This year, Australia will celebrate the inaugural King’s Birthday. The name change comes after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September last year and is a significant one as it will likely remain the King’s Birthday for two generations and beyond. Here’s everything you need to know about the public holiday.

When is the King’s Birthday public holiday?

For all states except Queensland and Western Australia, the King’s Birthday public holiday and long weekend falls on Monday, June 12 this year.

Western Australia celebrates the King’s Birthday with a day off on September 25 and Queensland celebrates the King’s Birthday on October 2.

All of the dates fall are on a Monday so the King’s Birthday is always a long weekend, no matter which state you live in.

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Is Monday a public holiday?

Monday, June 12 is a public holiday for the King’s Birthday long weekend in 2023 for Victoria, NSW, South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT, and the Northern Territory. Fun fact: ACT actually refer to it as the Sovereign’s Birthday, not the King’s Birthday.

But don’t fret if you live in Western Australia or Queensland, because your turn will come.

Western Australia will celebrate the King’s Birthday with a public holiday on  Monday, September 25.

Queensland will have its King’s Birthday public holiday on Monday, October 2.

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Isn’t the King’s Birthday in November?

Yes, oddly enough none of the public holiday dates are on the King’s actual birthday. That’s on November 14.

The tradition of changing the date for public celebrations originally comes from the King’s great-great-grandfather, King Edward VII. His birthday fell in November (winter in the United Kingdom), which is why the public celebration date was moved to a more comfortable, summer date that allowed for parties and outdoor festivities.

Looking for more days off in 2023? Head to our complete guide to see how to get the most out of your annual leave days this year, by planning around public holidays.