Australia Calendar October 2025 – Full List of Festivals & Holidays

Religious Holidays in Australia 2025: Date, Significance, and Celebrations

Top 10 Most Popular Holidays and Festivals in Australia 2025

Australia Calendar in October 2025

October in Australia is a celebration of spring in full bloom. As the southern hemisphere warms up, the entire country becomes a canvas of outdoor events, cultural festivals, beach adventures, wine tastings, Indigenous ceremonies, and family-friendly activities. From Tasmania to the Top End, every state offers something unique in October. With state-specific public holidays, iconic art shows, music festivals, and blooming landscapes, this month is ideal for locals and tourists alike.

National Public Holidays – October 2025

Australia does not have a national public holiday in October, but several state-based holidays shape regional activity.

State & Territory Public Holidays – October 2025

1. Labour Day (ACT, NSW, SA) – Monday, 6 October 2025

• Observed in: Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, South Australia

• Theme: Celebration of workers' rights and the 8-hour workday movement

• Events: Union-led parades, public speeches, family BBQs, and community picnics

2. King’s Birthday (WA) – Monday, 6 October 2025

• Unique to: Western Australia

• Why October? Other states observe this in June; WA adjusts for better seasonal timing

• Celebrations: Government ceremonies, fireworks, and royal-themed events in Perth and regional towns

3. Friday Before AFL Grand Final (VIC) – Likely 3 October 2025

• Observed in: Victoria

• Why it matters: Unofficial "festival day" for AFL fans leading into the Grand Final weekend

• Culture: Street parties, AFL Fan Zone in Melbourne, merchandise stalls, themed events in schools and businesses

Major Festivals & Events in October 2025

Floriade – Canberra, ACT

• Dates: 14 September – 13 October 2025

• What it is: Australia's largest flower festival

• Activities:

  • One million+ blooming tulips and annuals

  • NightFest (live music, light shows, twilight markets)

  • Floral-themed workshops and garden displays

Sculpture by the Sea – Bondi, NSW

• Dates: 17 October – 3 November 2025 (tentative)

• Highlights:

  • World’s largest free-to-the-public outdoor sculpture exhibition

  • Follows the scenic coastal walk from Bondi to Tamarama

  • Interactive installations, kids’ programs, artist meet-and-greets

Melbourne International Arts Festival – VIC

• Dates: 10–26 October 2025

• Overview:

  • Dance, music, theatre, circus, film, and new media

  • Cultural hubs: Arts Centre Melbourne, Federation Square, ACMI

  • Street performances, fringe events, and First Nations art showcases

Good Food & Wine Show – Brisbane, QLD

• Dates: 25–26 October 2025 (tentative)

• What's on:

  • Cooking demos by celebrity chefs

  • Boutique wine tastings and cheese pairings

  • Food trucks and market-style stalls

Margaret River Region Open Studios – WA

• Dates: 4–20 October 2025

• Experience:

  • 150+ local artists open their home studios to visitors

  • Focus on painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography

  • Self-guided art trail across coastal and rural WA

Adelaide Film Festival – SA

• Dates: 15–25 October 2025

• Known For:

  • Premieres of Australian and international films

  • Spotlight on Indigenous storytelling and female directors

  • Panels, filmmaker Q&As, and industry networking

Byron Bay International Film Festival – NSW

• Dates: 18–27 October 2025 (expected)

• Focus:

  • Spirituality, sustainability, surf culture, and new voices

  • Live music, coastal screenings, filmmaker lounges

Around the Bay Bike Ride – Melbourne, VIC

• Date: Sunday, 12 October 2025

• Australia’s largest mass participation bike ride

• Routes: 20km family ride up to 300km loop around Port Phillip Bay

• Raises funds for children’s charities

Cultural, Indigenous & Awareness Observances

Mental Health Week – 5–13 October 2025

• National campaign led by Beyond Blue, Headspace, and Lifeline

• Includes school programs, open mic events, mental fitness workshops

National Carers Week – 12–18 October 2025

• Recognises 2.65 million unpaid carers

• Activities include awards, storytelling campaigns, and workplace awareness days

Children’s Week – Begins 18 October 2025

• Rights-based events in parks, schools, libraries, and child care centres

• Focus: Creativity, safety, inclusion, and play

NAIDOC Local Events (some extended into October)

• While NAIDOC Week is in July, many regional communities host events through October

• Celebrations include bush tucker feasts, traditional dance, art exhibits, and local cultural heritage walks

School Holidays – October 2025 (Spring Breaks)

Travel Tips & Tourism Insights

Weather in October

• General: Sunny, 16–28°C range across most cities

• Northern Australia: Start of the tropical build-up; prepare for humidity

• Southern Australia: Crisp spring mornings and lush green countryside

Top Places to Visit

• Canberra – Floriade and national museums

• Sydney – Sculpture by the Sea and beach hikes

• Melbourne – Arts Festival + AFL Grand Final aftermath

• Barossa & Yarra Valley – Grape harvest, winery tours

• Tropical North QLD – Great Barrier Reef before summer monsoons

Events That Drive Tourism

• Long weekend getaways from Sydney, Adelaide, Perth

• Domestic travel spikes around Labour Day

• Regional festivals bring attention to small towns and local artists

FAQs – Australia October 2025 Holidays & Events

Q1: Is there a national holiday in October in Australia?

No, but several states observe public holidays such as Labour Day and the King’s Birthday.

Q2: What is the weather like in Australia in October?

Generally warm and sunny. Spring blooms are at their peak. Great for travel.

Q3: What is the most popular event in Australia in October?

Floriade in Canberra draws over 400,000 visitors each year.

Q4: When is the AFL Grand Final holiday in Victoria?

The Friday before the AFL Grand Final—likely 3 October 2025.

Q5: Are there school holidays in Australia in October?

Yes. Most states have spring breaks lasting 1–2 weeks during early October.

Q6: Is October a good time to visit Australia?

Absolutely. It’s warm but not too hot, and major events happen nationwide.

Q7: Which festivals in October are family-friendly?

Floriade, Children’s Week activities, Around the Bay Bike Ride, and Good Food & Wine Show.

Q8: What cultural events celebrate Indigenous heritage in October?

NAIDOC-inspired community events, Aboriginal art exhibitions, and bush food tours across regional areas.

Conclusion

October 2025 in Australia is a vibrant, colorful, and energetic month. With public holidays in select states, nationwide festivals, blooming gardens, and arts flourishing in urban and regional spaces, the month offers something for everyone—from foodies and families to art lovers and adventurers.

It’s the perfect time to take advantage of spring’s beauty, Australia's cultural depth, and a packed event calendar. Whether you're booking a long weekend escape or planning an interstate road trip, October promises unforgettable experiences across the country.

Plan early, stay flexible, and soak in the spirit of Australian spring.

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