Australia Calendar in 2025 - Full List of Public Holidays, Observances, Dates and Celebrations Refer to the 2025 Australia Calendar for a comprehensive enumeration of national and regional holidays, festivals, and observances, along with their respective dates and events.

Religious Holidays in Australia 2025: Date, Significance, and Celebrations KnowInsiders will provide an overview of key religious holidays, their historical background, significance, and how they are celebrated across Australia.

Australia Public Holidays 2026: Complete Calendar of National Dates, State Holidays and Major Celebrations

1. National Public Holidays in Australia 2026

National public holidays apply across all states and territories. These dates shape the national rhythm of work, travel and celebration.

**New Year’s Day

Thursday, 1 January 2026**

New Year’s Day opens the year during peak summer. Many workplaces pause operations until the following Monday, which turns the first week of January into a broader holiday window. Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane continue festival programs that attract both locals and international visitors.

**Australia Day

Monday, 26 January 2026**

Australia Day lands on a Monday in 2026, giving the country a natural long weekend. Traditional programs include citizenship ceremonies, fireworks and community concerts. Many communities also attend Invasion Day events that highlight First Nations perspectives. Tourism activity surges during this weekend, especially in coastal regions.

Australia Day (January 26): Date, History, Significance, and Celebration

**Good Friday

Friday, 3 April 2026**

A nationwide day of closure and reflection. Almost all retail shuts and public transport operates on reduced schedules. Families often use the break to start their Easter travel plans.

**Holy Saturday

Saturday, 4 April 2026**

Trading restrictions apply in many states. This day typically sees growing movement toward beaches, campgrounds and regional centres as the Easter long weekend reaches its midpoint.

**Easter Sunday

Sunday, 5 April 2026**

Not a public holiday in every state, but widely observed with family events, church services and outdoor gatherings. Tourism operators in coastal towns experience their busiest period of the year.

**Easter Monday

Monday, 6 April 2026**

The long weekend closes with a strong domestic travel push as families wrap up short holidays. Roads and airports experience heavy return traffic.

**Anzac Day

Saturday, 25 April 2026**

A day of national remembrance with dawn services, marches and commemorations. Because it falls on a Saturday, some jurisdictions provide a substitute holiday on Monday. Attendance at dawn services has been rising each year, and 2026 is expected to continue the trend.

**King’s Birthday

Monday, 8 June 2026 (Most states and territories)**

One of the quieter long weekends of the year. Many households use the break for winter getaways to alpine regions or short interstate trips.

**Christmas Day

Friday, 25 December 2026**

A major summer holiday that sends families outdoors for barbeques, seaside picnics and large festive lunches. Retail and government services remain closed.

**Boxing Day

Saturday, 26 December 2026**

A major event day marked by the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and the Boxing Day Test cricket match. With the date falling on a Saturday, substitute Monday holidays apply in some states. Retailers run some of the biggest sales of the year.

Read more: How Many Public Holidays Are There in Australia in 2026? Full Breakdown by State and Territory

2. State and Territory Public Holidays in 2026

Each state and territory maintains its own additional holidays that reflect local history and culture. The following list includes more context so readers can see what makes each date significant.

New South Wales (NSW)

Public holidays include all national dates plus:

Labour Day
Monday, 5 October 2026
Marked by community festivals and sporting events. It celebrates workers' rights and the eight hour movement.

Victoria (VIC)

Public holidays include all national dates plus:

Labour Day
Monday, 9 March 2026
Observed with parades, cultural events and regional fairs.

Melbourne Cup Day
Tuesday, 3 November 2026
A public holiday in metropolitan Melbourne. Known as the race that stops the nation, the Melbourne Cup drives a full week of racing festivities.

Queensland (QLD)

Public holidays include all national dates plus:

Labour Day
Monday, 4 May 2026
A key date for local unions and community groups.

King’s Birthday
Monday, 5 October 2026
Queensland celebrates the King's Birthday later than most states.

Western Australia (WA)

Public holidays include all national dates plus:

Labour Day
Monday, 2 March 2026

Western Australia Day
Monday, 1 June 2026
Celebrates the founding of the Swan River Colony and has become an important cultural event featuring festivals and community activities.

King’s Birthday
Monday, 28 September 2026
WA sets its own date for this event to align with local tradition and climate.

South Australia (SA)

Public holidays include all national dates plus:

Adelaide Cup Day
Monday, 9 March 2026
Centred on one of the state’s biggest horse racing events.

Queen’s Birthday and Volunteer Day
Monday, 8 June 2026
A dual celebration honouring both the monarchy and South Australia's volunteer workforce.

Labour Day
Monday, 5 October 2026

Proclamation Day Holiday
Monday, 28 December 2026
Marks the establishment of government in South Australia in 1836.

Tasmania (TAS)

Public holidays include all national dates plus:

Royal Hobart Regatta
Monday, 9 February 2026 (South)
One of the oldest sporting events in the country. Activities take place on the Derwent River.

