More than just days off, public holidays provide opportunities for community celebration, reflection and to mark cultural and civic milestones.
Since the first 'public holiday' recorded in South Australia - Christmas Day 1827 (celebrated by Captain Gould of the Dryad at Boston Bay, Port Lincoln) - several other public holidays have been added to the calendar including Anzac Day, King's Birthday and Good Friday.
South Australia's public and bank holidays are prescribed by the Public Holidays Act 2023. (external site) This Act commenced on 1 January 2024 and replaced the Holidays Act 1910.
Christmas Day is treated as a public holiday every year, regardless of whether it falls on a Saturday or Sunday.
Proclamation Day is 28 December, however the Proclamation Day holiday is observed on 26 December. In 2026, Proclamation Day falls on a Saturday, resulting in an additional public holiday on Monday 28 December.
The 2026 South Australian public and school holiday dates are:
Dates | Public holiday |
Thursday 1 January | New Year's Day |
Monday 26 January | Australia Day |
Monday 9 March | Adelaide Cup Day |
Friday 3 April | Good Friday |
Saturday 4 April | Easter Saturday |
Sunday 5 April | Easter Sunday |
Monday 6 April | Easter Monday |
Saturday 25 April | ANZAC Day |
Monday 8 June | King’s Birthday |
Monday 5 October | Labour Day |
Thursday 24 December | Christmas Eve (7pm to midnight) |
Friday 25 December | Christmas Day |
Saturday 26 December | Proclamation Day |
Monday 28 December | Proclamation Day holiday |
Thursday 31 December | New Year’s Eve (7pm to midnight) |
School holiday dates
Term | Dates |
Term 1 holidays | Saturday 11 April – Sunday 26 April |
Term 2 holidays | Saturday 4 July – Sunday 19 July |
Term 3 holidays | Saturday 26 September – Sunday 11 October |
Term 4 holidays | Saturday 12 December – Tuesday 27 January |
If you're thinking about getting away soon, then why not head to one of South Australia's picturesque regional areas. Check out the South Australian Tourism Commission (external site) website for inspiration.
For more information about South Australia's public holidays, shop trading hours and industrial relations, visit SafeWork SA (external site).
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