Public Holidays WA 2025 – Full List, Dates, Long Weekends

Western Australia observes eleven statewide public holidays throughout 2025. The dates are set either on fixed calendar days or according to observance rules that determine when holidays are officially observed if they fall on weekends.

This guide provides a complete overview of every public holiday in Western Australia for 2025, including dates, observance rules, and information about long weekends that can help with planning. The holidays listed here apply across the state, though some regional variations exist for certain dates.

What Are the Public Holidays in Western Australia for 2025?

Western Australia has eleven gazetted public holidays for 2025. These include nationally recognised days such as New Year’s Day and Christmas Day, alongside state-specific holidays like WA Day and Labour Day. The complete list covers the full calendar year from January through December.

• Easter provides the longest break, spanning from Good Friday through Easter Monday (four consecutive days)
• Australia Day 2025 is observed on Monday 27 January rather than the standard 26 January date
• Western Australia observes two state-specific holidays not found nationwide: Labour Day and WA Day
• Six long weekend opportunities exist when public holidays combine with adjacent weekends
• Easter Sunday became a public holiday in WA from February 2022

When Is Australia Day and Labour Day in WA 2025?

Australia Day 2025 in Western Australia

Australia Day falls on 26 January, but in 2025 this date lands on a Sunday. Under Western Australian observance rules, when Australia Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the first Monday following is observed as the public holiday instead. This means Western Australians will have Monday 27 January off work.

This adjustment creates a three-day long weekend spanning Saturday 25 January through Monday 27 January. Workers who are required to attend on the observed Australia Day may be entitled to penalty rates under employment law. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides detailed guidance on public holiday entitlements.

Labour Day 2025 in Western Australia

Labour Day in Western Australia is observed on Monday 3 March 2025. This date places it earlier in the year compared to most other Australian states, which typically observe Labour Day in May or October. Western Australia’s Labour Day marks the celebration of workers’ rights and the labour movement’s achievements.

Labour Day is one of two state-specific public holidays in WA, alongside WA Day. It does not create an automatic long weekend since it falls on a standalone Monday, though some workers may choose to take annual leave on the preceding Friday to extend the break.

Easter and Anzac Day Public Holidays in WA 2025

Easter Public Holidays 2025

Easter 2025 brings four consecutive public holidays to Western Australia: Good Friday on 18 April, Easter Sunday on 20 April, and Easter Monday on 21 April. The Thursday before Easter (17 April) marks the start of school holidays in WA, making this period one of the longest breaks available throughout the year.

When combined with the surrounding weekend, Easter offers up to five consecutive days off for those with standard working arrangements. Easter Sunday became a public holiday in WA following legislative changes that took effect in February 2022, expanding the number of public holidays during the Easter period.

For those planning events or getaways during this period, the Easter Show 2025 Guide offers additional information on activities available across the season.

Anzac Day 2025 in Western Australia

Anzac Day falls on Friday 25 April 2025. This date falls immediately after the Easter long weekend, creating a second consecutive long break for many workers. Anzac Day commemorates Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers who served in World War I, and it is observed nationwide.

Under Western Australian rules, if Anzac Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday becomes a public holiday. However, in 2025 the date falls on a Friday, so it is observed on its actual date. Dawn services, marches, and commemorative ceremonies typically take place across Western Australia on this day.

WA Day and King’s Birthday Dates in 2025

Western Australia Day (WA Day) 2025

Western Australia Day is observed on Monday 2 June 2025. This state-specific holiday celebrates the founding of the Swan River Colony in 1829, which established what would become Western Australia. It is observed on the first Monday in June each year, making 2025’s date predictable and consistent.

The Monday observance creates a natural three-day long weekend spanning Saturday 31 May through Monday 2 June. This timing falls in the early dry season in Western Australia’s northwest, making it a popular period for travel and outdoor activities across the state.

King’s Birthday 2025 in WA

The King’s Birthday public holiday in Western Australia falls on Monday 29 September 2025. This date places it in late September, following the traditional pattern of celebrating the reigning monarch’s birthday in June or September depending on the state.

