Oz Holidays

Explains the different national, state and local excuses for days off, their background and what goes on.

Aussies are fairly keen on festivals, as it means a day at the beach or around the BBQ, as opposed to work. Some of the more common aussie festivals are.....

Name Date Description Activities

New Years Day 1st January Party party party until sunrise, then go to sleep Hangover recovery, empty stubby collection

Australia Day 26th January Frantic flag waving and general celebrating Citizenship ceremonies, Australia Day Honours

Labour Day (some states) 2nd / 9th March Union orientated day off BBQ in the park, family affair

Canberra Day 16th March Mini Australia Day for Canberrans BBQ in the park type activities

Easter 10th - 13th April Easter Egg hunts and more BBQs Excessive chocloate consumption

ANZAC Day 25th April Australian and New Zealand Army Corps Day Dawn service, honouring fallen soldiers

Labour Day 4th May For those states and territories who missed out in March As above

Queen's Birthday 8th June A somewhat irrelevant holiday as far as it's original purpose, but still enjoyed. Yet more BBQs

Melbourne Cup Day 3rd November "The race that stops a nation" Chicken, champagne and funny hats

Rememberance Day 11th November The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month is used to remember war veterans. Memorial services

Christmas Day 25th December The pinnacle of the silly season. Overeating on a grand scale, BBQ's by the river

Boxing Day 26th December Christmas recovery day Post Christmas sales

New Years Eve 31st December Party party party Booze and yelling at clocks

Note that some holidays, like Labour Day and Bank Holidays, occur on different dates from state to state, and some, such as Labour Day, occur twice yearly in some states.