Every state's holidays, penalty rates on those days, and what stays open.
Australia has 8 national public holidays that apply in all states, plus additional state-specific holidays that vary by location. Shops close early or entirely on major holidays — this surprises many international students. If you work on a public holiday, you are entitled to penalty rates of at least 2.25x your normal hourly rate. Plan ahead, especially around Christmas, Easter, and ANZAC Day.
These apply across the whole country: New Year's Day (1 January), Australia Day (26 January, but some states observe a different date), Good Friday (date varies each year), Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, ANZAC Day (25 April), Christmas Day (25 December), Boxing Day (26 December). The King's Birthday is observed nationally but on different dates in each state — it is in June for most states but September in Queensland and May in Western Australia.
Victoria: Melbourne Cup Day (first Tuesday of November — only metropolitan Melbourne areas). Queensland: Royal Queensland Show 'Ekka' day (Brisbane and surrounds only, August). Western Australia: WA Day (first Monday in June). South Australia: Adelaide Cup (third Monday in May) and Proclamation Day (26 December, in addition to Boxing Day). NSW: Bank Holiday (first Monday in August). ACT: Reconciliation Day (last Monday in May), Family and Community Day. Tasmania: Eight Hours Day (second Monday in March).
On Christmas Day and Good Friday: most shops close entirely or operate for a few hours only. Major supermarkets (Coles, Woolworths) open with reduced hours (typically 9am–5pm) on most other public holidays. Aldi is often closed entirely on public holidays. Hospitals, emergency pharmacies, and 24-hour service stations remain open. Restaurants and cafes often open but add a 10–15% surcharge to cover penalty rate wages.
Under most industry awards, working on a public holiday attracts 2.25x your base hourly rate. Some awards pay 2.5x. You also have the right to reasonably refuse public holiday work unless your employer has given reasonable notice. Check your specific award using the Fair Work pay calculator at calculate.fairwork.gov.au.
The day before Christmas, ANZAC Day, and Good Friday, supermarket shelves empty quickly. Buy groceries at least 2 days before a major public holiday. Check your local Coles, Woolworths, or Aldi website for specific holiday trading hours, as they vary by store and state.
It is completely legal for restaurants, cafes, and bars to add a 10–15% surcharge on public holidays and Sundays. This covers the higher penalty rate wages they must pay staff. The surcharge must be clearly displayed on the menu or at the entrance — if it is not, you can dispute it. It is not a scam and is standard practice in Australia.
ANZAC Day (25 April) has tighter trading rules than other public holidays. In Victoria, Queensland, and SA, retail shops cannot open before noon on ANZAC Day. Supermarkets also have reduced hours. Plan essential shopping the day before.