Australia’s public holidays consist of a combination of national, state, and regional holidays, reflecting the country’s rich cultural diversity and historical heritage.

On these days, shops, banks, offices, and schools are usually closed or may operate with altered hours. Employees generally have the right to take public holidays as paid days off, but if they choose to work, employers are required to provide higher holiday wages for the day.

We have compiled a list of public holidays celebrated in Sydney (NSW) for you below. However, if you live in a different state, please double-check the dates relevant to your location, as some public holidays in Australia are declared on a state and territory basis, and may vary from state to state!

New Year’s Day

1st of January – the first day of the new year

Australia Day

26th of January – if it falls on a weekend, then the following Monday is declared as a public holiday

Easter Holiday

18-21st of April (2025) – 4-day-long holiday from Friday to Monday, the exact dates vary each year

Anzac Day

25th of April – National Day of Remembrance in Australia and New Zealand

Sovereign’s Birthday

9th of June (2025) – in most of Australia (except QLD and WA) it falls on the second Monday of June, so the exact date varies each year

Labour Day

6th of October (2025T) – in NSW, ACT and SA, it falls on the first Monday in October, so the exact date varies each year

Christmas Holiday

25-26th of December – Christmas Day and Boxing Day