As the festive season approaches, Australians can look forward to a series of public holidays that provide a welcome respite from work, offering a chance to unwind, travel, or spend cherished time with family. This cluster of holidays often leads to people taking extended breaks, turning this period into a popular time for vacations and family gatherings.
With the end of the year in sight, it’s pertinent to understand the public holidays and how they vary across the Australian states and territories. While most of these holidays are universally recognized across the nation, there are some variations to be aware of.
Christmas Day, falling on December 25th, is a public holiday celebrated nationwide. This year, it conveniently lands on a Thursday, giving many Australians a long weekend to enjoy the festivities.
Following closely is December 26th, known as Boxing Day or Proclamation Day, which is also a public holiday observed by all states and territories. This day extends the holiday cheer, providing another opportunity for relaxation and celebration.
As the calendar flips to the new year, all regions will observe New Year’s Day 2026 as a public holiday. Falling on a Thursday this year, it provides a midweek break to celebrate the new beginnings. Additionally, two regions offer a part-day public holiday on New Year’s Eve, allowing residents to kick-start their celebrations early.
These holidays are a cherished part of Australian culture, marking the end of one year and the beginning of another, with time set aside for rest, reflection, and rejuvenation.
Every state and territory has New Year’s Day 2026 as a public holiday. This year it falls on a Thursday, though two regions also have a part-day public holiday the day before on New Year’s Eve.
What is a ‘part-day’ public holiday?
In South Australia and the Northern Territory, 7pm to midnight on December 31 is designated as a part-day holiday.
Both also observe the same type of public holiday on Christmas Eve, December 24th, which is on a Wednesday this year.
Anyone working between those hours on a part-day public holiday will be entitled to public holiday rates, which could be up to double time and a half.
Why is December 26th a public holiday?
December 26th, known as Boxing Day, is a public holiday in many Commonwealth countries.
It was traditionally when tradespeople, servants and the poor were presented with gifts, also called “Christmas boxes”, which is how the term Boxing Day came into popular use.
Whilst this purpose has changed, it can be a day of celebration with friends and family at the beach, but other significant events also occur on this day.
It is the start of Boxing Day sales and a busy shopping period, but also marks the beginning of the famous Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, as well as the Boxing Day cricket test, held annually at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
