How Public Holidays in Australia Affect Your Travel Plans

Public holidays in Australia are both an opportunity to get away (an extra day off) and a challenge to plan around (higher prices, bigger crowds, some services closed). Understanding how they affect your plans helps you avoid unpleasant surprises.

How public holidays work in Australia

Australia has two kinds of public holidays:

National holidays: these apply across all states and territories. They include New Year’s Day (1 Jan), Australia Day (26 Jan), Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day (25 Apr), Christmas Day (25 Dec), and Boxing Day (26 Dec).

State-specific holidays: each state has its own additional holidays that do not align with each other. For example: Melbourne Cup Day exists only in Victoria; the Queen’s Birthday falls on different dates depending on the state; the Adelaide Cup is in South Australia.

This means that when you visit a different state, it may be an ordinary working day in your home state while your destination is on a public holiday — or the other way around.

The busiest and most expensive holidays

New Year

The most expensive and crowded time to travel, especially in the major cities. Sydney draws millions of people to watch the harbour fireworks — room rates and train and flight fares surge from weeks beforehand.

Christmas and Boxing Day

Two consecutive holidays, with many places closing completely on Christmas Day. Road traffic peaks as many families travel. Bookings need to be made very early for this period.

Easter (Good Friday to Easter Monday)

Four consecutive days off nationwide — one of the busiest domestic travel periods of the year. Beaches, resorts, and family destinations are often fully booked.

Anzac Day (25 Apr)

A solemn holiday — Dawn Service ceremonies are held at memorials across the country in the morning. Many places open late or stay closed in the morning. It is not as much of a travel peak as Easter, but you should check opening hours.

The practical effects

Higher prices

Flights, hotels, and Airbnb usually rise significantly before and during public holidays. If you know your plans early, booking 6 to 10 weeks ahead often saves a lot.

Services closed

Christmas Day and Good Friday are the two days when the most services close completely — including large supermarkets, ordinary restaurants, and many attractions. Plan your food shopping and meals in advance.

The first day after a public holiday (especially after a long run like Easter) often brings peak traffic jams as everyone heads home.

Holiday surcharge

Some restaurants and services add a “public holiday surcharge”, usually 10 to 15% — this is legal and common in Australia. It is not a scam, but it is worth knowing about so the bill does not surprise you.

Holidays that can work in your favour

Not every public holiday is equally expensive and crowded. Less prominent state holidays (such as some Queen’s Birthday dates in the smaller states, or Reconciliation Day in the ACT) often do not draw big crowds — this can be a good time to go if you have the day off in that state and do not travel far.

Check before you book

Before each trip, check two things:

1. Is there a public holiday at your destination? (especially a state-specific holiday)
2. Will the attraction you want to visit be open on that day?

Many museums, zoos, and attractions close on Christmas Day and may close or shorten their hours on Good Friday. Check directly on each venue’s website before you set off.

See also the related guides on travelling in Australia for working people and choosing a destination by season and free time.