Australia is known for its beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant culture. But one thing that often sparks debate among locals is public holidays—who gets the most, and which state offers the best work-life balance? In 2025, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Victoria lead the pack with 13 public holidays each, making them the most holiday-friendly regions in the country.
Other states and territories have varying numbers of public holidays, with the Northern Territory (NT) and South Australia (SA) following closely behind with 12 holidays each. This difference stems from a combination of national holidays observed across the country and state-specific holidays unique to each region.
Australian State Has the Most Public Holidays
| State/Territory | Number of Public Holidays (2025) | Notable State-Specific Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| ACT | 13 | Canberra Day, Reconciliation Day |
| VIC | 13 | AFL Grand Final Eve, Melbourne Cup Day |
| NT | 12 | Picnic Day, Part-day holiday on Christmas Eve |
| SA | 12 | Adelaide Cup Day, Part-day holiday on New Year’s Eve |
| NSW | 11 | Bank Holiday (only for certain workers) |
| QLD | 11 | Royal Queensland Show Day (Brisbane only) |
| WA | 11 | Western Australia Day |
| TAS | 10 | Eight Hours Day, Recreation Day |
Click here for the official list of Australian public holidays.
In 2025, the ACT and Victoria take the lead with the most public holidays in Australia (13 each), while Tasmania has the fewest with 10. Public holidays vary due to cultural events, sports traditions, and historical observances unique to each state. While these holidays offer great benefits for employees, businesses must also adapt to the impact on operations. If you’re in Victoria or the ACT, get ready to enjoy the most time off in 2025!
Australian State Has the Most Public Holidays: Why Do Some States Have More Holidays?
Public holidays in Australia are divided into national and state-specific holidays. While some holidays, like Australia Day (January 26), ANZAC Day (April 25), and Christmas Day (December 25), are observed nationwide, each state and territory sets additional holidays based on regional culture, history, and events.
For example:
- Victoria celebrates the AFL Grand Final Eve, a public holiday before one of the country’s biggest sporting events.
- The ACT has Reconciliation Day, which marks the importance of Indigenous reconciliation.
- South Australia and the Northern Territory grant part-day public holidays on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, giving workers extra time off for celebrations.
- Queensland’s Ekka holiday (Royal Queensland Show Day) is a regional public holiday only observed in Brisbane.
Australian State Has the Most Public Holidays: A Closer Look at Public Holidays by State
1. Australian Capital Territory (ACT) – 13 Public Holidays
As the leader in public holidays, ACT residents enjoy additional breaks like Canberra Day and Reconciliation Day, reflecting the capital’s rich history and cultural inclusivity.
2. Victoria (VIC) – 13 Public Holidays
Victorians celebrate unique holidays such as AFL Grand Final Eve and Melbourne Cup Day, showcasing the state’s passion for sports and horse racing.
3. Northern Territory (NT) – 12 Public Holidays
NT enjoys unique holidays like Picnic Day, a tradition dating back to the 19th century. Workers also get a part-day holiday on Christmas Eve.
4. South Australia (SA) – 12 Public Holidays
SA residents get Adelaide Cup Day and a part-day holiday on New Year’s Eve, ensuring plenty of time for celebrations.
5. New South Wales (NSW) – 11 Public Holidays
NSW has a Bank Holiday (applicable only to certain employees in the finance sector) but does not have many extra state-wide holidays.
6. Queensland (QLD) – 11 Public Holidays
Brisbane workers get a break for the Royal Queensland Show Day (Ekka), but this is not a state-wide public holiday.
7. Western Australia (WA) – 11 Public Holidays
WA has Western Australia Day, a holiday unique to the state, but does not have additional sports or event-based public holidays.
8. Tasmania (TAS) – 10 Public Holidays
Tasmania has the fewest public holidays, but locals still enjoy Recreation Day and Eight Hours Day, celebrating fair working conditions.
Australian State Has the Most Public Holidays: How Public Holidays Impact Work and Business
Public holidays are a major consideration for businesses and employees alike. Extra holidays provide workers with better work-life balance, increased productivity, and time to spend with family and friends. However, they also affect businesses that must pay penalty rates or adjust operations.
Implications for Employees:
More time for rest and personal activities Better mental health and work-life balance Opportunity for short vacations and travel
Implications for Businesses:
Higher costs due to penalty rates for public holiday work Reduced trading hours in some industries. Possible lower productivity due to multiple non-working days
Australian State Has the Most Public Holidays (FAQs)
Which state has the most public holidays in Australia?
The ACT and Victoria have the most public holidays in 2025, with 13 each.
Does every state observe the same public holidays?
No, while some holidays like Australia Day, ANZAC Day, and Christmas Day are observed nationwide, each state has unique holidays.
Why does Victoria get a holiday for the Melbourne Cup?
The Melbourne Cup is a major horse racing event in Australia. Victoria observes it as a public holiday due to its historical and economic significance.
Are businesses required to close on public holidays?
Not necessarily. Some industries continue operations on public holidays but may have to pay higher penalty rates for employees working those days.
Where can I find the official list of public holidays?
You can check the official Australian government website for public holidays.
