Like other countries, Australia has many major holidays throughout the year. In addition to national holidays, each state in Australia has its own set of public holidays.
During these holidays, government agencies, companies, and businesses will be closed, except for supermarkets or some restaurants. Australian citizens will also be entitled to paid time off on these days. However, those who have to work will receive 1.5 or 2 times their regular pay.
New Year’s Day in Australia
Just like in other countries, January 1st, or New Year’s Day, is a major holiday in Australia. Australians are allowed to take one day off to celebrate this important event. If January 1st falls on a weekend, Australians will have a makeup day off on the following day.
Holiday Name: New Year’s Day
Holiday Date: 1/1/2023
Number of Days Off: 1 day
The National Day of Australia
The National Day, also known as Australia Day, is an important national holiday in Australia. This holiday takes place on January 26th each year and commemorates the establishment of the first permanent European settlement on the continent of Australia.
Although there is still controversy surrounding this holiday, Australians still have the day off and participate in a variety of events that are considered the biggest of the year. In Sydney, people gather at Sydney Harbour to watch an impressive fireworks display.
Holiday Name: The National Day
Holiday Date: 26/1/2023
Number of Days Off: 1 day
Easter Day in Australia
Easter Day is a traditional holiday in Western countries. In Australia, Easter Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. As a result, Australians will have a four-day holiday, including Friday and a makeup day off on Monday.
Today, Easter Day in Australia is usually reserved for children, similar to the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam. Therefore, this is an occasion for children to enjoy various activities such as receiving cake gifts and participating in chocolate egg hunts. Adults go to church to sing hymns and families and friends gather to eat and drink.
Holiday Name: Easter Day
Holiday Date: 9/4/2023
Number of Days Off: 4 days
Anzac Day in Australia
ANZAC stands for Australia and New Zealand Army Corps. Anzac Day is a national holiday to commemorate the alliance of Australia and New Zealand during World War I and to remember those who sacrificed their lives in the war.
Currently, all cities and towns in Australia have ANZAC memorials to commemorate those who died in the war. Therefore, on Anzac Day (April 25), ceremonies, parades, and meetings of former and current soldiers are held.
The special thing is that Anzac Day is the only day when people are legally allowed to play the game of “Two Up” in Australia.
Holiday Name: Anzac Day
Holiday Date: 25/4/2023
Number of Days Off: 1 day
Queen’s birthday
Queen Elizabeth II was once the head of state of Australia and six other self-governing countries in the Commonwealth, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, and Ceylon. Therefore, the queen’s birthday is also considered a major holiday in Australia.
On the surface, this is a day to commemorate the monarchy of the United Kingdom in Australia, and the holiday will depend on each state. Specifically, the holiday schedule in 2023 is as follows:
Western Australia (WA): Last Monday in September (25/9/2023)
Queensland: First Monday in October (2/10/2023)
Other states: First Monday in June (5/6/2023)
Labor Day in Australia
Labor Day in Australia is also known as May Day in Queensland and the Northern Territory, or Eight Hours Day in Tasmania. This is a holiday to celebrate the success of the 8-hour workday movement for Australian workers.
Labor Day in Australia is celebrated on Monday, so Australians will have a three-day holiday. However, the holiday schedule will be determined by each state. Specifically, the holiday schedule for Labor Day in 2023 is as follows:
New South Wales (NSW), South Australia (SA), and Australian Capital Territory (ACT): The first Monday of October (10/2/2023)
QLD and NT: The first Monday of May (5/1/2023)
WA: The first Monday of March (3/6/2023)
TAS and VIC: The second Monday of March (3/13/2023)
Christmas holiday
Christmas is one of the longest holidays in Australia. Usually, Christmas Day falls on December 25th every year. However, Australians typically begin their holiday break in mid-December and return to work in early January.
Name of holiday: Christmas Day
Holiday date: 12/25/2023
Number of Days Off: 1 day
Boxing Day holiday
Following Christmas Day is Boxing Day. This is a time for exchanging meaningful Christmas box gifts. On this day, people often visit friends and family and have a BBQ on the beach.
Name of holiday: Boxing Day
Holiday date: 12/26/2023
Number of Days Off: 1 day
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