2025 Holidays - Australia

Australia Public Holiday Observance Rules

1. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Weekend

- If a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, a substitute holiday is usually observed on the following Monday.

- However, this depends on the state or territory, as holiday observance rules vary across Australia.

2. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Saturday

- In most states, the holiday is observed on the following Monday.

- Some states, such as Victoria and New South Wales, may allow businesses to remain open on the actual holiday (Saturday), while still observing a replacement day on Monday.

3. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Sunday

- The holiday is typically observed on Monday as a replacement.

- In some states, like Western Australia, additional replacement holidays may be granted on Tuesday if required.

4. Bridge Holidays (Long Weekends)

- Australia does not have an automatic system of bridge holidays.

- However, many public holidays are scheduled on Mondays, creating built-in long weekends (e.g., Labour Day, Queen’s Birthday).

- Some employers and schools may allow an extra day off to extend weekends around major holidays, such as Christmas or Easter.

5. Special Cases for Public Holidays

- Australia Day (January 26th): If it falls on a weekend, the public holiday is moved to Monday.

- Easter Holidays: Australia observes Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday as public holidays. Some states also observe Easter Saturday.

- Anzac Day (April 25th): In some states (such as WA and QLD), a replacement holiday is granted when Anzac Day falls on a weekend.

- Melbourne Cup Day (Victoria only): A public holiday in Victoria, but only in metropolitan areas; regional areas may have a substitute local holiday.

6. Additional Notes

- Public holidays vary by state and territory; each state has its own set of additional holidays.

- The federal government announces national holidays, but states determine their own public holiday replacements when holidays fall on weekends.

- Employees who work on public holidays are often entitled to penalty rates (higher wages or extra leave in lieu), depending on employment agreements.