Australia is a diverse and vast country-continent surrounded by the Indian and Pacific oceans- Australia is known for its natural wonders and wide-open spaces. Its major cities – Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide – are coastal, while its interior, the Outback, is famous for its iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock) and unique wildlife. Australia’s rich cultural heritage, shaped by its Indigenous peoples and a history of British colonization, alongside its renowned beaches, reefs, and vibrant cities, make it a unique and captivating destination.
List of National and Public holidays in Australia for the year 2024
- New Year’s Day is on Monday, 1 January 2024
- Australia Day is on Friday, 26 January 2024
- Good Friday is on Friday, 29 March 2024
- Easter Saturday is on Saturday, 30 March 2024
- 2024 Easter Sunday is on Sunday, 31 March 2024
- Easter Monday is on Monday, 1 April 2024
- Anzac Day is on Tuesday, 25 April 2024
- Christmas Day is on Wednesday, 25 December 2024
- Boxing Day is on Thursday, 26 December 2024
- Boxing Day Holiday: Friday, 27 December 2024
Additional public holidays declared by the state and territory governments:
- Canberra Day: Monday, 11 March
- Reconciliation Day: Monday, 27 May
- Queen’s Birthday: Monday, 10 June
- Labour Day: Monday, 7 October
- King’s Birthday: Monday, 10 June
- Labour Day: Monday, 7 October
- May Day: Monday, 6 May
- Queen’s Birthday: Monday, 10 June
- Alice Springs Show Day: Friday, 5 July* (Regional observance only)
- Tennant Creek Show Day: Friday, 12 July* (Regional observance only)
- Katherine Show Day: Friday, 19 July* (Regional observance only)
- Darwin Show Day: Friday, 26 July* (Regional observance only)
- Picnic Day: Monday, 5 August
- Borroloola Show Day: Friday, 16 August* (Regional observance only)
- Labour Day: Monday, 6 May
- Royal Queensland Show: Wednesday, 14 August* (Brisbane only)
- Queen’s Birthday: Monday, 7 October
- Adelaide Cup Day: Monday, 11 March* (Subject to proclamation)
- Queen’s Birthday: Monday, 10 June
- Labour Day: Monday, 7 October
- Devonport Cup: Wednesday, 10 January* (Regional observance only)
- Royal Hobart Regatta: Monday, 12 February* (Regional observance only)
- Launceston Cup: Wednesday, 28 February* (Regional observance only)
- King Island Show: Tuesday, 5 March* (Regional observance only)
- Eight Hours Day: Monday, 11 March
- Easter Tuesday: Tuesday, 2 April** (Restricted public holiday in Tasmania)
- AGFEST: Friday, 3 May* (Regional observance only)
- Burnie Show: Friday, 4 October* (Regional observance only)
- Royal Launceston Show: Thursday, 10 October* (Regional observance only)
- Flinders Island Show: Friday, 18 October* (Regional observance only)
- Royal Hobart Show: Thursday, 24 October* (Regional observance only)
- Recreation Day: Monday, 4 November* (Regional observance only)
- Devonport Show: Friday, 29 November* (Regional observance only)
- Labour Day: Monday, 11 March
- King’s Birthday: Monday, 10 June
- Melbourne Cup Day: Tuesday, 5 November
- Labour Day: Monday, 4 March
- Western Australia Day: Monday, 3 June
- King’s Birthday: Monday, 23 September* (Regional observance only)
Country profile Australia
- Population: 21.5 million (UN, 2010)
- Capital: Canberra
- Largest city: Sydney
- Area: 7.7 million sq km (2.9 million sq miles)
- Internet domain: .au
- International dialling code: +61
New South Wales (NSW):
- Capital: Sydney
- Population: NSW is the most populous state in Australia, with a diverse population.
- Landscapes: It is known for its stunning coastline, including famous beaches like Bondi Beach. Additionally, NSW is home to the Blue Mountains and various national parks.
- Economy: The state’s economy is diverse, with industries ranging from finance and technology in Sydney to agriculture and mining in regional areas.
Victoria
- Capital: Melbourne
- Population: Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia.
- Cultural Hub: Melbourne is often considered Australia’s cultural capital, known for its art, music, fashion, and vibrant food scene.
- Landscapes: Victoria boasts a diverse landscape, from the urban environment of Melbourne to the wine regions of Yarra Valley and the stunning Great Ocean Road.
- Economy: Victoria’s economy is driven by various industries including manufacturing, education, healthcare, and tourism.
Queensland:
- Capital: Brisbane
- Population: Queensland is Australia’s third most populous state.
- Climate: Known as the “Sunshine State,” Queensland enjoys a warm climate and is famous for its beautiful beaches and the Great Barrier Reef.
- Tourism: It’s a major tourism destination, attracting visitors to places like the Gold Coast, Cairns, and the Whitsunday Islands.
- Agriculture and Mining: Queensland is also known for its agricultural and mining industries.
South Australia:
- Capital: Adelaide
- Population: South Australia has a smaller population compared to the eastern states.
- Wine Region: It’s renowned for its wine regions, including the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale.
- Cultural Festivals: Adelaide hosts various cultural festivals and events throughout the year, earning it the nickname “Festival City.”
- Mining: Mining is an important industry in South Australia, particularly for minerals like copper and uranium.
Western Australia (WA)
- Capital: Perth
- Land Area: WA is the largest state in Australia by land area.
- Natural Beauty: Known for its vast and diverse landscapes, including stunning beaches, rugged outback, and the ancient rock formations of the Kimberley.
- Mining: Western Australia is a global leader in mining, particularly for iron ore and gold.
- Isolation: Due to its size and geography, WA is known for its isolation from the eastern states.
Tasmania
- Capital: Hobart
- Island State: Tasmania is an island state located to the south of the Australian mainland.
- Natural Beauty: Known for its pristine wilderness areas, including the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
- Agriculture and Tourism: Agriculture, particularly in areas like the Tamar Valley, as well as tourism, are significant contributors to the economy.
Territories in Australia:
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- Capital: Canberra
- Government Center: ACT is home to the capital city of Australia, Canberra. It is the political and administrative center of the country.
Northern Territory
- Capital: Darwin
- Outback Adventures: Known for its rugged outback, national parks, and unique wildlife, the NT offers a taste of the Australian wilderness.