Easter Monday
246 days until Easter Monday
About Easter Monday
Easter Monday is a nationwide public holiday in Australia, occurring on the day immediately following Easter Sunday. Serving as the conclusion to the four-day Easter long weekend, it offers Australians a final day to rest, travel home from holidays, or take part in iconic outdoor sports events.
History
The origin of Easter Monday lies in Christian tradition, historically marking the start of Easter Week and the octave of Easter. European settlers brought these liturgical observances to Australia in the late 18th century, with the day designated for rest, religious reflection, and community gatherings.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, colonial and state parliaments across Australia formally enshrined Easter Monday in statutory law through Bank Holiday Acts and employment legislation. Over the decades, the day evolved from a purely religious extension into a popular secular public holiday that marks the final day of the autumn school break.
Traditions & Celebrations
Australians observe Easter Monday in various ways, with many making the journey back home from coastal getaways, bush camping trips, and family reunions. The day is famous for hosting major sporting fixtures, most notably the finals of the Stawell Gift—Australia's oldest and richest professional footrace, run in regional Victoria since 1878—and iconic country horse racing carnivals such as South Australia's Oakbank meet. In Sydney, thousands of families spend the holiday at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, while others gather at local parks or enjoy a quiet day off before work and school resume.
Did you know?
- The 120-metre finals of the famous Stawell Gift footrace have been held on grass at Central Park in Victoria every Easter Monday since the late 19th century.
- Easter Monday completes a four-day national break, making the Easter weekend one of the longest statutory time-off periods without requiring workers to use annual leave.
- While Easter Monday is a public holiday across every state and territory, Tasmania uniquely observes an extra public service holiday on Easter Tuesday.
- Highway traffic across major metropolitan entry points typically peaks on Easter Monday afternoon as holidaymakers return from regional areas.
Easter Monday dates by year
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Easter Monday a public holiday in all Australian states and territories?
Yes, Easter Monday is a gazetted public holiday across every Australian state and territory.
How is the date of Easter Monday determined?
Easter Monday is a movable holiday tied to Easter Sunday, falling on the day after Easter Sunday, which is calculated based on the first full moon on or after the March equinox.
Are major supermarkets open on Easter Monday in Australia?
Unlike Good Friday and Easter Sunday, which face strict trading bans in several states, retail trading rules on Easter Monday are largely deregulated, so most major supermarkets and shopping centres open under reduced holiday hours.