A Complete List of Public Holidays in Australia

New to Australia?

With countries around the world celebrating public holidays, Australia is no exception. Even if you’re busy studying and working, it’s a great idea to take time off and learn about Australian culture, history, and values. Public holidays give you the chance to experience local traditions, attend events, or simply relax with friends.

Curious to know how your fellow international students celebrate these holidays?

Or maybe you want to spend these days meeting new friends. Join our IDP student community. It's a fun and supportive community of international students in Australia and New Zealand!

That said, grab your calendar and start marking your days off from work and school.

Here’s an updated guide to Australia’s most important public holidays in 2025.

New Year’s Day

Date: Wednesday, 1 January 2025

Australia welcomes the new year with celebrations, fireworks, and outdoor parties. Most people spend the day relaxing after New Year’s Eve events, with many shops and offices closed.

Australia Day

Date: Sunday, 26 January 2025 (public holiday observed Monday, 27 January)

Australia Day marks the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 and is a national public holiday. It’s a day of community festivals, concerts, and fireworks in every state and territory. Many new Australians also take part in citizenship ceremonies held on this day.

Note: When 26 January falls on a weekend, the official public holiday is moved to the following Monday so everyone still gets a day off work or study.

Labour Day (Dates Vary by State)

Labour Day celebrates Australian workers and the achievement of better working conditions, including the eight-hour workday. The date differs across the country:

• Western Australia: Monday, 3 March

• Victoria & Tasmania: Monday, 10 March

• Queensland & Northern Territory: Monday, 5 May

• New South Wales, South Australia, and ACT: Monday, 6 October

Tasmania calls it Eight Hours Day, and the Northern Territory calls it May Day.

Melbourne also hosts the famous Moomba Festival on the March Labour Day weekend — Australia’s largest free community event with parades, live music, and riverside fun.

Easter Long Weekend

Dates: Friday, 18 April – Monday, 21 April 2025

Easter is both a religious and national holiday celebrated over four consecutive days:

• Good Friday – 18 April

• Easter Saturday – 19 April

• Easter Sunday – 20 April

• Easter Monday – 21 April

Traditions include seafood feasts and hot cross buns on Good Friday, Easter egg hunts, and family gatherings on Easter Sunday. Many Australians take this opportunity for a camping trip or a short holiday.

ANZAC Day

Date: Friday, 25 April 2025

ANZAC Day honours the courage and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand soldiers who served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions.

Dawn services and marches are held nationwide, followed by parades at local war memorials and Returned Services League (RSL) clubs. It’s a solemn day of remembrance and reflection on national history.

King’s Birthday

Date: Monday, 9 June 2025 (Except Western Australia and Queensland)

This day celebrates the official birthday of King Charles III, Australia’s Head of State. 

• Western Australia observes the holiday on Monday, 29 September

• Queensland celebrates it on Monday, 6 October.

The King’s Birthday Honours List is also released on this day, recognising Australians for their outstanding contributions to society.

Reconciliation Day (ACT only)

Date: Monday, 2 June 2025

Held in the Australian Capital Territory, this public holiday promotes unity and understanding between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. It’s the first public holiday in Australia dedicated to reconciliation.

Western Australia Day (WA only)

Date: Monday, 2 June 2025

A celebration of the founding of the Swan River Colony in 1829, Western Australia Day highlights the state’s culture, diversity, and history with local events and festivals.

AFL Grand Final Eve (Victoria only)

Date: Friday, 26 September 2025

Victoria is home to Australian Rules Football, and the Friday before the AFL Grand Final is a state public holiday. Fans gather in Melbourne’s city centre for the Grand Final Parade, celebrating the teams that made it to the big game.

Melbourne Cup Day (Victoria only)

Date: Tuesday, 4 November 2025

Known as “the race that stops a nation”, the Melbourne Cup is Australia’s most famous horse race. The event takes place at Flemington Racecourse, attracting large crowds dressed in their best race-day fashion. If you’re elsewhere in Australia, you’ll still find Cup-day lunch events and office sweepstakes to join in the fun.

Christmas Day and Boxing Day

Dates: Thursday, 25 December & Friday, 26 December 2025

Christmas Day is celebrated nationwide, bringing families together for festive meals, carols, and gift-giving under the Christmas tree.

The following day, Boxing Day, marks the start of Australia’s biggest shopping sales and a host of summer sports events like the Boxing Day Test cricket match in Melbourne and the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

What these holidays mean for you as an international student

Public holidays are more than just days off. They’re a chance to connect with local communities and learn about Australia’s culture and traditions. Whether you’re attending a local parade, exploring a festival, or simply resting after exams, use these holidays to get a full experience of life Down Under.