Australia is known for its diverse cultural and historical heritage, reflected in its public holiday calendar. For businesses operating in Australia, it’s essential to understand these holidays to ensure compliance with labor laws, manage employee leave, and maintain seamless business operations.
Key Public Holidays in Australia for 2025
Below is a comprehensive list of the major public holidays observed nationwide in Australia for 2025. These holidays mark national pride, historical moments, and a range of religious and cultural celebrations.
Date | Holiday | Description |
|---|---|---|
January 1 | New Year’s Day | Marks the start of the year with fireworks, parties, and gatherings. Many Australians spend the day outdoors, enjoying the summer. |
January 26 | Australia Day | Commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. The day is celebrated with citizenship ceremonies, parades, and festivities. It is also a day of reflection for Indigenous Australians. |
March 28 | Good Friday | A significant Christian holiday reflecting on the crucifixion of Jesus. It is a day of religious observance, with many attending church services. |
March 29 | Holy Saturday | A day of preparation and reflection before Easter Sunday. Often observed with family meals and Easter preparations. |
March 31 | Easter Monday | The day following Easter Sunday, celebrated with family activities, community events, and outdoor gatherings. |
April 25 | Anzac Day | A solemn day of remembrance for Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in wars. It features dawn services, military parades, and a national minute of silence at 11 am. |
June 9 | Queen’s Birthday | Celebrated on varying dates across Australia, it honors the official birthday of the reigning King or Queen. This holiday is marked with ceremonies, sporting events, and local festivities. |
December 25 | Christmas Day | A major Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus. Australians gather for family meals, gift exchanges, and traditional Christmas celebrations. |
December 26 | Boxing Day | Known for Boxing Day sales, major sporting events like cricket and yacht races, and post-Christmas relaxation. |
Regional Holidays
Australia’s public holiday calendar also includes region-specific holidays that honor local history, community events, and diverse traditions. Employers should take note of these to manage operations efficiently.
Date | Holiday | State/Territory | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
March 11 | Canberra Day | Australian Capital Territory | Celebrates the founding of Canberra with family-friendly events and festivals. |
March 11 | Adelaide Cup Day | South Australia | A public holiday celebrating a major horse racing event. Many locals spend the day at the races. |
March 4 | Labour Day | Western Australia | Marks the labor movement’s achievements with parades and various community activities. |
October 7 | Labour Day | New South Wales, ACT, South Australia | Celebrates workers’ rights, emphasizing the importance of fair labor conditions. |
November 5 | Melbourne Cup Day | Victoria | Known as “the race that stops the nation,” this day is celebrated with horse racing events, parties, and fashion competitions. |
June 3 | Mabo Day | Torres Strait Islands | Recognizes the Mabo Decision of 1992, a landmark case that acknowledged Indigenous land rights, celebrated with cultural events and community gatherings. |
Additional Holidays and Observances
Apart from official public holidays, Australia observes several cultural and seasonal events that, while not public holidays, are important for business considerations and social life.
Date | Holiday/Observance | Description |
|---|---|---|
February 14 | Valentine’s Day | Widely celebrated, especially by couples, with dining, gifts, and romantic gestures. |
March 8 | International Women’s Day | A global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. |
October 31 | Halloween | Though not traditionally Australian, Halloween’s popularity is growing, with costumes, parties, and trick-or-treating. |
November 11 | Remembrance Day | Commemorates those who served in the military, with a national minute of silence at 11 am. |
December | School Holidays | December marks the beginning of school holidays, leading to family vacations and increased domestic travel. |
Public Holidays by State/Territory Breakdown
Each state and territory has its own set of holidays in addition to national observances. Below is a brief overview:
New South Wales (NSW): Known for Australia Day, Anzac Day, and Labour Day celebrations, NSW also observes regional holidays like Bank Holiday (first Monday in August), a unique observance for banking institutions.
Victoria (VIC): Famous for the Melbourne Cup Day in November, a significant cultural event in Victoria. Labour Day is celebrated in March.
Queensland (QLD): Notable for the Royal Queensland Show Day (Ekka) in August, a regional holiday dedicated to agricultural exhibitions.
South Australia (SA): Features Adelaide Cup Day in March, highlighting South Australia’s horse racing culture.
Western Australia (WA): Has a unique Labour Day celebrated in early March, and WA Day in June, reflecting the state’s distinct identity.
Tasmania (TAS): Celebrates Eight Hours Day in March, emphasizing workers’ rights, and has unique regional holidays like Royal Hobart Regatta.
Northern Territory (NT): Observes Picnic Day in August, a day dedicated to relaxation and leisure, distinct to the Northern Territory.
Employer Considerations for Managing Public Holidays in Australia
National vs. Regional Holidays
Understanding both national and state-specific holidays is crucial for employers. Australia’s labor laws stipulate that employees in each state are entitled to public holidays observed in their region. Businesses must ensure they adapt to the varying dates to meet compliance and manage employee expectations effectively.
Managing Public Holidays with EOR/PEO Services
Employing EOR/PEO services can streamline managing diverse holidays for businesses without a local presence. These organizations:
Ensure Compliance: EOR/PEO services help businesses navigate Australia’s complex public holiday landscape, ensuring adherence to local labor laws.
Manage Payroll: They handle payroll adjustments related to holiday pay and ensure accurate processing based on regional requirements.
Handle Leave Entitlements: Assistance with leave policies, keeping track of national and regional holidays, and managing employee leave requests.
Holiday Pay and Compliance
Australian employment regulations mandate that public holidays are paid days off for eligible employees. Businesses must be diligent in their compliance:
Paid Leave: Employees are entitled to time off with pay on public holidays unless required to work.
Holiday Penalty Rates: Employees working on a public holiday may receive additional pay, often at a rate of 1.5x to 2.5x, depending on state laws and employment contracts.
Substitute Holidays: In some cases, if a public holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute holiday may be given on the next working day.
Productivity and Holiday Planning
Public holidays can impact productivity, particularly during major holidays like Christmas and the New Year. Businesses should adopt proactive strategies:
Flexible Work Arrangements: Utilize flexible hours or remote work to accommodate different holiday schedules.
Clear Communication: Provide employees with a comprehensive holiday calendar at the start of the year to manage expectations.
Project Planning: Align project timelines to avoid critical deadlines around key public holidays and peak holiday seasons.
Business Continuity: Implement contingency plans for operational coverage during extended public holidays.
Final Thoughts
Australia’s public holiday calendar is diverse, reflecting the nation’s rich culture and historical legacy. Employers must navigate these holidays carefully, balancing employee satisfaction with business needs. By understanding and preparing for the public holiday schedule, businesses can maintain productivity, comply with labor regulations, and foster a positive work environment. Proper holiday planning also ensures that businesses meet cultural expectations and minimize potential disruptions to operations, enhancing overall efficiency.
GlobainePEO – Your Trusted Partner
At GlobainePEO, we help employers navigate the complexities of managing public holidays in Australia. From ensuring compliance with provincial laws to managing holiday schedules, we provide the support your business needs to thrive. Let us handle your workforce management while you focus on growing your business.