Easter is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Australia, combining religious observance with cultural traditions and school vacation time. Unlike holidays with fixed dates, Easter shifts each year depending on astronomical events, which can make it a bit of a puzzle to track. For Australians, Easter holidays are more than just a long weekend—they are a chance to spend time with family, travel, participate in faith-based or cultural events, and take a break before the winter months set in.
This article explores when Easter falls each year in Australia, how school and public holidays are structured around it, how each state may differ, and why Easter remains such a meaningful time for millions of Australians. Whether you’re a parent planning school holiday activities, a business owner navigating holiday trading hours, or simply someone curious about Australia’s Easter traditions, this guide offers an in-depth look at Easter holidays in Australia.
Why Is Easter a Movable Date?
The first thing to understand about Easter is that it doesn’t fall on the same day every year. Unlike New Year’s Day or Christmas, Easter is known as a “movable feast.” Its date is determined based on a formula tied to the lunar calendar and the March equinox.
Specifically, Easter Sunday is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon that occurs on or after March 21. That means Easter Sunday can occur anywhere between March 22 and April 25. Once Easter Sunday is determined, the related holidays—Good Friday, Easter Saturday (also called Holy Saturday), and Easter Monday—are slotted into place around it.
This method of calculation was established by the Church at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, and the tradition continues to be used by most Christian communities today, including those in Australia.
Key Dates That Shape the Easter Holiday Period
When Australians refer to the “Easter holidays,” they’re usually talking about more than just Easter Sunday. The full Easter holiday period includes:
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Good Friday: This solemn day commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is a public holiday in all Australian states and territories.
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Easter Saturday: The day between Christ’s death and resurrection, observed in various ways across the country.
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Easter Sunday: The celebration of Christ’s resurrection, observed with joy and often marked by church services, egg hunts, and family meals.
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Easter Monday: A public holiday that allows the long weekend to extend into four full days for most workers and students.
Each of these days holds both cultural and religious meaning, and their combination offers one of the longest and most cherished holiday breaks in the Australian calendar.
Upcoming Easter Dates in Australia
Because Easter changes every year, it’s helpful to plan ahead. For example, in 2025, Easter Sunday will fall on April 20. This places Good Friday on April 18 and Easter Monday on April 21. In 2026, Easter will arrive earlier, with Easter Sunday on April 5. And in 2027, it will be even earlier—on March 28.
These annual shifts can influence everything from school term planning to holiday accommodation prices. Australians often consult school calendars or public holiday announcements early in the year to coordinate family plans, travel, or business activities around the Easter dates.
Easter Holidays and Public Holiday Laws Across Australia
While all Australians enjoy the Easter holiday period, public holiday laws and practices can vary slightly between states and territories. Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays nationwide. However, Easter Sunday is not recognized as a public holiday in every jurisdiction.
For example, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, and South Australia consider Easter Sunday a public holiday, while other states such as Queensland and Victoria do not. This impacts trading hours, penalty rates for workers, and what events are held in different locations.
Easter Saturday, while observed in churches and by some communities, is not always an official public holiday either. In some regions, it’s treated like any regular Saturday, while others offer modified trading rules.
How School Holidays Align With Easter
One of the biggest ways Easter impacts Australian life is through school holiday scheduling. In almost every state, the Easter long weekend falls either during or adjacent to the Term 1 school holidays.
Australian schools typically operate on a four-term system, and Term 1 usually concludes in early to mid-April. Therefore, Easter often overlaps with school holidays. In 2025, for instance, most school systems will begin their autumn break in early April and resume after the Easter Monday public holiday.
Because the exact dates differ between states, here’s how it generally works:
In New South Wales and Victoria, the school term ends around April 10 or 11 in 2025, with students returning in late April.
Queensland tends to break earlier, finishing Term 1 around April 4 and resuming shortly after Easter.
Western Australia and South Australia typically align closely with the national pattern, finishing Term 1 around the second week of April.
Parents often rely on this period for family travel, outdoor activities, or simply some downtime at home. Easter provides a rare opportunity in the academic calendar for a proper break before winter sets in.
