New South Wales recognizes twelve statewide public holidays annually, with dates gazetted under the Public Holidays Act 2010. These prescribed days mandate adjusted pay rates for employees and modified trading conditions for businesses across Australia’s most populous state.
The NSW Government proclaims official dates through the Gazette, while employment entitlements fall under federal jurisdiction administered by the Fair Work Ombudsman. Regional local government areas additionally declare show holidays specific to their agricultural calendars.
What are the public holidays in NSW for 2024?
Eight dates including New Year’s Day, Australia Day, Good Friday through Easter Sunday, Anzac Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Four additional days: Easter Monday, King’s Birthday, Bank Holiday, and Labour Day.
Additional show holidays declared by specific LGAs for agricultural events.
Provisions for Monday observance when fixed dates fall on weekends.
- Twelve statewide holidays are observed in 2024, comprising eight national and four state-specific dates.
- The Easter period creates a continuous four-day block from Good Friday through Easter Monday.
- NSW observes King’s Birthday in June, distinct from Western Australia’s September date.
- The Bank Holiday on the first Monday in August is unique to New South Wales.
- No substitute Monday holidays are required in 2024 as Christmas and Boxing Day fall on weekdays.
- Anzac Day falls on Thursday 25 April, creating a mid-week break.
- Labour Day observance on 7 October aligns with the Australian Capital Territory.
| Date | Holiday | Type | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | National | Wednesday | |
| Australia Day | National | Friday | |
| Good Friday | National | Friday | |
| Easter Saturday | National | Saturday | |
| Easter Sunday | National | Sunday | |
| Easter Monday | State | Monday | |
| Anzac Day | National | Thursday | |
| King’s Birthday | State | Monday | |
| Bank Holiday | State | Monday | |
| Labour Day | State | Monday | |
| Christmas Day | National | Wednesday | |
| Boxing Day | National | Thursday |
What are the NSW public holidays in 2025?
The 2025 calendar contains eleven statewide holidays plus the substitute Australia Day. Payroll administration services confirm these dates align with Fair Work Ombudsman listings.
| Date | Holiday | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | National | Wednesday | |
| Australia Day | National | Monday (substitute) | |
| Good Friday | National | Friday | |
| Easter Saturday | National | Saturday | |
| Easter Sunday | National | Sunday | |
| Easter Monday | State | Monday | |
| Anzac Day | National | Friday | |
| King’s Birthday | State | Monday | |
| Bank Holiday | State | Monday | |
| Labour Day | State | Monday | |
| Christmas Day | National | Thursday | |
| Boxing Day | National | Friday |
Is today a public holiday in NSW?
Verification of public holiday status depends on the specific date and location. Residents should consult the official NSW Government gazette for the current year to confirm observance.
Is Easter Monday a public holiday in NSW?
Yes. Easter Monday is gazetted as a statewide public holiday in New South Wales under the Public Holidays Act 2010. This distinguishes NSW from jurisdictions where Easter Monday carries standard trading status.
When is Anzac Day in NSW?
Anzac Day falls annually on 25 April. In 2024, observance occurs on Thursday 25 April. The 2025 date falls on Friday 25 April. NSW Government records confirm this as a national day of remembrance.
What are the public holiday pay rates and entitlements in NSW?
Under the Fair Work Act and relevant NSW awards, public holiday work attracts specific penalty rates. The Fair Work Ombudsman confirms these entitlements vary by employment classification.
Full-time and part-time permanent employees receive base rate pay when not working on a public holiday. Hours worked attract double time and a half (2.5 times ordinary rate) under standard NSW awards.
Casual employees receive a 25 per cent loading atop penalty rates when working public holidays. Minimum engagement periods apply, typically three or four hours depending on the award.
Retail and hospitality awards contain distinct penalty structures. Local Government NSW resources indicate regional show holidays carry the same pay obligations as statewide dates when gazetted for that LGA.
What regional public holidays are there in NSW?