Eight Hours Day
Monday, 9 March 2026

Recreation Day
Monday, 2 November 2026 (North)
Balances the Hobart based public holiday by giving northern Tasmania its own regional day off.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Public holidays include all national dates plus:

Canberra Day
Monday, 9 March 2026
Marks the official naming of the capital.

Reconciliation Day
Monday, 1 June 2026
Focuses on building stronger relationships between Indigenous peoples and the broader Australian community.

Labour Day
Monday, 5 October 2026

Northern Territory (NT)

Public holidays include all national dates plus:

May Day
Monday, 4 May 2026

Picnic Day
Monday, 3 August 2026
A long standing Northern Territory tradition linked to historic railway union gatherings.

3. Major Observances and Cultural Dates in 2026

These observances reflect the diversity of Australia’s cultural communities. Although not public holidays, they shape school events, workplace activities and community festivals.

**Lunar New Year

Tuesday, 17 February 2026**

Large celebrations take place in Sydney’s Chinatown, Melbourne’s Little Bourke Street and Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley. Parades, dragon dances and food markets attract thousands of visitors each year.

**Valentine’s Day

Saturday, 14 February 2026**
Restaurants and travel operators experience high demand as couples plan weekend escapes.

**Harmony Week

15 to 21 March 2026, Harmony Day on 21 March**

Schools, local councils and workplaces hold cultural showcases, workshops and shared meals to promote inclusion. Orange is the symbolic colour for the week, used widely in signage and events.

**Ramadan

Expected to begin Monday, 16 February 2026**
Mosques extend nightly programs and community iftar dinners. Australia’s major cities have growing Muslim populations, so Ramadan events draw significant participation.

**Eid al Fitr

Expected Wednesday, 18 March 2026**

One of the most important Islamic celebrations. Community halls and open spaces often host morning prayers followed by food festivals.

**NAIDOC Week

5 to 12 July 2026**

Events include art exhibitions, storytelling sessions, school programs and community awards that highlight Indigenous people’s achievements and ongoing contributions.

**Father’s Day

Sunday, 6 September 2026**
A major day for hospitality, retail and domestic travel.

**Rosh Hashanah

11 to 13 September 2026**

Synagogues in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth host services and celebrations marking the Jewish New Year.

**Diwali

Sunday, 8 November 2026**
Festivals of Lights are held at temples, community centres and public squares. Fireworks displays and cultural performances are common in major cities.

**Hanukkah

4 to 12 December 2026**

Jewish communities hold nightly candle lighting ceremonies, public menorah lightings and family gatherings.

4. Long Weekends in Australia 2026

Long weekends are high value planning periods for travel, festivals and family events. Expanded details help users plan more effectively.

Australia Day Weekend
24 to 26 January
Warm summer weather drives outdoor concerts, beach travel and community celebrations.

Easter Weekend
3 to 6 April
The busiest holiday period outside Christmas. Accommodation prices rise sharply.

June Long Weekend
6 to 8 June in most states
A popular time for winter escapes to Tasmania or the Victorian and NSW snowfields.

Labour Day Long Weekends
Dates vary by state. Many regional towns run markets, fairs and sporting carnivals tied to local tradition.

Christmas Weekend
25 to 28 December
Travel peaks as Australians reunite with family or take end of year breaks.

Boxing Day Weekend
26 to 28 December
Perfect for shopping trips, sports fans and short summer getaways.

5. School Holiday Periods in 2026

School holidays influence domestic tourism, childcare planning and family schedules. Dates vary by state but follow a steady national pattern.

Term 1 Holidays
Late March to mid April
Coincide with Easter in 2026, creating extended travel demand.

Term 2 Holidays
Late June to mid July
Popular for ski trips and winter festivals.

Term 3 Holidays
Late September to early October
Ideal weather for road trips and coastal breaks.

Summer Holidays
Mid December 2026 to late January 2027
The longest break of the year. Airfares and accommodation peak from mid December through New Year.

FAQs

1. Are all public holidays the same across Australia in 2026?

No. Some are national, but many holidays vary by state or region.

2. Will Anzac Day have a substitute holiday in 2026?

Some states grant a Monday substitution when Anzac Day falls on a weekend. Others do not. Always check local rules.

3. Does every state observe Easter Sunday as a public holiday?

No. It is a public holiday in several states but not universal.

4. What is the biggest long weekend for travel in 2026?

Easter, followed by Christmas and Australia Day.

5. Which state has the largest number of regional public holidays?

Tasmania, due to northern and southern region specific dates.

6. Are substitute holidays applied when Christmas or Boxing Day fall on weekends?

Yes, most states offer substitute Mondays.

7. Which cultural festivals attract the most visitors?

Lunar New Year, Diwali and NAIDOC Week events draw large national crowds.

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