Australia celebrates various holidays for each state. Some holidays may be the same but are celebrated on different dates, such as the Queen’s Birthday and Labour Day. Below you can find the celebrated Public Holidays in Australia:

Saturday, 1 January 2011: New Year’s Day
Monday, 3 January 2011: Substitute for New Year’s Day

Australia is one of the first countries to celebrate New Year’s Day because of the country’s geographical location which is near to the International Date Line. Like several countries, the New Year’s Eve is celebrated with fireworks. On New Year’s, most of the shops are closed, and public transport may be limited.

Wednesday, 26 January 2011: Australia Day

This date marks the day of the first settlement establishment at Port Jackson (which is now part of Sydney). In some areas like Lake Burley Griffin, fireworks are used to celebrate the day. Awards for the “Australian of the Year” are given to Australians who made great contributions to their country. Public transports are limited and some stores are open but the opening hours may be limited.

Monday, 14 February 2011: Royal Hobart Regatta
(TAS Only – All parts of Tasmania south of and including Oatlands and Swansea excluding Bronte Park Catagunya, Strathgordon, Tarraleah, Wayatinah and the West Coast)

This day is celebrated in Hobart, Tasmania which includes various aquatic sport competitions like swimming, rowing, sailing, jet ski, dragon boat racing and others. This event is held for three days and held at the “Regatta Ground” where the Hobart Cenotaph (a commemorative military monument for Tasmania) is also located.

Monday, 7 March 2011: Labor Day (WA Only)
Monday, 14 March 2011: Labor Day (VIC Only)

The date for Labor (Labour) Day in Australia varies for each state. In March, only the states of Western Australia and Victoria celebrate this day in honor of the “eight hour day” movement. Other states celebrate it on other months. The “Eight Hour Day” movement refers to advocating 8 hours of work, recreation and rest. This day was inspired by the workers of Australia. Around 1856, the workers protested and marched from the University of Melbourne to the Parliament house achieving an 8 hour day which marked the first workers in the world to achieve an 8 hour day without the loss of pay.

Monday, 14 March 2011: Adelaide Cup Day (SA Only)

This marks the horse racing event in South Australia and is considered one of the biggest social events in Adelaide gathering horse enthusiasts and social life. People participate in horse betting while some are dressed with their best outfits and may be chosen to take part in fashion shows. Others consider taking a little vacation or camping trip to other states in Australia.

Monday, 14 March 2011: Canberra Day (ACT Only)

This public holiday commemorates the founding of Canberra in 1913. This holiday is also marked as one of the major festivals celebrated by the Canberra people focused on celebrating the beauty and the diverse cultures in Canberra. There are exhibits, sport events, music, dance, theater and a Celebration in the Park. Here, the “Canberra Citizen of the Year” award is given to those who deserve the honor.

Monday, 14 March 2011: Eight Hours Day (TAS Only)

Labour Day in Tasmania, though in this territory, it is called the “Eight Hours Day”. On this day, people relax and spend time with their family or go to a getaway trip for relaxation.

Friday, 22 April 2011: Good Friday
Saturday, 23 April 2011: Easter Saturday
Sunday, 24 April 2011: Easter Sunday
Monday, 25 April 2011: Easter Monday

These public holidays mark the days of the Christian Holy Week where it is observed by many Christians in Australia. Good Friday represents the day of the Jesus Christ’s death, Saturday is the time between Jesus Christ’s Death and Resurrection while on Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus, Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday. People usually celebrate these dates with family and friends, while other Christians observe religious activities. People also enjoy Easter Racing Carnivals on Easter Sunday while other events like major football fixtures and horse races are held on Easter Monday.

Monday, 25 April 2011: ANZAC Day

ANZAC refers to “Australian and New Zealand Army Corps” which celebrates the anniversary of the landing troops from Australia and New Zealand on Turkey in World War I in 1915. This day commemorates the bravery of the military who are involved in the campaign, also in remembrance of those who died on that day.

