Australian public and school holidays

Australian holidays are a patchwork. A handful of public holidays are national, but many are set by each state or territory, and every state sets its own school terms. For travellers, that patchwork matters: school holidays and long weekends bring higher prices, busier roads and fully booked campgrounds.

Public holidays

National public holidays observed in every state and territory include New Year's Day, Australia Day (26 January), Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day (25 April), Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Other holidays vary:

• King's Birthday is the second Monday in June in most states, but Queensland and Western Australia celebrate it later in the year.
• Labour Day falls on different dates in different states.
• Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday are public holidays in some states.
• Melbourne Cup Day is a public holiday in metropolitan Melbourne, and some regional Victorian areas substitute a local holiday.
• Some states have their own holidays, such as Western Australia Day, Canberra Day, Reconciliation Day in the ACT and Picnic Day in the Northern Territory.

See our list of 2027 public holidays.

School holidays

Each state and territory sets its own school terms. Broadly, the school year has four terms with holidays of about two weeks in autumn, winter and spring, and a long summer break from mid-December to late January or early February. Exact dates differ by state and can differ by a week or more. Read our school holidays guide.

How holidays affect travel

• Prices rise for flights, accommodation and campervans during school holidays and long weekends.
• Popular places fill up, including beach towns, national park campgrounds and theme parks.
• Roads are busier, especially on the first and last days of school holidays and around Easter and Christmas.
• Some businesses close on public holidays such as Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning, and many charge surcharges.

Planning tips

1. Check the school holidays in the state you are visiting and in neighbouring states, as families often travel interstate.
2. Book early for Easter, the summer holidays and long weekends.
3. Travel mid-week where you can.
4. Consider shoulder seasons for better prices and fewer crowds.

Major event periods

Some events create their own peaks, regardless of school holidays. Examples include New Year's Eve in Sydney, the Australian Open and Melbourne Cup in Melbourne, and major festivals and agricultural shows in each capital. Check event calendars for your destination before you book.

Working holiday makers

If you are working in Australia, public holidays can affect your pay. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains entitlements.

Quieter times to travel

If you have flexible dates, the quietest periods are generally during school terms and away from long weekends, such as early February to just before Easter, May to mid-June, late July to mid-September, and late October to early December. Exact windows differ by state and by year, and regional events can still bring crowds, but planning for term time is one of the simplest ways to save money and avoid queues.