Act Public Holidays 2025 – Full List and Key Dates
The Australian Capital Territory observes 13 public holidays in 2025, combining national commemorations with territory-specific events. These dates remain consistent across multiple calendar sources, though official confirmation should be sought directly from ACT government channels. Residents and businesses planning around these dates will find a four-day Easter weekend and three distinct territorial celebrations among the year’s highlights.
Canberra and surrounding areas recognise the same federal public holidays as other Australian jurisdictions, alongside unique territorial occasions such as Canberra Day and Reconciliation Day. The following guide presents verified dates, practical context, and links to authoritative resources for those requiring formal documentation.
What Are the Public Holidays in ACT 2025?
The complete list of ACT public holidays for 2025 encompasses 13 dates spanning the entire calendar year. Each holiday falls on a specific day of the week, with several dates adjusted from their actual anniversary dates to provide long weekends where appropriate.
Key Facts About ACT Public Holidays in 2025
- ACT observes three Easter holidays beyond the federal standard, providing a four-day long weekend from 18 to 21 April
- Australia Day shifts to Monday 27 January, as the actual anniversary on Sunday 26 January is a regular trading day
- Canberra Day on 10 March commemorates the official naming of Australia’s capital city
- Reconciliation Day on 2 June specifically acknowledges Indigenous reconciliation efforts in the territory
- King’s Birthday falls on the second Monday of June, aligning with most other Australian jurisdictions
- Labour Day in October provides the final long weekend before the Christmas period
- Banks and financial institutions close on all national public holidays; private employers may observe state-specific holidays differently
Complete ACT Public Holidays 2025
| Holiday | Date | Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Wednesday | Federal holiday |
| Australia Day | 27 January | Monday | Substituted from Sunday 26 January |
| Canberra Day | 10 March | Monday | Territory-specific |
| Good Friday | 18 April | Friday | Federal holiday |
| Easter Saturday | 19 April | Saturday | Day after Good Friday |
| Easter Sunday | 20 April | Sunday | Recognised in ACT |
| Easter Monday | 21 April | Monday | Federal holiday |
| ANZAC Day | 25 April | Friday | Federal holiday |
| Reconciliation Day | 2 June | Monday | Territory-specific |
| King’s Birthday | 9 June | Monday | Second Monday in June |
| Labour Day | 6 October | Monday | Territory-specific |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Thursday | Federal holiday |
| Boxing Day | 26 December | Friday | Federal holiday |
Key Easter and Australia Day Dates in ACT 2025
Easter Public Holidays in ACT
The Easter period represents the most significant multiple-day holiday stretch in the ACT calendar. The territory recognises four consecutive public holidays, creating an extended long weekend from Good Friday through Easter Monday. According to multiple calendar sources, these dates fall on 18, 19, 20, and 21 April in 2025.
Easter Saturday marks the day following Good Friday, while Easter Sunday completes the religious triduum before the final public holiday of the period. This four-day break exceeds the Easter holiday recognition of several other Australian states, which may observe fewer days during this period.
ACT observes Easter Sunday as a public holiday, a practice not universally adopted across all Australian jurisdictions. Some states do not recognise Easter Sunday, making the ACT’s four-day Easter break notably longer than alternatives elsewhere in the country.
Australia Day Observance in ACT 2025
Australia Day falls on 26 January, the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. However, when 26 January occurs on a Sunday, as it does in 2025, the ACT observes the public holiday on the following Monday. This substitution practice ensures workers receive a day off regardless of which day the anniversary falls upon.
Monday 27 January serves as the observed date for Australia Day in the ACT during 2025. Businesses should note that Sunday 26 January remains a regular trading day, with the public holiday applying only from the following Monday.
ANZAC Day Commemoration
ANZAC Day on 25 April maintains its traditional Friday placement in 2025, ensuring this important commemoration of Australian military service occurs on the actual anniversary date. The day holds particular significance in Canberra, home to the Australian War Memorial and numerous defence-related institutions.
How Many Public Holidays in ACT 2025 and Major Dates?
The ACT observes 13 public holidays throughout 2025, positioning the territory among jurisdictions with moderate holiday counts nationally. This total includes seven federal holidays observed across all Australian states and territories, alongside six occasions either specific to the ACT or adjusted differently within the territory.
