Looking for a list of SA public holidays?
2023 is set to be an exciting year with many public holidays to look forward to. South Australia is renowned for having some of the most diverse and interesting public holidays in the country, with a variety of events and celebrations taking place throughout the year.
From Australia Day to Christmas Day, South Australians have plenty of opportunities to take a break and enjoy the festivities. This guide outlines the SA public holidays for 2023, so you can start planning your holiday calendar now.
South Australian / SA Public Holidays 2023
In South Australia, thirteen public holidays are celebrated annually. These include twelve official national holidays and an additional one specific to the state.
- New Year’s Day Monday 2 January
- Australia Day Holiday Thursday 26
- January Adelaide Cup Day (if proclamation) Monday 13 March
- Good Friday Friday 7 April
- Easter Saturday Saturday 8 April
- Easter Monday Monday 10 April
- ANZAC Day Tuesday 25 April
- Monarch’s Official Birthday / Volunteer’s Day Monday 12 June
- Labour Day Monday 2 October
- Christmas Eve* Sunday 24 December
- Christmas Day Monday 25 December
- Boxing Day / Proclamation Day
- Tuesday 26 December
- New Year’s Eve* Sunday 31 December
Note: Mothers Day is not a public holiday in South Australia
Adelaide Cup Day
What about public holidays in Adelaide?
Adelaide Cup Day is a public holiday that is specific to South Australia and provides the perfect long weekend. It is a highly-anticipated event every year, showcasing a Group 2 handicap thoroughbred horse race run by the South Australian Jockeys Club at Morphettville racecourse.
This important day has been celebrated since 1864 and is held on the second Monday of March each year. The next Adelaide Cup Day public holiday is scheduled for Monday, 13th March, 2023 and is sure to be an exciting day of racing and entertainment.
Proclamation Day
Proclamation Day is an important day in South Australia, replacing the traditional Boxing Day holiday. It is a day to celebrate the arrival of 8 British ships to Adelaide and the proclamation of South Australia as a province of the British Empire on 28th December 1836.
The day is a time to reflect on the impact of the proclamation and the role it has played in the development of the state over the past 183 years.
It also gives an opportunity to appreciate and celebrate the diversity of people and cultures that have come to make South Australia their home. Proclamation Day is a day to be proud of South Australia’s history and to look forward to its future.
Queen’s Birthday / Volunteers Day
Celebrated on the second Monday in June, Queen’s Birthday / Volunteers Day is an annual event that commemorates the birth of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the head of state of Australia and the Commonwealth.
As the longest-reigning monarch of the United Kingdom and its Commonwealth realms, Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21st, 1926. Not only is this day a celebration of the Queen’s birthday, but it also provides an opportunity to recognize and thank volunteers for their tireless dedication and service to their local communities.
Where to find more information on Public Holidays in SA?
You can find more information on South Australian public and bank holidays on the government website Safework SA.
They are regulated by the Holidays Act 1910.
What Public holidays are unique to SA?
One holiday that is unique to SA is the Adelaide Cup Day. Other states have their own cup or Royal Show holidays.
Queen’s Birthday and Boxing Day are two public holidays celebrated in South Australia. Although these two holidays are shared with other states around Australia, they are nonetheless celebrated with distinct meanings in the state of South Australia.
Queen’s Birthday is usually referred to as Volunteer’s Day in honour of the volunteers who work tirelessly to make our communities better.
Similarly, Boxing Day has been renamed Proclamation Day, to commemorate the Proclamation of South Australia in 1836. These holidays have become a time to celebrate the history and spirit of South Australia, while also giving people an opportunity to rest and reconnect with friends and family.
South Australia regional public holiday dates
There are no regional holiday dates in South Australia.
What about Mothers and Fathers Day?
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are not recognised as public holidays in South Australia because they are considered to be Observances. This means that South Australians do not receive a legislated holiday or day off in lieu, as they would with a public holiday.
However, this does not mean that people are unable to celebrate the occasions; many employers will allow their employees to take a day off or half-day, or even work flexibly, in order to mark the occasion. Furthermore, there are always options available to send a card, gift or flowers to our loved ones, to show our appreciation.
What is it like to visit during a public holiday?
Visiting SA during a public holiday is an exciting experience! The best time to visit is in February – March when Adelaide Cup Day takes place and the CBD is bustling with the Fringe Festival, car races, and the Tour Downunder.
To make things even better, booking accommodation in advance on a public holiday in Adelaide will guarantee you the best prices. Don’t forget to check out the local pubs and restaurants that offer great food and entertainment, as well as the beautiful beachfronts and parks that are the perfect spots to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
***
See more: