Public Holidays in Australia 2025: How to maximise your annual leave

Xperience Team
05 Feb 2025 - 5 min read

Australia’s public holidays are so much more than just days off work. They’re an opportunity to pause, reflect and, of course, enjoy some well-earned downtime or exciting travels. That's why we've mapped out all the public holidays in Australia for 2025 to see how to make the most of your time off.

Whether it’s for beach barbecues on Australia Day, a heading to Canberra for dawn service on ANZAC Day, or extending the festive cheer on Christmas, here's how to maximise your annual leave this year.

When are all the public holidays in Australia in 2025

Here’s a quick look at the public holidays for 2025:

Date

Day

Holiday

State/Territory

1 January

Wednesday

New Year’s Day

Nationwide

27 January

Monday

Australia Day

Nationwide

3 April

Friday

Good Friday

Nationwide

5-6 April

Sunday

Easter Sunday

Nationwide

25 April

Saturday

ANZAC Day

Nationwide

9 June

Monday

King’s Birthday

Nationwide Except QLD

6 October

Monday

Labour Day

NSW, ACT, SA

25 December

Friday

Christmas Day

Nationwide

26 December

Saturday

Boxing Day/Proclamation Day

Nationwide, SA

Note: Some holidays vary by state, so check the local calendar before making plans.

Maximising your annual leave around public holidays in 2025

A little planning can turn a standard holiday into an extended break. Here are some key opportunities to stretch your time off:

Australia Day (27 January) falls on a Monday. That’s a ready-made long weekend for a quick escape.
The Easter Weekend runs from Good Friday (3 April) to Easter Monday (6 April)—a perfect 4-day break.
Combine Christmas (25 December) and Boxing Day (26 December) for a festive long weekend, or even take a few extra days to ring in the New Year in style.

Key public holidays to look forward to

1. New Year's Day (1 January)

New year, new me, new adventures! It is a perfect time to pack your bags and have some getaways. Whether you are enjoying vibrant night life in Bangkok, or having enjoying water sports in Phuket, new year is the perfect moment to recharge before start over your yearly routines.

Take just two days off and get a five-day holiday!

2. Australia Day (27 January)

Celebrated nationwide, Australia Day is a time to reflect on the country’s history, celebrate cultural diversity, and enjoy everything Aussie. Many gather at beaches for picnics, enjoy fireworks displays, or attend citizenship ceremonies. It’s a day of both festivity and contemplation, as communities come together to celebrate their shared identity.

Take one day off for a four-day break.

3. ANZAC Day (25 April)

ANZAC Day honours the sacrifices of Australian and New Zealand armed forces. From dawn services to solemn parades, this day is steeped in tradition. Whether you’re attending a service at your local memorial or visiting the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, it’s a poignant reminder of resilience and sacrifice.

Enjoy a 10-day adventure with just three days of annual leave.

4. King's Birthday (9 June, Except QLD)

Most Australian states celebrate the King’s Birthday on 9 June. King Charles III was born on 14 November 1948. June was chosen as the month to celebrate the King’s Birthday because it marks the start of summer, and the weather in London tends to be warmer compared to November.

Escape for a four-day trip with just one day off.

5. Labour Day (6 October, Except NT and TAS)

Most Australian states celebrate Labour Day on 6 October. This public holiday honours the achievements of workers and the labour movement, particularly the push for the eight-hour workday.

Get four days off by just taking a day off work.

6. Christmas and Boxing Day (25–26 December)

The festive season is all about family, food, and fun. On Christmas, many enjoy hearty meals and gift exchanges, while Boxing Day is a shopper’s paradise with post-Christmas sales. It’s also a great time to head outdoors—whether it’s to the beach or a local park—for some festive relaxation.

Take a huge 11-day trip with just four days of annual leave.

Unique State-Specific Holidays

Australia’s states and territories have their own unique holidays, showcasing regional culture and traditions:

Melbourne Cup Day (VIC): Known as “the race that stops a nation,” this day is a celebration of horse racing, fashion, and festivities.
King’s Birthday (varied dates): Different states observe this holiday on different dates, providing varied opportunities for a mid-year break.
Canberra Days (10 March): Canberra Day, celebrated on the second Monday of March in the ACT, marks Canberra's 1913 founding with festive events.

Making the most of public holidays

Public holidays are the perfect excuse to explore new destinations. Here’s how to plan ahead for maximum fun:

1. Plan your annual leave strategically

Take a day or two off around public holidays to create mini-breaks. For instance, adding a couple of days to Easter or Australia Day can give you a proper getaway without eating into too much leave.

2. Travel Ideas

Beach Escapes: Head to the Gold Coast or Byron Bay for a dose of sun, sand, and surf.
Cultural Getaways: Visit Canberra for ANZAC Day or Melbourne for Labour Day celebrations.
Nature Retreats: Explore the Great Ocean Road or Tasmania’s stunning landscapes during long weekends.

Top activities and destinations for public holidays

Whether you’re looking to relax or seek adventure, Australia has something for everyone:

Sydney Harbour: Enjoy breathtaking fireworks on New Year’s Eve or soak up Australia Day celebrations.
Gold Coast: Perfect for beach lovers and thrill-seekers, with theme parks and endless coastline.
Great Ocean Road: A road trip paradise, ideal for Easter or Christmas getaways.

Local events like food festivals and outdoor concerts also make public holidays extra special. Check out local listings to see what’s happening near you.

Flight to Melbourne

Mon, 19 May 2025

Jetstar

Sydney (SYD) to Melbourne (MEL)

Start from AU$77.68

Sat, 3 May 2025

Jetstar

Brisbane (BNE) to Melbourne (MEL)

Start from AU$96.56

Tue, 20 May 2025

Jetstar

Canberra (CBR) to Melbourne (MEL)

Start from AU$99.95

Travel tips for public holidays

To avoid the stress of peak holiday periods, consider these tips:

Book Early: Flights and accommodations fill up fast, especially during Christmas and Easter.
Check Transport Schedules: Public transport often runs on reduced schedules during holidays.
Pack Smart: Long weekends call for light packing to keep travel hassle-free.

Time to explore!

Australia’s public holidays in 2025 are an invitation to pause, celebrate, and explore. Whether it’s a quiet moment at a dawn service, a lovely day at the beach, or a festive feast with loved ones, these days hold something special for everyone.

Ready to start planning your next holiday? Book your flights, hotels, and tourist activities now on Traveloka. Whether it’s a cosy beachside stay, an adventurous road trip, or a city escape, Traveloka makes it easy to create your perfect holiday. Don’t wait—make 2025 your year of unforgettable adventures!

In This Article

• When are all the public holidays in Australia in 2025
• Maximising your annual leave around public holidays in 2025
• Key public holidays to look forward to
• 1. New Year's Day (1 January)
• 2. Australia Day (27 January)
• 3. ANZAC Day (25 April)
• 4. King's Birthday (9 June, Except QLD)
• 5. Labour Day (6 October, Except NT and TAS)
• 6. Christmas and Boxing Day (25–26 December)
• Unique State-Specific Holidays
• Making the most of public holidays
• 1. Plan your annual leave strategically
• 2. Travel Ideas
• Top activities and destinations for public holidays
• Travel tips for public holidays
• Time to explore!

Flights Featured in This Article

Mon, 19 May 2025
Jetstar
Sydney (SYD) to Melbourne (MEL)
Start from AU$77.68
Book Now
Sat, 3 May 2025
Jetstar
Brisbane (BNE) to Melbourne (MEL)
Start from AU$96.56
Book Now
Tue, 20 May 2025
Jetstar
Canberra (CBR) to Melbourne (MEL)
Start from AU$99.95
Book Now
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