Religious Significance of Easter in Australia
Though Australia is a secular nation with a growing diversity of religious beliefs, Christianity continues to shape the cultural framework of Easter. For many Australians, Easter remains a sacred religious observance focused on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Churches across the country hold special services beginning with Maundy Thursday, continuing with Good Friday processions, Easter Vigil services on Saturday night, and culminating in joyous Easter Sunday celebrations.
These services are especially popular with regular churchgoers and even those who only attend occasionally. Many families have generational traditions of attending Easter services followed by meals and community celebrations.
Secular Traditions: Chocolate, Bunnies, and Hot Cross Buns
While the religious aspect of Easter is central for many, secular Easter traditions have grown in popularity and are widely embraced. Children and families participate in Easter egg hunts, decorate eggs, and enjoy chocolate bunnies—activities that have little to do with the biblical story but offer joy and connection.
One of the most iconic Easter treats in Australia is the hot cross bun. Traditionally eaten on Good Friday, these spiced buns marked with a cross are now available in supermarkets as early as January. Variations including chocolate, fruitless, and caramel versions have emerged to meet changing tastes.
The Easter Bilby has even been introduced in Australia as a native alternative to the Easter Bunny, aimed at promoting awareness of endangered wildlife. Though not as widespread as the bunny, the bilby has gained traction in schools and environmental circles.
Travel and Tourism During Easter Holidays
Easter is one of the busiest times of year for domestic travel in Australia. With a four-day weekend and many schools on break, families often hit the road or take flights for short holidays. This travel spike can cause increased prices for accommodation, flights, and tourist attractions.
Popular Easter destinations include:
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Beach towns and coastal resorts, especially along the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Great Ocean Road
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Camping sites and national parks, ideal for families seeking a nature-based retreat
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Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, where cultural festivals, Easter parades, and public events are held
Events like the Sydney Royal Easter Show are iconic in the Australian calendar. The show features agricultural displays, rides, entertainment, and food, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors during the Easter period.
Trading Hours and Business Closures Over Easter
The Easter long weekend also affects shopping and business hours. Good Friday is one of the few days of the year when virtually all major retailers, including supermarkets and bottle shops, are closed. Easter Sunday may also see closures depending on local laws.
Some common business practices during Easter include:
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Good Friday: Most businesses closed. Limited public transport. Restaurants and cafes may close or operate with reduced menus.
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Easter Saturday: Open in many areas, though trading hours can vary.
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Easter Sunday: Some stores closed, especially in states where the day is a public holiday.
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Easter Monday: Public holiday trading hours apply; many businesses reopen with modified hours.
It’s wise to check local trading laws or retail websites before planning a big shop or meal out during this time.
Economic and Cultural Impact of Easter
The economic impact of Easter in Australia is substantial. From retail sales of chocolate and seasonal decorations to holiday bookings and fuel consumption, the holiday period drives billions in national spending.
Retailers often launch Easter sales that rival Boxing Day and mid-year events. Travel and tourism sectors see a spike in bookings, with many Australians choosing local trips over international travel during the Easter period.
On a cultural level, Easter reflects Australia’s blend of heritage, multiculturalism, and modern values. It is a time of reflection for some, celebration for others, and relaxation for most.
How Australians Are Redefining Easter
As Australia becomes more multicultural and secular, Easter continues to evolve. While Christian traditions remain strong, many people observe Easter simply as a time to recharge, connect with loved ones, or take a mini-vacation.
Events like multicultural Easter festivals, art exhibitions, and secular concerts are increasingly common. For many Australians, the religious aspect of Easter blends seamlessly with fun and relaxation, making it one of the most adaptable holidays in the national calendar.
Conclusion
So when is Easter holidays in Australia? The simple answer is: it changes every year. But beyond the shifting dates lies a deeper truth—Easter is a time that brings Australians together, regardless of background, beliefs, or traditions.
From sacred church services to chocolate egg hunts, from camping trips to four-day weekends filled with laughter and connection, Easter reflects the diversity and unity of Australian society. As the leaves fall and the weather cools, Easter arrives each year to remind Australians of renewal, reflection, and rest.
Whether you celebrate with prayer, pastries, or a trip down the coast, Easter in Australia remains one of the most beloved and meaningful times of the year.
