Western Australia (WA) is Australia’s most populous state, covering roughly 10% of Australia’s land mass and home to over two million residents from various cultures that create an eventful calendar of public holidays throughout the year.
This article gives readers an overview of public holidays observed in Western Australia (WA), such as official state-wide public holidays, regional public holidays specific to certain regions or areas, school holidays and bank holidays when banks close. A calendar showing future public holidays will also be included here and some key impacts they have had on businesses, travel plans and traditions within WA will be examined so readers have a comprehensive knowledge of this important part of life in Western Australia.
Official Public Holidays of 2017 in United Kingdom.
Western Australia recognizes 10 official public holidays annually as declared by its state government, including both nationally observances as well as unique to Western Australia. All workers within Western Australia take time off on these official public holidays which apply across the state and include both regionally specific ones as well.
Western Australia celebrates 10 official public holidays each year:
On January 1 and 26 are Australia Day (Jan 26), Labour Day (the first Monday in March), Good Friday/Easter Monday/Anzac Day/Western Australia Day/Queen’s Birthday. Also Christmas/Boxing Days may occur between these dates (some examples being May 1-23/November 1-30 and Dec 25/26) but these holidays should only be used as examples and should never replace one another in fullness.
Western Australia Day (WAD), held annually since 1829 to commemorate the establishment of Swan River Colony by Sir Charles Swan. Other public holidays nationwide commemorate Western Australia’s contribution.
WA public holidays provide paid days off to employees at most businesses and public services in WA.
Regional Public Holidays of Note
Western Australia also observes some regional public holidays which fall outside its statewide calendar.
Boulder Cup Day in Goldfields-Esperance region marks one of the most notable regional public holidays and commemorates an iconic horserace first run back in 1876 – many businesses and schools close for this day in Kalgoorlie-Boulder area.
Shore Leave Day in Broome is celebrated annually on August 24, with many businesses and residents closing on that Thursday before. This unofficial holiday hails back to its origins within the pearling industry by giving workers paid leave during this day off from work; many schools and businesses may close for this regional day off too.
Albany Show Day, held every year on the final Thursday in September, is an official public holiday allowing residents to attend its Agricultural Show which dates back as far as 1836.
Moora schools and businesses close on September’s third Friday for Moora Show Day as an official public holiday to enable community participation in their annual show.
There are also regional show days which serve to replace national public holidays for their local communities, including Toodyay Show Day replacing Queen’s Birthday public holiday in June.
While these regional public holidays may not officially be recognized statewide, they illustrate how distinct local cultures vary across WA. Travelers would do well to be mindful of any additional local holidays as part of their planning for travel.
Western Australia’s school year is divided into four terms and divided by school holiday periods, known as terms. School holiday periods in WA may include:
Autumn School Vacations**- The dates vary each year but typically fall during two weeks in April from 6 April-21 April in 2023.
Winter school holidays – These usually run two weeks in July with dates varying depending on your school district; 2023’s winter school holiday dates range between 29 June to 14 July.
Spring school holidays – Two weeks during September/October with dates that vary year to year; in 2023 the spring school holiday period runs from 28 September until 13 October.
Summer school holidays occur between December 16 and 27 January every year; for 2022/2023 these dates span from 16 December 2022 until 27 January 2023.
The Education Department in Western Australia establishes school term and holiday dates up to three years in advance, including long summer breaks during December – January when temperatures can become extremely hot.
Families typically plan their travel arrangements around school holiday periods in Western Australia (WA). Holiday destinations within WA, interstate and overseas tend to become busier and more costly during these peak travel periods.
Bank Holidays in Western Australia Western Australian bank and financial institution holidays differ from state public holidays as banks can choose to close on certain non-official public days as bank holidays.
Key distinctions between bank holidays and public holidays in WA include:
Public holidays are official state government designated holidays on which businesses and services typically close; bank holidays however are chosen independently by banks themselves.
Public holidays typically mean schools and most public services close. Bank holidays don’t necessitate this closure of schools or government services; their exact dates vary yearly according to each bank. Public holiday dates remain constant over time while bank holiday dates could change according to individual banks’ practices.
Public holidays affect every institution across a state while bank holidays only impact bank customers and employees directly.
Public holidays tend to be announced well in advance while bank holidays tend to be announced closer to their dates of occurrence.
Western Australian banks generally observe three main bank holidays annually: Easter Saturday, Boxing Day and regional show days. Closure dates for bank holidays can differ by location or branch so customers should confirm closure details with their financial institution before attending an event or show day.
Bank holidays are discretionary days when banks may choose to close, while public holidays are official state-wide holidays with widespread bank closures across a state. Knowing this distinction allows residents to prepare ahead of time should their local banks decide to close unexpectedly during non-public holidays.
Calendar of Public Holidays.
Western Australia observes 11 official public holidays each year; here’s a calendar that details these dates in 2023:
### January is traditionally observed as New Year’s Day on January 1st and serves as an introduction into 2019.
January 26th marks Australia Day!
### March is Labour Day on March 6th!
### April – **Good Friday**, April 7th; Easter Sunday and Monday (9th/10th); Anzac Day 25th April;
### June – Western Australia Day on June 5th.
### September (Queen’s Birthday) – September 25th
### October is Labour Day on October 2, and I encourage everyone to observe it with all due observance!
### December: Craciun Christmas Day and Boxing Day on December 25th and 26th respectively are approaching fast!
Planning your schedule around public holidays in Western Australia is made simpler thanks to this complete list of official public holiday dates in 2023. Please be aware that holidays that fall on weekends do not count as additional public holidays.
