How Public Holidays Work in Australia
Australia has 7 holidays observed in every state and territory, plus the monarch's birthday in most states. Weekend holidays generally move to the following Monday.
Labour Day falls on different dates in each state, Easter Saturday and Sunday are holidays in some states, Queensland and Western Australia observe the King's Birthday in spring, and states add days such as Melbourne Cup Day (Victoria).
All Australia Holidays in 1986
| Date | Holiday | About |
|---|---|---|
| Wed, Jan 1 | New Year's Day | First day of the year, usually spent at summer barbecues and the beach. |
| Sun, Jan 26day off Mon, Jan 27 | Australia Day | Marks the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. Many First Nations people observe it as Invasion Day or Survival Day. |
| Fri, Mar 28 | Good Friday | The Friday before Easter, falling in autumn in Australia. |
| Mon, Mar 31 | Easter Monday | The Monday after Easter Sunday. |
| Fri, Apr 25 | ANZAC Day | Remembers Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in war, with dawn services and marches. |
| Mon, Jun 9 | Queen's BirthdayNot nationwide | Second Monday of June in most states (not WA or QLD). |
| Thu, Dec 25 | Christmas Day | A summer Christmas, often with seafood, pavlova, and outdoor gatherings. |
| Fri, Dec 26 | Boxing Day | Start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and the Boxing Day Test cricket match. |
Click a date to see it on the monthly calendar.
Long Weekends in 1986
- Australia Day Jan 25 – Jan 27 · 3 days
- Good Friday & Easter Monday Mar 28 – Mar 31 · 4 days
- ANZAC Day Apr 25 – Apr 27 · 3 days
- Christmas Day & Boxing Day Dec 25 – Dec 28 · 4 days
Plan 1986 Around These Holidays
Add your vacation and bridge days to a calendar, then export it as a printable PDF. For the full year at a glance see the 1986 calendar.
Open Calendar Builder