Tuesday, 26 April 2011: Substitute for Easter Monday

Since the day of Easter Monday and ANZAC Day fall on the same date, Easter Monday is moved on Tuesday – creating a five-day Easter Weekend.

Monday, 2 May 2011: Labour Day (QLD Only)
Monday, 2 May 2011: May Day (NT Only)

Labour days for Queensland and Northern Territory.

Monday, 6 June 2011: Foundation Day (WA Only)

This public holiday commemorates the establishment of the first permanent British colony in Western Australia.

Monday, 13 June 2011: Queen’s Birthday

Since Australia is one of the members of the Commonwealth of Nations, they celebrate the birthday of the official head of state who is the Monarch of the Realms. Currently, it is Queen Elizabeth II. Even though her birthday is on April 21, her birthday is celebrated on different dates in different countries that are members of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Monday, 1 August 2011: NSW Bank Holiday
(Only for banks and certain financial institutions)

This is a public holiday for all banks in New South Wales where all banks are required to be closed on this day as stated under the Banks and Bank Holidays Act 1912. There may be some restaurants and business that may be closed on this day, and some employees may take the day off. In some, embassies and consulates may also be closed.

Monday, 1 August 2011: Picnic Day (NT Only)

This public holiday is observed in Australia’s Northern Territory which provides an extra day of rest as part of a long weekend. On this day, people celebrate with Sporting events such as baseball and Harts Range Annual races. In addition, some people also visit Adelaide River for a picnic which include games and activities with food and refreshments served.

Wednesday, 17 August 2011: Royal National Agricultural Show Day Queensland (Brisbane Area Only)

This public holiday, RNA Day, is also known as the “Royal Queensland Show holiday”, “Ekka holiday” or the “Exhibition holiday”. Although this holiday is celebrated throughout the week, only one day is allotted for a public holiday. Here, people can find various fireworks displays, amusement rides, games, competitions and other fun attractions including a show bag pavilion and a grand parade.

Monday, 3 October 2011: Labour Day (NSW, SA, ACT Only)

Labour day for New South Wales, South Australia and Australian Capital Teritorry in commemoration of the contribution of Australian workers to the country.

Monday, 10 October 2011: Family & Community Day (ACT Only)

This day is a public holiday in Australian Capital Teritorry where people can enjoy their days off with their families. People celebrate it with sporting and leisure activities.

Tuesday, 1 November: Melbourne Cup Day

This public holiday is Australia’s most well-known horse racing event which is held at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Victoria. People in Victoria, Australia take the day off. Women dress up in their best clothes to participate in fashion parades.

Monday, 7 November: Recreation Day
(TAS Only – All parts of Tasmania in which a statutory holiday is not observed for the Royal Hobart Regatta)

Some cities and town in Tasmania observe this holiday like Launceston. People can take the day off to play or watch sports such as football. Libraries are open for students who want to study for exams.

Sunday, 25 December 2011: Christmas Day

This marks the birth of Jesus Christ for Christians. Even those who are not Christian often decorated their houses and give gifts on this holiday. Many stores are closed on this day and public transportation is limited.

Monday, 26 December 2011: Boxing Day (Except SA)

This holiday is widely celebrated throughout Australia except the state of South Australia, which celebrates Proclamation Day in its place. There are many sports events that happen on this day which include cricket games and the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, also known as “Bluewater Classic”.

Monday, 26 December 2011: Substitute for Christmas Day

Since Christmas Day falls on a Sunday, the public holiday is moved on Monday as a substitute.

Tuesday, 27 December 2011: Proclamation Day (SA)

The state of South Australia celebrates this holiday instead of the Boxing Day holiday.

Tuesday, 27 December 2011: Substitute for Boxing Day (Except SA)

Since Boxing Day falls on the Monday when Christmas Day Holiday is celebrated as a substitute, the Boxing Day for 2011 is moved to Tuesday.

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