WA / Western Australia public holiday dates 2020 – 2022
Western Australia (WA) public holiday dates for 2020, 2021 and 2022 are listed in the table below:
| Holiday | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Wednesday 1 January | Friday 1 January | Saturday 1 January & Monday 3 January^ |
| Australia Day | Monday 27 January | Tuesday 26 January | Wednesday 26 January |
| Labour Day | Monday 2 March | Monday 1 March | Monday 7 March |
| Good Friday | Friday 10 April | Friday 2 April | Friday 15 April |
| Easter Monday | Monday 13 April | Monday 5 April | Monday 18 April |
| Anzac Day | Saturday 25 April & Monday 27 April^ | Sunday 25 April & Monday 26 April^ | Monday 25 April |
| Western Australia Day | Monday 1 June | Monday 7 June | Monday 6 June |
| Queen’s Birthday # | Monday 28 September | Monday 27 September | To be proclaimed |
| Christmas Day | Friday 25 December | Saturday 25 December & Monday 27 December^ | Sunday 25 December & Monday 26 December* |
| Boxing Day | Saturday 26 December & Monday 28 December^ | Sunday 26 December & Tuesday 28 December^ | Monday 26 December & Tuesday 27 December |
Often, the Queen’s Birthday public holiday is held on an alternative date, usually to coincide with a significant date or event for that area, in regional areas.
*Monday 26 December 2022 is a Boxing Day public holiday and also an additional Christmas Day public holiday at the same time.
#Some regions hold Queen’s Birthday on an alternative date. Refer to Regional Holidays below.
^When New Year’s Day, Anzac Day, or Christmas Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday the next following Monday is also a public holiday.
When Boxing Day falls on a Saturday the next following Monday is also a public holiday, and when Boxing Day falls on a Sunday or Monday the next following Tuesday is also a public holiday.
Western Australia regional holidays 2020 – 2022
| Regional Holiday | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queen’s Birthday public holiday – Town of Port Hedland | Monday 3 August | TBA | TBA |
| Queen’s Birthday public holiday – City of Karratha | Monday 3 August | TBA | TBA |
| Queen’s Birthday public holiday – Shire of East Pilbara – Marble Bar | Monday 6 July | TBA | TBA |
| Queen’s Birthday public holiday – Shire of East Pilbara – Newman | Monday 17 August | TBA | TBA |
For further detail on the localities involved, visit this page.
Government website
Western Australian public and bank holidays are prescribed by the Public and Bank Holidays Act 1972
WA public holidays are administered by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.
What to know about WA public holiday dates
Western Australia the least public holidays observed each year, with just ten.
There are two types of public holidays in WA – national and state holidays.
National public holidays: These are WA public holidays that have the same or similar dates and significance as other states and territories. ANZAC is an example of one such holiday, held on the same day nationally. However, Queen’s Birthday and Labour Day dates vary across the nation.
State-wide WA public holidays: These holidays are specific to the WA. For example, Western Australia Day.
Western Australia Day public holiday
On the first Monday in June every year, Western Australians celebrate their State Day. Prior to 2012, the day was celebrated as Foundation Day. This changed with bipartisan support in WA Parliament for the name change to Western Australia Day. The intention was to make the day more inclusive for all, no matter how long they have been Western Australians.
Foundation Day celebrated the arrival of the first European settlers under Capt James Stirling RN, to settle the Swan River Colony in 1829.
Western Australia Day public holidays are as follows:
- Monday, 1st June, 2020
- Monday, 7th June, 2021
- Monday, 6th June, 2022
Why is Queen’ Birthday different in WA?
Due to Western Australia Day falling in June, Queen’s Birthday is not celebrated in June, like most other states and territories, rather it occurs in late September, providing a long weekend at the end of the third school term.
Why do parts of WA have different Queen’s Birthday dates?
Queen’s Birthday is held on differing dates in some local Government districts. This is to coincide with a significant historical date or regional event.
WA public holidays timing
With the lowest holiday count in the nation, Western Australians have it tougher than most. Between ANZAC Day and Christmas Day, WA gets only two long weekends, through the winter period, when some of the more pleasant weather and school holidays occur.
Visiting WA during a public holiday
Visiting WA, especially Perth, is not as restrictive as some other states and territories. Particularly in tourist and eating areas, a good selection of food and drink should be available on public holidays.
When should you visit Western Australia?
Spring is the best time to visit Western Australia with warm days, little rain and abundant sunshine. Beyond November becomes unbearable with the heat.
Do businesses in WA open on public holidays?
General retail in the Perth metropolitan area is permitted to trade between 8am and 6pm on Australia Day, Labour Day, Easter Monday, ANZAC Day, Western Australia Day and Queen’s Birthday.
Retail is not permitted ANZAC day, Christmas Day and Good Friday.
Many store types are not covered by the Retail Trading Hours Act 1987 including restaurants, café, takeaways, short term markets. and Rottnest Island shops.
Petrol stations are also deregulated in all areas.
WA school term and holiday dates
If you’re looking for school holiday and school term dates for WA, you can view them here.
Why are Mother’s Day and Father’s Day not listed as a public holiday in Western Australia?
Both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are an Observance rather than a public holiday for Western Australia. Unfortunately, WA does not receive a legislated holiday, or day off in lieu.