The count of 13 public holidays places ACT in line with most Australian jurisdictions. Some states recognise additional regional holidays, while others observe fewer days. For specific employment arrangements, workers should consult their award, enterprise agreement, or contact Fair Work for clarification.
King’s Birthday in ACT 2025
The King’s Birthday public holiday falls on the second Monday in June throughout most Australian jurisdictions, including the ACT. In 2025, this date lands on Monday 9 June, providing a mid-year long weekend. The holiday commemorates the official birthday of the British monarch, though the actual birthday of King Charles III occurs in November.
Labour Day in ACT 2025
Labour Day in the ACT occurs on the first Monday in October, which in 2025 is Monday 6 October. This date differs from Labour Day celebrations in states such as New South Wales and Victoria, which observe the holiday in different months. The October placement aligns with Western Australia and several other territories rather than the eastern states.
The October timing creates the final significant long weekend before the Christmas and New Year period, roughly three months after the mid-year King’s Birthday break. For businesses scheduling annual leave planning or shutdown periods, these dates inform the broader annual calendar.
Additional and Territory-Specific Holidays in ACT 2025
Canberra Day
Canberra Day falls on the second Monday in March, which in 2025 corresponds to Monday 10 March. This territory-specific holiday commemorates the official naming of Canberra on 12 March 1913, when Lady Elizabeth Bungaree unveiled the commemorative plaque at the city centre. The holiday provides Canberrans with an occasion distinct from other Australian capital cities.
The March placement creates an early-year long weekend following the Australia Day period, separating the summer holiday season from the main autumn break. For tourism and hospitality operators in the territory, Canberra Day often marks increased visitor activity as families capitalise on the long weekend.
Reconciliation Day
Reconciliation Day on Monday 2 June 2025 represents the ACT’s commitment to acknowledging Indigenous reconciliation. The holiday follows the annual Week of Reconciliation held from 27 May to 3 June, coinciding with the anniversary of the 1967 referendum that removed discriminatory provisions from the Australian Constitution regarding Indigenous Australians.
Reconciliation Day provides an opportunity for reflection on the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader Australian community. Schools, community organisations, and government agencies often mark the occasion with specific events and ceremonies throughout the territory.
Public Holiday Entitlements in ACT
Workers in the ACT receive specific entitlements when required to work on public holidays. The Fair Work Act provides that employees absent on a public holiday are entitled to payment at their base rate for ordinary hours worked. Employees requested to work on a public holiday should receive the public holiday penalty rate as specified in their applicable award, enterprise agreement, or other registered agreement.
Where no registered agreement applies, the National Employment Standards ensure public holidays remain available to employees without unfair deductions from their leave entitlements. Employers should consult the Fair Work Commission for guidance on applicable rates and conditions.
Timeline of ACT Public Holidays 2025
The following chronological sequence presents each public holiday in order throughout the calendar year, facilitating advance planning for individuals and organisations coordinating activities around these dates.
- — New Year’s Day
- — Australia Day (observed)
- — Canberra Day
- — Good Friday
- — Easter Saturday
- — Easter Sunday
- — Easter Monday
- — ANZAC Day
- — Reconciliation Day
- — King’s Birthday
- — Labour Day
- — Christmas Day
- — Boxing Day
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About ACT Public Holidays 2025?
Multiple calendar sources align on the dates listed above, providing confidence in the accuracy of the 2025 ACT public holiday schedule. However, certain practical considerations warrant additional verification from authoritative sources.
| Established Information | Information Requiring Verification |
|---|---|
| All 13 holiday dates are confirmed by calendarr.com, Forbes Australia, and ANZ institutional resources | Direct confirmation from act.gov.au requires accessing official gazette publications directly |
| Substitution dates (Australia Day Monday 27 January) follow standard ACT practice | Specific employer-by-employer arrangements may create variations for some workers |
| Easter dates align with lunar calendar calculations applied universally | Part-time worker entitlements should be confirmed through Fair Work or employment contracts |
| Territory-specific holidays maintain consistent dates year-over-year | PDF download availability may require navigating ACT government websites directly |
While this list draws from aggregated calendar sources with consistent information, individuals requiring definitive confirmation should consult the ACT Government Gazette or contact the Fair Work Commission directly. The absence of direct act.gov.au links in search results means secondary calendar sources currently provide the most accessible verification.
