Public Holidays in Australia 2025: Full List, Dates, and Significance
Discover Australia’s public holidays for 2025, including national and state-specific dates. Plan your year with this comprehensive guide.
Updated : 7 hours ago
Public Holidays in Australia 2025: Your Complete Guide
Australia’s public holidays include national celebrations and state-specific days. In 2025, enjoy a mix of fixed and variable dates, with some holidays shifted for long weekends. Below is the national list, with notes on state variations.
National Public Holidays in Australia 2025
| Holiday | Date | Day | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1, 2025 | Wednesday | Welcomes the new year with celebrations. |
| Australia Day | January 27, 2025 | Monday | Marks the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet (substitute for January 26). |
| Good Friday | April 18, 2025 | Friday | Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. |
| Easter Monday | April 21, 2025 | Monday | Follows Easter Sunday with relaxation. |
| Anzac Day | April 25, 2025 | Friday | Honors military service with dawn services and marches. |
| King’s Birthday | June 9, 2025 | Monday | Celebrates the monarch’s birthday (varies by state; NSW date shown). |
| Christmas Day | December 25, 2025 | Thursday | Celebrates Jesus Christ’s birth with summer festivities. |
| Boxing Day | December 26, 2025 | Friday | Post-Christmas relaxation and sports events. |
| Holiday | State/Territory | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Day | Western Australia | Monday, March 3 |
| Labour Day | Victoria & Tasmania | Monday, March 10 |
| Labour Day | Queensland & NT | Monday, May 5 |
| Labour Day | ACT, NSW & SA | Monday, October 6 |
| Queen’s Birthday | Except WA & QLD | Monday, June 9 |
| Melbourne Cup Day | Victoria | Tuesday, November 4 |
Best Long Weekend Opportunities in 2025
With strategic planning, you can maximize your days off by taking advantage of these long weekends:
Australia Day Weekend: With January 27 (Monday) being a public holiday, it’s a great time for a summer getaway.
Easter Weekend: The Easter long weekend from April 18-21 provides a four-day break.
ANZAC Day Weekend: April 25 falls on a Friday, creating a natural long weekend.
Christmas & Boxing Day: December 25-26 (Thursday & Friday) means a built-in four-day weekend.
Travel & Leisure Tips for Public Holidays
Book Early: Flights, accommodation, and activities tend to fill up quickly around public holidays.
Explore Hidden Gems: Consider less crowded destinations like Kangaroo Island, Tasmania’s east coast, or the Whitsundays.
Maximize Annual Leave: By strategically using leave days around holidays, you can create even longer breaks.
Check Local Events: Many cities hold special festivals, parades, and cultural events during public holidays.
FAQs About Public Holidays in Australia 2025
When is Anzac Day 2025?
Anzac Day is on April 25, 2025, a Friday.
Which holidays offer long weekends?
Australia Day (Monday), Anzac Day (Friday), and Boxing Day (Friday) create long weekends.
More Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How many public holidays are there in Australia in 2025?
Australia has several national public holidays, and each state and territory may have additional holidays. The exact number varies depending on your location.
2. Is ANZAC Day a public holiday in all states?
Yes, ANZAC Day (April 25) is a public holiday nationwide, though trading restrictions may vary by state.
3. Does every state observe the Queen’s Birthday?
No, Western Australia and Queensland do not observe the Queen’s Birthday on the same date as other states. WA celebrates it on a different day, and QLD has its own date.
4. Do public holidays affect public transport schedules?
Yes, public transport services may run on a reduced or altered schedule on public holidays. It's best to check with local transport authorities.
5. Are shops open on public holidays in Australia?
Retail opening hours vary by state and type of business. Some states have trading restrictions on certain holidays like Good Friday and ANZAC Day morning.
6. Can employees be required to work on public holidays?
Employers can request employees to work on public holidays, but workers have the right to refuse under reasonable grounds, depending on their industry and employment agreement.
7. How can I maximize my annual leave using public holidays?
Strategically planning leave days around public holidays, especially long weekends, can extend your time off significantly. Check the calendar to find the best opportunities.
8. Is Melbourne Cup Day a public holiday for all of Victoria?
No, Melbourne Cup Day (November 4) is a public holiday in metropolitan Melbourne and some regional areas, but not all of Victoria.
9. Are there different school holiday dates across Australia?
Yes, school holiday dates differ between states and territories. It’s best to check your local education department’s website for exact dates.
10. Are there penalties for working on public holidays?
Many industries provide penalty rates for employees working on public holidays. The exact rate depends on industry awards and workplace agreements.
onclusion and Call to Action:
Public holidays are a great opportunity to recharge and explore. With so many great long weekend opportunities available in 2025, now is the time to start planning your getaways, staycations, or quality time with loved ones. Which holiday are you most excited about? Share your travel plans or suggestions in the comments below!
