Trips & Travel Holidays in Australia

Royal Hobart Regatta – February 14th

Entrepreneurs doing business with companies from Tasmania should know about the Royal Hobart Regatta. It is the oldest sporting event in Tasmania, taking place over the weekend and ending on the second Monday of each February. Royal Hobart Regatta commemorates the founding of the isle by the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman. During the regatta, people can enjoy water sports, e.g., swimming, rowing, and yachting. Moreover, they can participate in competitions, enjoy delicious food, and watch fireworks.

One should keep in mind that Monday is a public holiday for the southern and eastern regions of Tasmania, meaning it is a day free of work for people in those areas.

Labor Day

Western Australia – March 7th
Victoria, Tasmania – March 14th
Queensland, Northern Territory – May 2nd
Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, South Australia – October 3rd

As in many other countries, Labor Day in Australia is a public holiday meant to celebrate implementing the eight-hour working day. However, as one can see above, its dates vary depending on the state and territory. Citizens enjoy their day off and spend it resting or meeting with their family and friends. Some people participate in marches organized in major Australian cities.

Canberra Day – March 14th

Canberra Day is a public day celebrated only in the Australian Capital Territory. It falls on the second Monday of March every year. The holiday commemorates the founding of the city Canberra in 1913, which is the capital of Australia. Most regional businesses, schools, and other institutions are closed on this day, as it is a day off for the general population. Canberra Day is known to be one of the Canberra Festival’s highlights. During the festival, people celebrate their city’s charm and diversity by enjoying sporting events, music, films, theatre, exhibitions, and other forms of activities.​

Easter – April 15th – 18th

Easter in Australia begins on Good Friday (April 15th ), which is a national holiday starting the four-day lasting break. While some businesses may be open on Good Friday, others will be closed. Around this time, many people go on vacation, e.g., to visit their family and friends. This day is also a start for various events and activities in different states. In Tasmania begins the Three Peaks Race, while Sydney holds the Easter Racing
Carnival.

Please note that the day following Good Friday, falling on April 16th, is also a national holiday, but excluding Tasmania and Western Australia. Furthermore, in Tasmania, celebrations of Easter feature Easter Tuesday. Thus, in this state, many people won’t work on April 19th.

Anzac Day – April 25th

Anzac Day is a national holiday celebrated to commemorate those who served and died in the Gallipoli Campaign. The word “ANZAC” means Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. On this day, there are Commemorative services held at dawn. Later, people participate in marches through the Australian cities. On Anzac Day majority of institutions and businesses are closed.

Reconciliation Day – May 30th

Reconciliation Day is a public holiday only in the Australian Capital Territory. It marks the beginning of National Reconciliation Week. The day is dedicated to learning more about national history through attending diverse activities and enjoying special performances. Reconciliation Day is always held on the first Monday after or on May 27th. In it will be celebrated on May 30th.

Western Australia Day – June 6th

Western Australia Day, as its name indicates, is a public holiday in Western Australia. It falls on the first Monday of June each year. This day is celebrated to commemorate the founding of the Swain River Colony in 1829. Western Australia Day is about discovering Aboriginal history and the meaning of being Australian.



Queen’s Birthday – June 13th

The following national holiday, celebrated in the majority of Australian states and territories, is Queen’s Birthday. However, it is held on different dates in Queensland (October 3rd) and Western Australia (September 26th). Because the celebrations mostly fall on the second Monday of June, many Australians get a longer, three-day weekend. Thus, they often choose to spend it with their families and friends, get some rest from work and school, and attend various events.

Christmas – December 25th – 28th

Christmas in Australia is celebrated nationwide, like in most other countries in the world. During this time, families gather to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, enjoy their meal together, and exchange gifts. Many families attend a Christmas Day church service. What may be unusual for people coming to Australia from the Northern Hemisphere is that Christmas time in this country starts not long after the summer break begins. Thus, one can see both summer and Christmas atmospheres colliding at the same time.​