA), Tasmania (TAS), Victoria (VIC), and Western Australia (WA).

The bolded public holidays are celebrated across most regions of Australia👇👇👇

New Year's Day | Australia Public Holidays 2026

Source from Wikipedia

Date: Wednesday, 1 January 2026

Origins of New Year's Day in Australia

New Year's Day marks the first day of the Gregorian calendar and is celebrated worldwide. In Australia, it symbolizes a fresh start and is a time for reflection and setting goals for the coming year. The tradition of celebrating on January 1st was adopted with the widespread use of the Gregorian calendar in 1582, and Australia has observed it since British colonization.

What Do People Do on Australia Public Holidays

Australians in the ACT welcome the new year with enthusiasm. Many attend fireworks displays, especially in Canberra, where festivities are held around Lake Burley Griffin. Families and friends often gather for outdoor activities like picnics, barbecues, or visits to the beach or local parks. It's a day for relaxation and spending quality time with loved ones, embracing the summer weather.

Typical foods enjoyed include barbecued meats, fresh seafood, and seasonal fruits. Pavlova, a meringue-based dessert topped with fruit, is also a popular choice to celebrate the occasion.

Australia Day | Australia Public Holidays 2026

Source from Wikipedia

Date: Monday, 26 January 2026

Origins of Australia Day in Australia

Australia Day commemorates the landing of the First Fleet at Port Jackson, New South Wales, in 1788 and the proclamation of British sovereignty over the eastern seaboard of Australia. The day has since evolved to reflect the nation's diverse society and landscape, acknowledging its history and celebrating contemporary Australian culture.

What Do People Do on Australia Day

Across Australia, and specifically in the ACT, people participate in community events such as citizenship ceremonies, where new Australians are welcomed. The Australian of the Year Awards are also a highlight, recognizing outstanding citizens.

Families and friends often enjoy outdoor gatherings, barbecues, and attending local festivals. Fireworks displays, live music, and cultural performances are common features, fostering a sense of national pride and community spirit.

Traditional Australian foods, including lamingtons, meat pies, and a classic Aussie barbecue with sausages and steaks, are central to the celebrations.

Canberra Day | Australia Public Holidays 2026

Date: Monday, 9 March 2026

Origins of Canberra Day in Australia

Canberra Day commemorates the official naming of Canberra as Australia's capital city on 12 March 1913. The city's name is widely believed to originate from the Aboriginal word "Kamberra" or "Canberry," meaning "meeting place." The day serves to recognize Canberra's unique history and its vital role as Australia's political and administrative center.

What Do People Do on Canberra Day

ACT residents celebrate with a variety of dedicated events and activities. The Canberra Festival often aligns with this holiday, featuring music performances, art exhibitions, and family-friendly entertainment.

Many people choose to visit significant national landmarks, such as Parliament House and the National Gallery, or enjoy outdoor activities and recreation around Lake Burley Griffin. It is a day that spotlights the cultural and historical significance of the capital city.

Local markets selling regional crafts and foods are popular, and many celebrate with outdoor picnics, often featuring dishes made from local produce.

Good Friday | Australia Public Holidays 2026

Source from Wikipedia

Date: Friday, 3 April 2026

Origins of Good Friday in Australia

Good Friday is a significant Christian observance commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. It is a central part of the Easter period in the Christian faith. The day is characterized by solemnity and reflection, marking the sacrifice Jesus made.

What Do People Do on Good Friday

Across Australia, many people attend church services that focus on the themes of sacrifice and redemption. The atmosphere is contemplative, with services often including readings of the Passion and hymns. For those not attending religious services, it is primarily a day of rest and quiet time spent with family.

Traditionally, Australians consume hot cross buns on Good Friday—a spiced sweet bun marked with a cross on top. Seafood dishes are also commonly eaten, as many Christians observe the tradition of abstaining from eating meat on this day.

Easter Saturday | Australia Public Holidays 2026

©iStockphoto.com/Bart van der Putten

Date: Saturday, 4 April 2026

Origins of Easter Saturday in Australia

Easter Saturday, also known as Holy Saturday, is the day following Good Friday and preceding Easter Sunday. It commemorates the day that Jesus Christ lay in the tomb after his crucifixion. While it is an integral part of the Easter observances, it is typically a quieter day with fewer formal religious services.

What Do People Do on Easter Saturday

Many Australians utilize Easter Saturday as a day for rest or leisure activities. In the ACT, people might spend time outdoors, taking advantage of the autumn weather to visit local parks or the countryside. Shopping centers may offer special sales, and many families begin preparations for the main Easter Sunday celebrations.

Easter Sunday | Australia Public Holidays 2026

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Date: Sunday, 5 April 2026

Origins of Easter Sunday in Australia

Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a foundational event in Christianity that symbolizes hope and new life. It is widely considered the most important day in the Christian liturgical calendar.

What Do People Do on Easter Sunday

In the ACT and across Australia, many attend Easter Sunday services, which are typically joyful and celebratory. Churches may host special events, including music and community gatherings. Families commonly organize Easter egg hunts for children, with the chocolate eggs symbolizing new life and rebirth.

A traditional Easter Sunday meal often includes roasted meats, such as lamb, accompanied by seasonal vegetables. Chocolate eggs and bilbies (an Australian alternative to the Easter bunny) are popular treats and gifts.

