Australia is a country that is known for its diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and unique wildlife. It is also a country that celebrates a wide range of holidays throughout the year. In this blog post, we will explore the various holidays that Australians will be celebrating in 2024.
January to April
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day is celebrated on January 1st and is a public holiday throughout Australia. It is a day for Australians to recover from their New Year’s Eve celebrations and spend time with family and friends. Many people attend outdoor events, such as music festivals and fireworks displays, to celebrate the start of the new year.
Australia Day
Australia Day is celebrated on January 26th and is a national public holiday. It marks the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales, in 1788. Many Australians celebrate this day by attending barbecues, picnics, and other outdoor events.
Labour Day
Labour Day is celebrated on different dates in different states and territories of Australia. In 2024, it will be celebrated on March 4th in Western Australia and on March 11th in Victoria and Tasmania. It is a day to celebrate the achievements of workers and the labour movement.
Good Friday
Good Friday is a religious holiday that is observed by Christians throughout the world. It is a day to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In 2024, Good Friday will be celebrated on April 19th and is a public holiday throughout Australia.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday and is a public holiday in Australia. In 2024, it will be celebrated on April 22nd. Many Australians spend this day with family and friends, attending outdoor events and enjoying the last day of the long weekend.
Anzac Day
Anzac Day is celebrated on April 25th and is a national public holiday in Australia and New Zealand. It is a day to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fought in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. Many Australians attend dawn services and marches to pay their respects to those who have served their country.
Public Holidays Table
| Holiday | Date | Observance |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1st | National |
| Australia Day | January 26th | National |
| Labour Day | March 4th (WA), March 11th (VIC, TAS) | State |
| Good Friday | April 19th | National |
| Easter Monday | April 22nd | National |
| Anzac Day | April 25th | National |
May to August
Labour Day
Labour Day is celebrated on different dates in different states and territories of Australia. In 2024, it will be celebrated on May 6th in Queensland and Northern Territory, and on October 7th in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, and South Australia. It is a day to celebrate the achievements of workers and the labour movement.
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May in Australia. In 2024, it will be celebrated on May 12th. It is a day to honour and appreciate mothers and mother figures for their love and care.
Reconciliation Day
Reconciliation Day is a public holiday in the Australian Capital Territory that was first celebrated in 2018. It is held on May 27th and is a day to acknowledge and promote reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Queen’s Birthday
The Queen’s Birthday is celebrated on different dates in different states and territories of Australia. In 2024, it will be celebrated on June 10th in most states and territories, except for Western Australia, where it will be celebrated on September 30th. It is a day to honour the birthday of the reigning monarch of the Commonwealth realms.
NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC Week is celebrated in the first full week of July in Australia. In 2024, it will be celebrated from July 7th to July 14th. It is a week to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Ekka People’s Day
Ekka People’s Day is a public holiday in Brisbane, Queensland, that is held on the second Wednesday of August. In 2024, it will be celebrated on August 14th. It is a day to celebrate the Royal Queensland Show, also known as the Ekka, which is an annual agricultural show.
| Holiday | Date | Observance |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Day | May 6th (QLD, NT), October 7th (ACT, NSW, SA) | State |
| Mother’s Day | May 12th | Not a public holiday |
| Reconciliation Day | May 27th | ACT only |
| Queen’s Birthday | June 10th (most states and territories), September 30th (WA) | State |
| NAIDOC Week | July 7th-14th | Not a public holiday |
| Ekka People’s Day | August 14th | Brisbane only |
September to December
Father’s Day
Father’s Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of September in Australia. In 2024, it will be celebrated on September 1st. It is a day to honour and appreciate fathers and father figures for their love and care.
Queen’s Birthday
The Queen’s Birthday is celebrated on different dates in different states and territories of Australia. In 2024, it will be celebrated on September 30th in Western Australia. It is a day to honour the birthday of the reigning monarch of the Commonwealth realms.
Labour Day
Labour Day is celebrated on different dates in different states and territories of Australia. In 2024, it will be celebrated on October 7th in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, and South Australia. It is a day to celebrate the achievements of workers and the labour movement.
Melbourne Cup Day
Melbourne Cup Day is a public holiday in Victoria and is held on the first Tuesday of November. In 2024, it will be celebrated on November 5th. It is a day to celebrate the Melbourne Cup, which is a horse race that is known as “the race that stops a nation.”
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day is celebrated on November 11th and is a national public holiday in Australia. It is a day to commemorate the end of World War I and to honour the service and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand soldiers who have served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25th and is a national public holiday in Australia. It is a day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and is a time for Australians to spend with family and friends.
Boxing Day
Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26th and is a national public holiday in Australia. It is a day to recover from the Christmas festivities and to spend time with family and friends. Many Australians attend sporting events, such as cricket matches and horse races, on Boxing Day.
| Holiday | Date | Observance |
|---|---|---|
| Father’s Day | September 1st | Not a public holiday |
| Queen’s Birthday | September 30th (WA) | State |
| Labour Day | October 7th (ACT, NSW, SA) | State |
| Melbourne Cup Day | November 5th | Victoria only |
| Remembrance Day | November 11th | National |
| Christmas Day | December 25th | National |
| Boxing Day | December 26th | National |
Conclusion
Australia’s vibrant culture shines through its myriad of holidays celebrated in 2024. From the communal spirit of Australia Day and the reflective moments of Anzac Day to the festive cheer of Christmas, each event underscores the nation’s rich heritage and communal bonds.
These occasions not only mark significant historical moments but also foster unity and appreciation for Australia’s diverse society. As we navigate through 2024, embracing these holidays offers a chance to celebrate, reflect, and connect, enriching our understanding and experience of Australian life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the national public holidays in Australia in 2024?
National public holidays include New Year’s Day (January 1), Australia Day (January 26), Good Friday (March 29), Easter Monday (April 1), ANZAC Day (April 25), Christmas Day (December 25), and Boxing Day (December 26). These holidays are observed across all states and territories.
Are there any Australian holidays specific to certain states or territories?
Yes, there are several state-specific holidays such as Labour Day, which varies by state (for example, March 11 in Victoria and Tasmania, October 7 in New South Wales, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory), and regional holidays like the Royal Hobart Regatta (February 12 in Tasmania) and Canberra Day (March 11 in the Australian Capital Territory).
Is Easter Tuesday a public holiday across Australia?
Easter Tuesday is a restricted public holiday observed only in Tasmania, primarily affecting certain awards/agreements and the State Public Service.
How are Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve observed in terms of public holidays?
South Australia and the Northern Territory observe part-day public holidays for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve from 7 pm to midnight. Queensland observes a part-day public holiday for Christmas Eve from 6 pm to midnight.
