Australian public holidays 2027

Public holidays affect opening hours, prices and travel demand right across Australia. Below are the 2027 dates for the holidays observed nationally, worked out from the calendar, plus notes on the holidays that vary by state. State governments publish the official lists and can declare additional or substitute days, so always check them.

National public holidays in 2027

Because Christmas Day and Boxing Day both fall on a weekend in 2027, states generally provide additional or substitute holidays on the following weekdays. Anzac Day also falls on a Sunday. Rules for substitute days differ, so check your state.

Easter 2027

Easter falls early in 2027. Easter Sunday is 28 March, so the long weekend runs from Good Friday 26 March to Easter Monday 29 March. Some states also observe Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday as public holidays. Easter is one of the busiest travel periods of the year and often overlaps with or sits near school holidays, so book early.

The King's Birthday

Most states and territories observe the King's Birthday on the second Monday in June, which in 2027 is Monday 14 June. Queensland and Western Australia hold it at different times of year. Check those states' official lists for their dates.

Labour Day

Labour Day is observed on different dates around the country, for example in March in some states, May in others and October in others. Check the official list for the state you will be in.

Melbourne Cup Day

Melbourne Cup Day is the first Tuesday in November, 2 November 2027. It is a public holiday in metropolitan Melbourne, and some regional Victorian councils nominate a different local holiday instead.

State and territory holidays

Several holidays are specific to one state or territory, such as:

• Canberra Day and Reconciliation Day in the ACT.
• Western Australia Day in WA.
• May Day and Picnic Day in the Northern Territory.
• The Royal Queensland Show holiday in parts of Brisbane.
• The AFL Grand Final Friday holiday in Victoria, when declared.
• Adelaide Cup Day in South Australia.
• Eight Hours Day in Tasmania.

Dates for these follow each state's rules and are confirmed by the state government.

How public holidays affect travel

• Surcharges: many cafes and restaurants add a public holiday surcharge, commonly a percentage of the bill.
• Closures: many shops close on Christmas Day, Good Friday and the morning of Anzac Day, with trading rules set by each state.
• Transport: public transport may run reduced timetables.
• Demand: long weekends drive up prices and fill accommodation in popular areas, especially near capital cities.
• Events: Anzac Day dawn services and marches are significant commemorations. Australia Day features events across the country.

School holidays too

Public holidays are only half the picture. School holidays drive the biggest peaks in family travel. Read our school holidays guide for how they work in each state.

Public holidays and working visitors

If you are working in Australia on a working holiday visa, public holidays may affect your pay and rostering. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains public holiday entitlements, including penalty rates and what happens if you are asked to work. Check the award or agreement that applies to your job.

Planning a 2027 trip around the calendar

A few patterns are worth knowing for 2027:

• January: New Year's Day on a Friday gives a long weekend at the start of the year, during the busiest part of the summer holidays. Australia Day on a Tuesday means some people take the Monday off as well.
• March and April: Easter is early, at the end of March. Anzac Day falls on a Sunday in late April.
• June: the King's Birthday long weekend in most states, which also marks the traditional start of the ski season.
• November: Melbourne Cup Day on 2 November, a peak time for Melbourne accommodation.
• December: Christmas and Boxing Day on a weekend, with substitute holidays expected on the following weekdays.

Why dates can change

Governments can declare additional public holidays, for example for special events or national days of mourning, and substitute day rules can change. That is why we always point to the state government lists.