Public holidays have an immense economic and business implication; businesses may close down or reduce hours during public holidays, leading to lower productivity and revenue figures; though its effect varies widely by industry.
Retail businesses tend to experience an upswing around major public holidays like Christmas as consumers spend money on gifts, food, decorations and holiday supplies for themselves and family instead of shopping. Conversely, regular retail sales may decline around smaller public holidays when families opt instead to spend time together rather than going shopping.
Services businesses such as restaurants, movie theaters and tourist attractions typically see increased customers during three-day holiday weekends; however, that number drops dramatically on holiday day when people spend time with family.
Manufacturing and other industrial businesses often close completely on public holidays and may experience delayed deliveries or limited staff working during this period, thus hindering productivity. Even businesses which remain open often have reduced productivity during such times due to limited staff working.
Public holidays see trading activity halted, while banks and post offices often close on these holidays to limit services provided to their clients.
Overall, national public holidays tend to add costs to an economy in terms of lost productivity; yet holidays serve a purpose beyond this through increasing morale, decreasing worker burnout and strengthening cultural identities. Businesses that plan ahead for public holidays can run more smoothly while remaining operational during public holidays.
Public holidays have the power to seriously reverberate on travel plans in Western Australia, especially around popular holiday weekends when residents and visitors alike look forward to taking advantage of an extra day off work and looking forward to enjoying it with flights, accommodation and activities at higher demand than normal.
Planning ahead for Western Australian public holidays is of utmost importance if you intend on travelling. Flights tend to fill quickly at major airports; make your plans early! Hotel rooms and vacation rentals at popular tourist spots such as Broome, Margaret River and Perth tend to fill quickly too; expect higher rates as well as minimum night requirements when making hotel or rental bookings there.
Make reservations early for top attractions, restaurants and tours as your choices could become limited due to venues closing or operating with reduced hours; some tour companies even provide holiday-specific trips or experiences in order to meet increased demand.
Long weekend road trips or regional area travel is often conducted via road transport. Please allow extra time as roads tend to be busier than expected and fuel stations and restaurants along popular routes may become overrun with people.
Public transit such as trains and buses often operate with altered timetables during holidays, making planning ahead more feasible; you should allow additional time in your itinerary. Check schedules well in advance to avoid surprises!
Knowledge of Western Australian public holidays and scheduling travel or vacation plans around them can save time, hassle and stress. With careful preparation you can still take advantage of extra days off for an amazing getaway experience!
Public Holiday Traditions in Ontario (Part 6)
Western Australian public holidays provide families and communities the chance to gather around shared traditions, celebrations and festivities. Here is an overview of some of the more widely practiced traditions associated with major public holidays:
Australia Day mes Outdoor events, concerts and festivals held across Australia to commemorate this national holiday usually include music performances by Australian bands as well as food, culture and talent showcased. Perth and Fremantle host large celebrations.
Citizenship ceremonies celebrate new Australian citizens.
Backyard BBQs, beach trips and picnics with family and friends – these activities make life enjoyable!
Watching Australia Day fireworks displays was amazing.
### Anzac Day mes On 25 April each year, dawn services and marches commemorating Australian and New Zealand Armed Corps personnel take place around Australia on Anzac Day (25 April). Major events typically occur in Perth, Fremantle and Albany.
Wearing a red poppy to represent memory.
ANZAC biscuits were baked and distributed among family and friends as a reminder of those who served our nation during World War One.
Labour Day
Labour Day brings street parades led by union members across Perth and regional towns on Labour Day.
Family picnics and barbeques.
Shopping sales associated with the long weekend.
Easter – Church services held annually by Christian communities around the world in honour of Easter are observed during this holiday.
Families gather around Easter tables for chocolate eggs and hot cross buns shared among them at Easter time.
Easter egg hunts for kids will also take place this year.
Christmas festivities typically involve gatherings with family and friends on Christmas Day for lunch or dinner celebrations.
Giving and receiving presents for children are especially appreciated.
Christmas lights decorate homes and streets alike this holiday season.
Caroling and Nativity plays.
Major public holidays provide Western Australians an opportunity to come together in celebration of our national identity, commemoration of history, recognition of workers, religious traditions through food events or family time and preserve culture through tradition.
Western Australia observes 11 official public holidays each calendar year to mark cultural, national and religious landmarks such as Christmas Day, Australia Day and Good Friday.
Many schools and banks observe term breaks and holidays throughout the state that necessitate closures across all population centers; major urban centres like Perth have additional public holidays which may impact closures within that particular location.
Western Australians take great advantage of public holidays to reflect, celebrate and relax with family, friends, and community members; but these dates could potentially interrupt business operations and travel plans; visitors planning their trip should research public holiday dates when scheduling trips in Western Australia.
Residents and travelers alike can appreciate the festive atmosphere created by Western Australia’s public holidays, which highlight its diverse culture and history. Between official state public holidays, regional variations, school breaks and bank holidays – Western Australia marks over twenty public holidays every year!
English 
Chinese (China) 
Chinese (Taiwan)