We’re big fans of public holidays, especially when they fall on a Monday or Friday and turn the weekend into a long one. But not all states in Australia recognise the long weekend in October. So here is everything you need to know about the October public holiday per state.
This annual public holiday will take place on Monday, October 6 in 2025. Each year, it is recognised on the first Monday in October. While often referred to as the October long weekend, its official name is Labour Day and celebrates the arrival of the eight-hour working day, a victory for workers in Australia in the 1850s. Only NSW, South Australia, ACT and Queensland recognise the October public holiday.
Good news for those looking for an extra day off, ACT, NSW, and SA all celebrate the annual public holiday. So there’s no need to set your alarm on Monday, October 6, you can treat yourself to a sleep in.
Queenslanders will get a day off on Monday, October 6, 2025, but it will be to recognise the King’s Birthday, rather than Labour Day. Most other states celebrate the King’s Birthday in June, which was formerly known as the Queen’s Birthday. Queensland is the only state to recognise the King’s Birthday in October.
Sorry, folks. Northern Territory, Tasmania and Western Australia do not recognise the October public holiday so it is business as usual for you on October 6, 2025.
While Victorians might not get October 6 as a public holiday, the state does treat locals to a public holiday on the Friday before the AFL Grand Final, which changes date each year, but usually falls late September or early October. In 2025, it will be recognised on Friday, September 26, 2025. The state will also get a public holiday for the Melbourne Cup which will take place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
