Victoria Public Holidays 2024

Welcome to the Guide to Victoria’s Public Holidays in 2024

As we move through the year, understanding Victoria’s public holidays is essential for planning and making the most of these special days. Whether you’re a local resident, a business owner, or a visitor to our beautiful state, this guide is designed to offer you a clear and detailed overview of when we pause to celebrate, commemorate, and enjoy the unique blend of cultural, historical, and recreational events that define our community spirit.

Why Public Holidays Matter

Public holidays in Victoria are not just days off work; they are opportunities for us to reflect on our shared history, celebrate our achievements, and embrace our rich cultural diversity. They provide a pause in our busy lives to spend quality time with family and friends, explore our state’s natural beauty, or participate in community and cultural events. From the solemn reflection of ANZAC Day to the festive atmosphere of Christmas, each holiday carries its significance and traditions.

Planning Your Year with Public Holidays in Mind

Understanding the dates and significance of Victoria’s public holidays can help you plan:

• Vacations and Getaways: With the dates of long weekends at your fingertips, you can plan trips and vacations well in advance, ensuring you make the most of your time off.
• Cultural and Community Participation: Knowing the significance of each holiday allows you to engage more deeply with your community, whether it’s attending a dawn service on ANZAC Day or celebrating the diversity and history of Australia on Australia Day.
• Business and Retail Planning: For business owners and retailers, being aware of public holidays is crucial for staffing, trading hours, and promotional activities to accommodate or leverage these days.

The table below shows a combination of Victorian statewide holidays and local/regional holidays.

Detailed Holiday Information

New Year’s Day – Monday, 1 January 2024

• History and Significance: New Year’s Day marks the start of the calendar year and is celebrated worldwide with fireworks, parties, and gatherings. In Victoria, it’s a time for community events, family picnics, and enjoying the summer weather.
• Observance and Traditions: Victorians often celebrate with outdoor activities, festivals, and fireworks in major cities. The day is also popular for setting new year resolutions.

Australia Day – Friday, 26 January 2024

• History and Significance: Australia Day commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Port Jackson in 1788. It’s a day of reflection on the nation’s history, diverse society, and landscape. However, it’s also a day of controversy, known as Invasion Day among Indigenous communities, reflecting on the impact of colonialism.
• Observance and Traditions: Celebrations include citizenship ceremonies, community and family events, and fireworks. There is also increasing recognition and activities that honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history.

Labour Day – Monday, 11 March 2024

• History and Significance: Labour Day in Victoria commemorates the eight-hour working day movement, which advocated eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest. It reflects the state’s commitment to workers’ rights.
• Observance and Traditions: The day is marked by the Moomba Festival in Melbourne, Australia’s largest free community festival, featuring parades, fireworks, and water sports on the Yarra River.

Easter Holidays (Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday) – 29 March to 1 April 2024

• History and Significance: Easter in Christianity commemorates the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The dates vary each year, following the lunar calendar.
• Observance and Traditions: Good Friday is observed with church services and quiet reflection. Easter Sunday celebrations include church services and family gatherings. The Easter weekend is a popular time for short holidays or family outings.

ANZAC Day – Thursday, 25 April 2024

• History and Significance: ANZAC Day honors the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I. It’s a day of national remembrance for all Australians who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.
• Observance and Traditions: The day is marked by dawn services, commemorative marches, and remembrance ceremonies across Victoria, including the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne.

King’s Birthday – Monday, 10 June 2024

• History and Significance: The King’s Birthday holiday is celebrated in honor of the British monarch’s birthday. In Australia, it’s not observed on the actual birthday of the king but instead on a fixed day in June.
• Observance and Traditions: The day is typically marked by public ceremonies and the announcement of honours and awards to citizens for their public service.

Friday before AFL Grand Final – Friday, 27 September 2024

• History and Significance: This public holiday is uniquely Victorian, celebrating the Australian Football League (AFL) Grand Final, a major sporting event in Australia.
• Observance and Traditions: The day includes the AFL Grand Final Parade in Melbourne, allowing fans to see players from the competing teams. It’s a day of community events, barbecues, and preparations for the Grand Final viewing.

Melbourne Cup – Tuesday, 5 November 2024

• History and Significance: The Melbourne Cup, known as “the race that stops the nation,” is a prestigious horse racing event. While it’s a public holiday only in metropolitan Melbourne and some parts of regional Victoria, it’s celebrated nationwide.
• Observance and Traditions: The day is marked by social gatherings, fashion, and, of course, watching the race. Many attend the event at Flemington Racecourse, while others watch at venues or hold private parties.

Christmas Day and Boxing Day – 25 & 26 December 2024

• History and Significance: Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is widely observed with gift-giving, family gatherings, and religious services. Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, has various interpretations, including the tradition of giving gifts to the poor.
• Observance and Traditions: Christmas is a time for family reunions, decorations, and festive meals. Boxing Day is popular for shopping sales, sporting events like the Boxing Day Test cricket match, and spending time with family and friends.

For all public holidays in Victoria in 2024:

• Public Impact: Most businesses, government offices, and schools are closed on public holidays. Public transport may operate on a reduced timetable. Essential services like hospitals may remain open but with limited staff.
• Trading Hours: Retail stores may have restricted trading hours, especially on major holidays like Good Friday and Christmas Day. Hospitality venues like restaurants and cafes may remain open but could charge a public holiday surcharge.

Notes: