Australian Public Holidays & School Term Dates by State (2025-26)

National Public Holidays (2026)

These 8 public holidays are observed in every state and territory across Australia:

State-Specific Public Holidays

Each state and territory has additional holidays unique to their region. Here are the key ones:

New South Wales (NSW)

• Bank Holiday — first Monday in August (financial sector only)
• Local show days — various dates depending on your area (e.g., Royal Easter Show in Sydney)

Victoria (VIC)

• Melbourne Cup Day — first Tuesday in November (metropolitan Melbourne only)
• AFL Grand Final Friday — Friday before the AFL Grand Final (late September)
• Easter Tuesday — some government employees

Queensland (QLD)

• Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) — Wednesday in August (Brisbane region)
• Queen's Birthday — last Monday of October (not June like other states)

South Australia (SA)

• Adelaide Cup — second Monday of March
• Proclamation Day — last Monday before or on 24 December

Western Australia (WA)

• Western Australia Day — first Monday of June
• King's Birthday — last Monday of September
• Royal Show Day — varies (Perth metro only)

Tasmania (TAS)

• Royal Hobart Regatta — second Monday in February (southern Tasmania)
• Recreation Day — first Monday in November (northern Tasmania)

ACT

• Canberra Day — second Monday in March
• Reconciliation Day — 27 May (or nearest Monday)
• Family & Community Day — Monday before or on 30 September

Northern Territory (NT)

• May Day — first Monday in May
• Picnic Day — first Monday in August
• Show days — various dates by region (Alice Springs, Darwin, etc.)

School Term Dates 2025 (Approximate)

Australian schools operate on a 4-term system. Each term is roughly 10 weeks long with 2-week breaks between them, plus a longer 6-week summer break over December-January. Exact dates vary by state — always check your state's education department website for precise dates.

School Term Dates 2026 (Approximate)

The 2026 school year follows the same pattern. Key dates to note:

State Education Department Links

• NSW: education.nsw.gov.au
• VIC: education.vic.gov.au
• QLD: education.qld.gov.au
• WA: education.wa.edu.au
• SA: education.sa.gov.au
• TAS: education.tas.gov.au

Penalty Rates on Public Holidays

If you work on a public holiday in Australia, you're entitled to penalty rates — higher pay to compensate for working on a day off. This is a significant benefit that many new arrivals aren't aware of.

Typical penalty rates for public holidays:

• Full-time and part-time employees: 200-250% of your normal hourly rate (double time to double time and a half)
• Casual employees: 250-275% of the base rate (including your casual loading)

For example, if your normal rate is $30/hour, working on a public holiday at double time and a half means you'd earn $75/hour. This is why many people in hospitality and retail actively seek shifts on public holidays.

Travel Planning Around Holidays

Understanding the holiday calendar is essential for travel planning in Australia. Here's what you need to know:

When Is Travel Most Expensive?

• School holidays — particularly the 6-week summer break (mid-December to late January) and the 2-week winter break (late June to mid-July). Domestic flights can be 2-3 times more expensive.
• Long weekends — Easter, Anzac Day, and Queen's Birthday weekends see major price surges for accommodation and flights, especially to popular destinations.
• Christmas/New Year — the most expensive time to travel domestically. Many Australians take 2-3 weeks off and travel.

When Is Travel Cheapest?

• During school terms — especially mid-term (February-March, May, August). Tourist spots are quieter and cheaper.
• Shoulder seasons — early May, early September, and late October-early November are great for travel at lower prices.
• Midweek travel — flying Tuesday-Thursday is almost always cheaper than weekend flights.

Cultural Context for Key Holidays

Understanding the cultural significance of Australian holidays helps you feel more connected to your new home.

Anzac Day (25 April)

Anzac Day is one of the most important and solemn days in Australia. It commemorates Australian and New Zealand soldiers (ANZACs) who served in wars and conflicts. Dawn services are held at war memorials across the country, followed by marches. Many Australians play two-up (a coin-tossing game) at pubs in the afternoon. It's a day of remembrance, not celebration.

Australia Day (26 January)

Australia Day marks the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet at Port Jackson in 1788. While many Australians celebrate with BBQs, fireworks, and community events, it's important to know that this day is also known as Invasion Day or Survival Day by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It's a day of mourning for the impacts of colonisation. This is an ongoing national conversation, and being aware of both perspectives is important.

The Democracy Sausage Tradition

On election days (not technically public holidays, but always a Saturday), polling places often hold sausage sizzles — the famous "democracy sausage." Buying a sausage in bread after voting is an unofficial Australian tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many public holidays does Australia have?

Australia has 8 national public holidays per year that apply in every state and territory. Each state and territory then has additional public holidays — typically 1-3 extra days — bringing the total to around 10-13 per year depending on where you live.

Do I get paid extra for working on a public holiday?

Yes. Most employees receive penalty rates for working on public holidays — typically double time or double time and a half (200-250% of your normal rate). Check your award or enterprise agreement for specific rates. Casual employees often receive even higher rates. Visit the Fair Work website for details.

When are school holidays in Australia?

Australian schools have 4 terms per year with holidays in between. The main holiday periods are: December-January (6 weeks summer break), April (2 weeks autumn break), June-July (2 weeks winter break), and September-October (2 weeks spring break). Exact dates vary by state — check your state education department website.

What is Australia Day and is it controversial?

Australia Day is on January 26 and marks the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. It's a national public holiday with celebrations, but it's also a day of mourning for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who refer to it as Invasion Day or Survival Day. The date is an ongoing topic of national discussion. Being aware of both perspectives shows cultural sensitivity.

Why is travel more expensive during school holidays?

Domestic flights, accommodation, and tourist attractions all raise prices during school holidays because demand surges. Families are constrained to these dates, so tourism operators charge premium rates. Booking 6-8 weeks in advance or travelling in the first/last days of school holidays can help reduce costs. Travelling during school terms is the cheapest option if you don't have school-age children.

Disclaimer: Public holiday dates and school term dates are subject to change. Always verify with official state and federal government sources. SettleAU is not affiliated with any government body. Read our First 30 Days in Australia guide for more settling-in information.