The holiday creates a three-day long weekend when combined with the preceding Saturday and Sunday, spanning 27-29 September. Some regional areas of Western Australia observe the King’s Birthday on different dates, so those outside the Perth metropolitan area should verify local arrangements.

WA Public Holidays 2025 Calendar and Long Weekends

The complete calendar of Western Australian public holidays for 2025, when viewed alongside weekends, reveals six distinct long weekend opportunities throughout the year. These periods are particularly relevant for tourism operators, retailers, and anyone planning travel or events.

1. Australia Day weekend: Saturday 25 January to Monday 27 January (3 days)
2. Easter period: Thursday 17 April to Monday 21 April (5 days including school holidays start)
3. Anzac Day: Friday 25 April (single day, following immediately after Easter)
4. WA Day weekend: Saturday 31 May to Monday 2 June (3 days)
5. King’s Birthday weekend: Saturday 27 September to Monday 29 September (3 days)
6. Christmas period: Thursday 25 December to Friday 26 December (2 days, extended if prior weekend is used)

The Easter period stands out as providing the most substantial break, with up to five consecutive days when combining the Thursday start of school holidays through Easter Monday. The arrangement of Easter and Anzac Day falling close together in 2025 is notable, as these two significant holiday periods are typically more spaced throughout the year.

The official WA Government provides a downloadable PDF calendar covering public holiday dates through 2027, which can be useful for planning beyond 2025.

Observed Dates and Observance Rules

Certain public holidays in Western Australia may be observed on different dates than their actual calendar dates. The state has specific observance rules that determine when holidays are officially observed if they fall on weekends, designed to ensure workers receive appropriate rest days.

When Substitution Dates Apply

• New Year’s Day, Anzac Day, Christmas Day: If these holidays fall on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday is also a public holiday
• Australia Day: If 26 January falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the first Monday after is observed as the holiday (as in 2025)
• Boxing Day: If Boxing Day falls on a Saturday, the following Monday is observed; if it falls on Sunday or Monday, the following Tuesday is observed

These substitution rules mean that 2025 has one adjusted observance date: Australia Day is officially observed on Monday 27 January rather than on 26 January, since the latter falls on a Sunday.

Confirmed Information and Remaining Questions

The public holiday dates for Western Australia in 2025 are officially gazetted by the WA Government and reflect the confirmed schedule as of late 2024. There is a clear distinction between what is established and what requires verification.

How Western Australia Sets Its Public Holidays

Western Australia’s public holidays are determined through a process involving the state government and are formally gazetted to provide certainty for employers and employees. The state has authority to designate certain holidays and set observance rules, while national holidays like Australia Day and Anzac Day are recognised across all jurisdictions.

Western Australia differs from eastern states in several ways. Labour Day is observed in March rather than May or October. The state-specific WA Day commemorates the founding of the colony on 29 August 1829, while King’s Birthday is observed in September rather than June. These differences reflect Western Australia’s separate colonial history and state-specific celebrations.

The inclusion of Easter Sunday as a public holiday from February 2022 was a relatively recent change, adding to the number of public holidays observed during the Easter period. This change aligned Western Australia’s approach with community expectations regarding the significance of Easter Sunday.

Sources and Official References

The official public holidays in Western Australia for 2025, as gazetted by the WA Government, are listed with dates and observance rules. The WA Government provides a printable PDF of public holiday dates for 2025-2027, confirming the statewide holidays listed above.

— WA Government Department of the Premier and Cabinet

Easter Sunday became a public holiday in Western Australia from February 2022, following community consultation and legislative change.

— Retail Council of Western Australia

Summary

Western Australia observes eleven statewide public holidays in 2025, with dates confirmed and gazetted by the state government. The year features six long weekend opportunities, with the Easter period providing the longest break of up to five consecutive days. Notable features include the observed Australia Day date of 27 January and the proximity of Easter and Anzac Day holidays in April.

For comprehensive planning, individuals and businesses can access the official WA Government public holidays page or download the printable calendar covering 2025 through 2027. Those with interests spanning different regions may find additional context in the Renmark Big 4 Riverfront Holiday Park Guide 2025 for related travel planning information.

Frequently Asked Questions