Labour Day is celebrated on different dates in different territories. In different areas, it is celebrated with a different name, as well. Labour Day always falls on a Monday, ending a long weekend. Largely, families choose to spend time with one another. They take a vacation or go camping. Or they stay in and enjoy the extra time. It is considered a public holiday everywhere in Australia. The Holiday, regardless of what name or day it's celebrated as, is celebrated to honor the 8 hour work day of Australian people.
Upcoming Dates & Where They Are Celebrated
- Labour Day - Western Australia
- Monday, March 6, 2017
- Monday, March 5, 2018
- Monday, March 4, 2019
- Monday, March 2, 2020
- Monday, March 1, 2021
- Monday, March 7, 2022
- Monday, March 6, 2023
- Monday, March 4, 2024
- Monday, March 3, 2025
- Eight Hours Day - Tasmania / Labour Day - Victoria (celebrated the same day)
- Monday, March 13, 2017
- Monday, March 12, 2018
- Monday, March 11, 2019
- Monday, March 9, 2020
- Monday, March 8, 2021
- Monday, March 14, 2022
- Monday, March 13, 2023
- Monday, March 11, 2024
- Monday, March 10, 2025
- May Day - Northern Territory, Queensland
- Monday, May 1, 2017
- Monday, May 7, 2018
- Monday, May 6, 2019
- Monday, May 4, 2020
- Monday, May 3, 2021
- Monday, May 2, 2022
- Monday, May 1, 2023
- Monday, May 6, 2024
- Monday, May 5, 2025
- Labour Day - ACT, NSW, SA
- Monday, Oct 2, 2017
- Monday, Oct 1, 2018
- Monday, Oct 7, 2019
- Monday, Oct 5, 2020
- Monday, Oct 4, 2021
- Monday, Oct 3, 2022
- Monday, Oct 2, 2023
- Monday, Oct 7, 2024
- Monday, Oct 6, 2025
Where Is Labour Day Considered A Holiday?
Labour Day is considered a Holiday everywhere in Australia. Although the celebration falls on different days in different areas. It is considered a common state holiday. It's always a long weekend, which is ideal for your holiday planning.
Festivities & Events During Labour Day
Labour Day is a government Holiday, which means that any government office will be closed. All public transportation will run on Holiday schedules, or not at all. So it's important to plan your Holiday ahead of time and make other arrangements. Many stores are also closed on Labour Day. Since it always falls on a Monday, it is the part of a long weekend. Many families take this opportunity to go camping or take a short vacation. Always make sure you're planning ahead, for safety and security. You don't want to make last minute plans or have something go awry.
A Brief History Of Labour Day
Labour Day is celebrated to recognize the hard work and efforts of those who fought for fair labour. Originally, the people of Australia were forced into 12 hour work days and often worked 6 days a week. Feeling it was unfair, many rose against the working conditions, demanding an eight hour work day. The first celebration fell on April 21, 1856 when they marched onto Parliament hill and the agreement was made for the standard 48 hour work weeks. Following the victory, a parade was held on May 12 of that year to celebrate. It was originally held on May 12 for the following years, until World War II. Then the date was changed to the first Monday of March for observance.