With Easter approaching, Australians are gearing up for a long weekend filled with chocolate treats and ample time to relax. This year, Good Friday falls on April 18, while Easter Monday is on April 21, granting many people a coveted four-day break. However, public holiday recognitions vary by state and territory.
All Australian jurisdictions observe Good Friday and Easter Monday as public holidays, yet there are discrepancies regarding Easter Saturday. States like New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, and the Northern Territory designate it as a public holiday, albeit with different naming conventions. In these regions, Easter Saturday is referred to differently, with the ACT and Queensland calling it “the day after Good Friday,” while Victoria uses “the Saturday before Easter Sunday.” Conversely, Tasmania and Western Australia do not acknowledge Easter Saturday as a public holiday.
Easter Sunday, however, is not a public holiday in Tasmania; this unique situation makes it the only jurisdiction to omit Easter Sunday from its holiday roster. Interestingly, Tasmania does celebrate “Easter Tuesday,” which is primarily a holiday for public servants.
Adding to the excitement this year is the fact that the week following Easter Monday includes Anzac Day on April 25, enabling many Australians to enjoy a shorter work week. For those lucky enough, this means just three days of work post-Easter, allowing for extended rest and leisure. As families plan their Easter celebrations, both the joy of the festivities and the variability of public holidays are at the forefront of discussions.
In summary, while Easter in Australia presents a wonderful opportunity for relaxation and celebration, the varying public holiday designations highlight the unique regional differences across the nation.