Understanding ACT Public Holidays — Context and Meaning
Public holidays in the ACT serve multiple purposes beyond providing rest days. They commemorate significant national and territorial events, acknowledge important cultural and historical milestones, and provide economic benefits to retail, tourism, and hospitality sectors that often experience increased activity during long weekends.
The territory’s three unique public holidays reflect Canberra’s distinct character as a planned capital city and its demographic composition. Canberra Day acknowledges the deliberate choice to establish a new city rather than designate an existing settlement as the national capital. Reconciliation Day signals the territory’s engagement with Indigenous Australian history and the ongoing process of building constructive relationships with First Nations peoples.
For businesses operating in the ACT, public holidays create both opportunities and obligations. Retail trading restrictions may apply on certain holidays, while employers face specific requirements regarding penalty rates and employee entitlements. The Fair Work Commission’s guidance on 2025 public holidays provides foundational information for employment decisions.
Sources and References
“National holidays like New Year’s Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, ANZAC Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day are standardised federally.”
— ANZ Institutional Resources, Australian Public Holidays 2025 (PDF)
“ACT has more Easter holidays than some states; King’s Birthday and Labour Day dates differ from other territories.”
— Calendarr.com, Australia Public Holidays Complete List
- Calendarr.com — Australia Public Holidays Complete List
- Forbes Australia — Australian Public Holidays 2025: Your State-by-State Guide
- ANZ Institutional Resources — Australian Public Holidays 2025 (PDF)
- Tourism Australia — Australian Public Holidays
- Office Holidays — Australia 2025
Summary
The ACT observes 13 public holidays in 2025, encompassing seven federal holidays and six occasions specific to the territory or observed differently within the ACT. The Easter period provides the longest continuous break with four days from 18 to 21 April, while Canberra Day, Reconciliation Day, and Labour Day represent the territory’s distinctive contribution to the annual calendar. Businesses and residents should note substitution arrangements for Australia Day, verify employment entitlements through appropriate channels, and seek direct confirmation from ACT government sources where required for formal documentation.
Those managing workforce planning or seeking official documentation may benefit from consulting the My Gov Account Guide for navigating government services effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any additional public holidays in ACT 2025 beyond the 13 listed?
Beyond the 13 listed holidays, no additional gazetted public holidays apply in the ACT for 2025. Some employees may observe additional holidays under specific enterprise agreements, but these vary by employer rather than applying universally across the territory.
What are the public holiday entitlements for ACT workers in 2025?
ACT workers generally receive penalty rates when working on public holidays, with exact percentages determined by award, enterprise agreement, or other registered instrument. Employees not required to work receive their ordinary pay for the public holiday. Full-time employees receive this benefit automatically, while part-time workers should verify their specific entitlements.
How does ACT compare to other states for public holidays in 2025?
ACT observes more Easter holidays than several other states, including Easter Sunday as a recognised public holiday. The King’s Birthday falls on the same date as most other jurisdictions (second Monday in June), but Labour Day timing in October differs from eastern states that observe the holiday earlier in autumn.
Can I download an official ACT public holidays calendar for 2025?
Search results did not surface direct PDF downloads from act.gov.au for 2025 holidays. Alternative calendar resources such as Office Holidays and TimeAndDate offer downloadable or printable formats. For official confirmation, direct contact with ACT government channels remains advisable.
Is ANZAC Day a public holiday in ACT 2025?
Yes, ANZAC Day on 25 April 2025 is a public holiday in the ACT. The commemoration falls on a Friday, ensuring the anniversary date receives formal observance without requiring a substituted date.
When is Labour Day observed in the ACT in 2025?
Labour Day in the ACT occurs on Monday 6 October 2025, placing it in the first week of October rather than the March-April window used by several eastern states. This timing aligns the ACT with Western Australia and the Northern Territory for Labour Day celebrations.
Do banks close on all ACT public holidays?
Financial institutions close on all national public holidays observed in the ACT, including New Year’s Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, ANZAC Day, King’s Birthday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. For state-specific holidays such as Canberra Day, Reconciliation Day, and Labour Day, individual bank policies may vary.
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