Easter Monday | Australia Public Holidays 2026

Date: Monday, 6 April 2026

Origins of Easter Monday in Australia

Easter Monday is the day following Easter Sunday and extends the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is observed as a public holiday, providing an extended break that allows people more time to spend with family and friends.

What Do People Do on Easter Monday

Australians in the ACT frequently use Easter Monday for relaxation or travel. It is common for families to take short vacations or visit relatives. Outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, or visiting places like the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve are popular choices. Some may also attend sporting events or local festivals that are often organized during the long Easter weekend.

Leftover Easter foods are often enjoyed, and casual meals like barbecues are common as people gather informally.

Anzac Day | Australia Public Holidays 2026

Date: Saturday, 25 April 2026

Origins of Anzac Day in Australia

Anzac Day honours the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. The date marks the anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli in 1915 during World War I, a campaign that had a profound impact on Australians and significantly contributed to shaping the nation's identity.

What Do People Do on Anzac Day

In the ACT, commemorations begin with dawn services, the most significant being held at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. These solemn gatherings involve readings, hymns, the Last Post bugle call, and moments of silence. Later in the day, Anzac Day marches feature veterans and current service members parading through the streets. The community pays its respects by laying wreaths and flowers at memorials.

Traditional activities include playing two-up, a coin-tossing game legally permitted only on Anzac Day. Anzac biscuits, made from oats and golden syrup, are a customary treat historically linked to the rations carried by the soldiers during the war.

Reconciliation Day | Australia Public Holidays 2026

©iStockphoto.com/PomInOz

Date: Monday, 1 June 2026

Origins of Reconciliation Day in Australia

Reconciliation Day is unique to the ACT and marks the beginning of National Reconciliation Week. It acknowledges the importance of reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader Australian community, promoting understanding of Indigenous histories and cultures.

What Do People Do on Reconciliation Day

Canberra hosts various events focusing on Indigenous culture, including art exhibitions, music performances, and workshops. Educational activities aim to foster dialogue and awareness about the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Families and individuals are encouraged to participate in community gatherings that celebrate diversity and promote unity.

Traditional Indigenous foods may be featured at events, offering attendees a chance to experience bush tucker and learn about native ingredients.

King's Birthday | Australia Public Holidays 2026

Date: Monday, 8 June 2026

Origins of King's Birthday in Australia

The King's Birthday honors the official birthday of King Charles III, Australia's monarch. Although the King's actual birthday is in November, the celebration is traditionally held in June due to historically more favorable weather conditions, a custom inherited from British tradition. King's Birthday is observed as a public holiday across most Australian states and territories.

What Do People Do on King's Birthday

The day provides Australians with an opportunity to enjoy a long weekend. In the ACT and elsewhere, people may attend community events, enjoy outdoor activities, or take short trips. Some may follow the announcement of the King's Birthday Honours list, which recognizes Australians for their service to the community.

There are no specific traditional foods strictly associated with the King's Birthday, but it's common for families to gather for meals or barbecues, taking advantage of the public holiday.

Labour Day | Australia Public Holidays 2026

©iStockphoto.com/SolStock

Date: Monday, 5 October 2026

Origins of Labour Day in Australia

Labour Day celebrates the achievements of workers and the labour movement, particularly the successful fight for the eight-hour workday in the 19th century. In the ACT and other states that observe it in October, the holiday acknowledges the contributions of workers to the nation's prosperity and standard of living.

What Do People Do on Labour Day

Residents often use the day off to relax or engage in leisure activities. It is a popular time for family outings, picnics, and enjoying the spring weather. Some may attend local events or festivals that celebrate community spirit and workers' rights.

While there are no traditional foods specifically designated for Labour Day, it is an occasion for social gatherings where food plays a central role, such such as community barbecues or shared meals.

Christmas Day | Australia Public Holidays 2026

©iStockphoto.com/kokkai

Date: Friday, 25 December 2026

Origins of Christmas Day in Australia

Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is both a significant religious and cultural event in Australia. The Australian celebration reflects a blend of traditional Northern Hemisphere customs adapted to the southern hemisphere's summer season.

What Do People Do on Christmas Day

Families and friends gather to exchange gifts and share festive meals. Many people attend church services in the morning. Due to the warm weather, outdoor activities are popular, with some Australians celebrating with picnics or barbecues at the beach or in parks. Decorating homes with Christmas trees and lights is a widespread tradition.

Typical Christmas foods include roast turkey, ham, seafood like prawns and oysters, and salads. Desserts often feature pavlova, trifle, or Christmas pudding, sometimes served chilled to suit the warm climate.

Boxing Day | Australia Public Holidays 2026

©iStockphoto.com/mingis

Date: Saturday, 26 December 2026

(Some states will observe an additional public holiday on Monday, 28 December 2026, as the 26th is a Saturday.)

Origins of Boxing Day in Australia

Boxing Day originated in the United Kingdom and historically was a day when servants and tradespeople received gifts, known as "Christmas boxes," from their employers. In Australia, it has evolved into a significant public holiday known for major sporting events and post-Christmas sales.

What Do People Do on Boxing Day

Many Australians flock to retail centers for the Boxing Day sales, seeking bargains on a wide range of goods. Sporting events are a major highlight, notably the Boxing Day Test Match in cricket held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), and the start of the internationally renowned Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. It is also a day for general relaxation, allowing people to recover from Christmas festivities or continue spending time with family.

Leftovers from Christmas meals are commonly enjoyed, and casual dining prevails as people unwind.