Public holidays in Australia can be vary slightly depending on the state or territory, but there are several national public holidays observed across the entire country. Australian’s do astonishing hobbies and activities to enjoy their holidays, from polar bear swims to play crickets and many more. Here are the main public holidays and traditional activities in Australia, so stay with us.
New year’s day:
January 1st marks the beginning of the New Year and is a public holiday nationwide. Many Australians celebrate New Year’s Eve with parties, fireworks displays, and gatherings with friends and family. On New Year’s Day itself, some people participate in polar bear swims, where they brave cold water for a refreshing start to the year.
New Year’s Day is not typically associated with extensive gift-giving traditions. However, some people may exchange small tokens of appreciation or symbolic gifts to mark the beginning of the year, such as good luck charms or calendars.
Sydney Harbour Bridge Fireworks 2023
Australian traditions and festivities in celebrating New Year’s Day:
What Australian do in New Year’s Day.
Australia day:
Celebrated on January 26th, Australia Day commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet and raising of the Union Flag of Great Britain by Arthur Phillip at Sydney Cove, a small bay on the southern shore of Sydney Harbour in 1788 and considered as a national public holiday. It is a day to celebrate Australian culture, history, and achievements.
Barbecues and outdoor picnics are popular activities on Australia Day, often accompanied by beach visits or outdoor games. Many communities host citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day, welcoming new citizens to the country.
Gifts exchanged on Australia Day may include items that celebrate Australian culture, such as Australian-made products, souvenirs featuring Australian wildlife or landmarks, or items with the Australian flag or Aboriginal designs.
Aboriginal Dance – Australia Day 26th Jan 2023 – Parramatta Park
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Good Friday:
Good Friday, observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a public holiday across Australia.
Good Friday is observed as a solemn day in Australia, with many people attending church services and participating in religious observances. Some communities hold reenactments of the Passion of Christ, such as the Stations of the Cross.
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Easter monday:
The day after Easter Sunday is observed as a public holiday in Australia, providing an extended weekend for many people. Easter egg hunts and Easter egg decorating are common activities for families on Easter Monday. Many Australians take advantage of the long weekend to go on short trips or vacations, enjoying the autumn weather.
Easter gifts often revolve around chocolate eggs, bunnies, and other Easter-themed treats. Additionally, some people exchange non-food gifts such as Easter-themed decorations, toys, or books.
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Anzac day:
April 25th is dedicated to honoring the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli during World War I. It is a day of remembrance and respect for the sacrifices of servicemen and women.
Anzac Day is primarily a day of remembrance and respect, so gift-giving is less common. However, some people may choose to give donations to veterans’ organizations or purchase merchandise that supports veterans’ causes.
Anzac Day commemorations typically begin with dawn services held across the country to honor servicemen and women. These services are often followed by marches and wreath-laying ceremonies. Many people wear sprigs of rosemary, a symbol of remembrance, and participate in fundraising activities for veterans’ causes.
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The King’s birthday holiday:
In Australia, the kings birth day varies depending on the state or territory. Each state and territory may celebrate the birthday of the reigning monarch on different dates, often aligning with the actual birthday of the monarch or a designated public holiday. The dates for the King’s Birthday holiday are as follows:
- New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, South Australia and Victoria: The holiday is observed on the second Monday in June as the same date as the United Kingdom.
- Western Australia: usually observes the holiday on the fourth Monday of September or the first Monday of October. The date is proclaimed each year by the state’s governor.
- Queensland celebrates King’s Birthday on the first Monday of October.
The activities Australians engage in during this holiday can vary. Some might take advantage of the long weekend to go on trips, engage in outdoor activities like barbecues, picnics, or attend community events. Others may use the time to relax at home or catch up with family and friends.
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Christmas day:
December 25th is a public holiday nationwide, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time for family gatherings, gift-giving, and festive meals.
Christmas Day is celebrated with festive meals featuring traditional dishes such as roast turkey, ham, and Christmas pudding. Families exchange gifts and spend time together, often playing games, watching Christmas movies, or attending church services.
Christmas is the most significant gift-giving holiday in Australia. Common gifts include toys for children, clothing, accessories, electronics, books, home goods, and personalized gifts. It’s also common to give food and drink items such as gourmet hampers, wine, or baked goods.
Parramatta Christmas Stage – Sydney 2023
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Boxing day:
December 26th is observed as Boxing Day in Australia. Traditionally, it was a day when gifts or “Christmas boxes” were given to service workers, but now it is a day for relaxation, sports events, and shopping sales.
Boxing Day sales draw large crowds to shopping centers, where retailers offer discounts and promotions. Many Australians also attend sporting events such as cricket matches or yacht races, such as the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
Boxing Day is primarily known for shopping sales, so gifts exchanged on this day may include items purchased at discounted prices during the sales events. Additionally, some people may exchange leftover Christmas gifts or practical items that can be used during post-Christmas activities, such as beach gear or outdoor equipment.
In addition to these national public holidays, each state and territory in Australia may have its own additional public holidays to commemorate local events or traditions. For example, Labour Day and various regional holidays may be observed on different dates depend on the jurisdiction.
These activities may vary depending on personal preferences, regional traditions, and cultural backgrounds.
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