As Easter approaches, Australians are gearing up for a long weekend of chocolate, rest, and, for some, confusion over public holidays. While many will enjoy an extended break, the exact days off can vary across different states and territories.
For most Australians, Good Friday and Easter Monday are official public holidays, providing a four-day weekend. However, not all regions observe the same days off, with some notable differences in how Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday are treated.
What Public Holidays Are Recognized?
This year, Good Friday falls on April 18, and Easter Monday on April 21, both of which are recognized as public holidays nationwide. These two days guarantee a four-day weekend for the majority of Australians.
However, Easter Saturday is where discrepancies arise. In several states and territories—New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), and the Northern Territory—Easter Saturday is also an official public holiday. The naming of this holiday varies: in Queensland and the ACT, it is called “the day after Good Friday,” while in Victoria, it is known as “the Saturday before Easter Sunday.”
Exceptions: Tasmania and Western Australia
In contrast, Tasmania and Western Australia do not observe Easter Saturday as a public holiday. Tasmania, however, does observe Easter Tuesday (April 22 this year) as a public holiday, although this is primarily for public servants.
Easter Sunday: A Special Case
Easter Sunday, falling on April 20 this year, is not considered a public holiday in Tasmania. This is an exception, as all other states and territories recognize it as a public holiday.
What’s Unique About This Year’s Easter?
This year’s Easter holiday falls right before Anzac Day, which takes place on Friday, April 25. For many, this creates the rare opportunity of a three-day workweek, as the week starting with Easter Monday will end with the national day of remembrance.
With these variations in holiday schedules, it’s important for Australians to check local regulations and plan accordingly for Easter weekend festivities.