Beyond the twelve statewide dates, individual local government areas proclaim additional holidays for agricultural shows. The LGNSW database lists these LGA-specific dates.
Examples include the Tamworth Show in April, the Dubbo Show in May, and various other regional exhibitions throughout the year. These are not statewide holidays but apply fully within their declared boundaries for employment and trading purposes.
The Bank Holiday on the first Monday in August primarily affects the Sydney metropolitan area. Regional areas may instead observe local show holidays on different dates. Budget Direct travel data confirms this distinction affects retail trading hours.
How do NSW public holidays unfold throughout the year?
- : New Year’s Day — NSW Government Gazette
- : Australia Day
- to : Easter block (Good Friday to Easter Monday)
- : Anzac Day
- : King’s Birthday
- : Bank Holiday
- : Labour Day
- : Australia Day (substitute)
- to : Easter block
- : Christmas Day
Which NSW public holiday facts are established versus pending?
Confirmed: Gazetted dates for 2024 and 2025 carry official certification through the NSW Government Gazette and Fair Work Ombudsman publications. These sources align across government and payroll authorities including payroll administration platforms.
Uncertain: Regional show dates remain provisional until individual LGAs publish annual proclamations. Preliminary 2026 dates for New Year’s Day and Australia Day are circulated by forecasting services but await formal gazettal.
What legal framework governs NSW public holidays?
The Public Holidays Act 2010 (NSW) provides the statutory basis for statewide declarations. This legislation empowers the Governor to proclaim additional days and substitute holidays when fixed dates coincide with weekends.
The Bank Holiday originated from nineteenth-century banking customs, originally applying only to financial institutions but now affecting retail trading across the Sydney metropolitan region. Payroll systems recognize this as a distinct non-trading day.
King’s Birthday observance in June aligns NSW with most Australian states, though Western Australia marks the occasion in September. This variation reflects historical rather than royal calendar differences. Eid ul-Fitr 2025 – Dates by Country and Moon Sighting operates on different lunar calculation methods compared to these fixed Gregorian dates.
Where do official NSW public holiday records originate?
Public holidays in NSW are gazetted under the Public Holidays Act 2010, with statewide dates proclaimed annually through the NSW Government Gazette.
— NSW Government, Industrial Relations
When a public holiday falls on a weekend, employees may receive a substitute holiday depending on their award or agreement.
— Fair Work Ombudsman
What are the key considerations for NSW public holidays?
Residents and employers navigate twelve statewide holidays plus regional variations annually. Pay entitlements depend on award classifications, with permanent staff receiving 2.5 times ordinary rates when working, and casuals attracting additional loadings. Days Between Dates – Excel Formulas and Calculators Guide provides tools for calculating leave entitlements across these periods.
Do NSW public holidays apply nationwide?
No. While eight dates align with national observances, four NSW-specific holidays and all regional show days apply only within state boundaries.
What happens if Christmas Day falls on a weekend?
Substitute public holidays are proclaimed for the following Monday or Tuesday. This occurred in 2022 and will recur in 2027.
Are casual employees entitled to public holiday pay in NSW?
Casuals receive penalty rates plus 25 per cent loading when working, but are not paid for days off unless minimum engagement clauses apply.
How are regional show holidays determined?
Local councils apply to the NSW Government to gazette specific dates for agricultural shows, varying by LGA annually.
Is the August Bank Holiday observed outside Sydney?
The Bank Holiday primarily affects Sydney metropolitan retail. Regional areas often substitute local show holidays instead.
Which industries have different penalty rates?
Retail, hospitality, and healthcare awards contain distinct penalty structures. Confirm specific rates through the Fair Work Ombudsman.
When is the next substitute public holiday?
Australia Day 2025 falls on a substitute Monday (27 January) as the actual date (26 January) falls on Sunday.
Are schools closed on all public holidays?
Yes. Additionally, school holidays follow separate term dates, with breaks typically coinciding with Easter and Christmas periods.
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Liam O'Brien covers Australian politics and public affairs for Australia Focus.