The next public holiday in Queensland is the King's Birthday holiday on October 14, 2024. This additional holiday is granted because the King's actual birthday (November 14) falls during the school term, requiring a substitution date.
Queensland observes nine public holidays annually, fewer than most other Australian states. These holidays are scheduled under the Public Holidays Act 2012 and may vary slightly between regions.
Most Queensland public holidays follow national patterns, but some are unique to the state. The King's Birthday holiday, for example, differs from other states' celebrations of this occasion. Substitution days are common when holidays fall on weekends.
For workers, public holidays typically mean time-and-a-half pay for shifts worked, while retail trading laws restrict Sunday trading on these days.
| Holiday Name | Date (2024) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Observed January 1 even if it falls on weekend |
| Australia Day | January 26 | Fixed date holiday |
| Good Friday | April 19 | Christian holiday |
| Easter Saturday | April 20 | Queensland-only holiday |
| Easter Sunday | April 21 | Not a public holiday in Queensland |
| Easter Monday | April 22 | Queensland-only holiday |
| Labour Day | May 6 | First Monday in May |
| King's Birthday | October 14 | Substituted date holiday |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Fixed date holiday |
| Boxing Day | December 26 | Fixed date holiday |
Many assume Queensland follows the same holiday schedule as other states. However, Easter Saturday and Monday are unique to Queensland, while ANZAC Day is not a public holiday in Brisbane.
Another confusion arises with the King's Birthday holiday. While most states celebrate it in June, Queensland moves it to October to avoid disrupting the school term.
These holidays impact everything from retail operations to school schedules. For businesses, understanding the dates helps with staffing and sales planning. For residents, knowing the holiday calendar ensures proper scheduling of appointments and travel.
When I moved to Brisbane from Sydney, I was surprised to find Easter Saturday and Monday as public holidays - something my colleagues from other states didn't experience. This difference affects everything from retail trading hours to family planning for the long weekend.