Australians hold certain days each year as special days of national meaning. We may recognise the day with a holiday for everyone or we can celebrate the day as a nation with special events.
Most states and territories observe some of the public holidays on the same date. They have others on different dates or have some days that only their state or territory celebrates.
In larger cities, most shops, restaurants and public transport continue to operate on public holidays. In smaller towns, most shops and restaurants close.
Christmas and Easter are two of the main public holidays. Some other important national dates are:
Australia Day
Australia Day, January 26, is the biggest day of celebration in the country and is observed as a public holiday in all states and territories. It is the day we as a people and place celebrate our nationhood.
On Australia Day we come together as a nation to celebrate what's great about Australia and being Australian. It's the day to reflect on what we have achieved and what we can be proud of in our great nation.
Anzac Day
Anzac Day is on April 25 the day the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landed at Gallipoli in Turkey in 1915 during World War 1.
This day is set apart to hold dear the memory of those who fought for our nation and those who lost their life to war. The day is a public holiday. We remember with ceremonies, wreath laying and military parades.
Melbourne Cup Day
Melbourne Cup Day happens on the first Tuesday of November each year. The cup is a world famous horse race.
Most people whether at work, school or home, stop and watch the race on television. It is a public holiday in metropolitan Melbourne. In other places and mainly in the workplace, many people have a lunch or party to celebrate Melbourne Cup.
2009
| January | March |
| New Year's Day - Thursday, January 1 | Labour Day (WA) - Monday, March 2 |
| Australia Day - Monday, January 26 | Labour Day (VIC) - Monday, March 9 |
| Eight Hour Day (TAS) - Monday, March 9 | |
| April | May |
| Good Friday - Friday, Apr 10 | Labour Day (QLD) – Monday, May 4 |
| Easter Sunday - Sunday, Apr 12 | May Day (NT) – Monday, May 4 |
| Easter Monday - Monday, Apr 13 | |
| Anzac Day - Wednesday, April 25 | |
| June | August |
| Foundation Day (WA) - Monday, June 1 | Bank Holiday (NSW) - Monday, August 3 |
|
Queen's Birthday Holiday - Monday, June
8, (All States except WA) |
|
| September | October |
|
Australian National Flag Day- Thursday,
September 3 (not a Public Holiday) |
Labour Day (NSW, ACT & SA) - Monday, October 5 |
| Queen's Birthday (WA) - Monday, September 28 | |
| November | December |
|
Melbourne Cup
Day (Melbourne Metropolitan
only) - Tuesday, November 3 |
Christmas Day - Friday, December 25 |
| Boxing Day - Wednesday, December 26 | |
School Term 2009
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | New South Wales (NSW) |
|
1st Term: Jan 30 - Apr 9 2nd Term: Apr 28 – Jul 3 3rd Term: Jul 20 - Sep 25 4th Term: Oct 12 - Dec 18 (resumes Jan 28, 2010) |
1st Term: Jan 27 - Apr 9 2nd Term: Apr 28 - Jul 10 3rd Term: Jul 27 - Oct 2 4th Term: Oct 19 - Dec 18 (resumes Jan 27, 2010) |
| Northern Territory (NT) | Queensland (QLD) |
|
1st Term: Jan 28 - Apr 3 2nd Term: Apr 14 - Jun 19 3rd Term: Jul 20 - Sep 25 4th Term: Oct 5 - Dec 11 (resumes Jan 25, 2010) |
1st Term: Jan 27 - Apr 9 2nd Term: Apr 21 - Jun 26 3rd Term: Jul 14 – Sep 18 4th Term: Oct 5 - Dec 11 (resumes Jan 27, 2010) |
| South Australia (SA) | Tasmania (TAS) |
|
1st Term: Jan 27 - Apr 9 2nd Term: Apr 27 - Jul 3 3rd Term: Jul 20 - Sep 25 4th Term: Oct 12 - Dec 11 (resumes Jan 27, 2010) |
1st Term: Feb 12 - May 29 2nd Term: Jun 15 - Sep 4 3rd Term: Sep 21 - Dec 17 (resumes - not yet finalised) |
| Victoria (VIC) | Western Australia (WA) |
|
1st Term: Jan 28 - Apr 3 2nd Term: Apr 20 - Jun 26 3rd Term: Jul 13 - Sep 18 4th Term: Oct 5 - Dec 18 (resumes Jan 27, 2010) |
1st Term: Jan 28 - Apr 3 2nd Term: Apr 20 - Jun 26 3rd Term: Jul 13 - Sep 18 4th Term: Oct 5 - Dec 18 (resumes Jan 27, 2010) |
