Easter Sunday 2026 in Australia

Easter Sunday is one of the most important days in the Christian calendar. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and symbolizes hope, renewal, and new life. In Australia, the day blends religious traditions with a long weekend of family time, community events, and local customs.

Is Easter Sunday a Public Holiday?

When Is Easter Sunday?

Easter is a movable feast, meaning it does not have a fixed date on the calendar. It is observed on the first Sunday following the first Full Moon that occurs on or after the Church’s fixed date for the spring equinox (March 21).

Both the Full Moon and the March 21 equinox date are ecclesiastical approximations—decided by the Church, and not tied to actual astronomical events. The method for calculating Easter’s date was decided at the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE to unify Christians around the world.

Because the lunar cycle doesn’t line up with the solar calendar, Easter can fall on any Sunday between March 22 and April 25.

Learn more about calculating the Easter date

Easter Sunday in Australia

Easter Sunday is a public holiday in all Australian states and territories except Tasmania. It forms part of the four-day Easter long weekend, which includes:

• Good Friday
• Holy Saturday (observed in most states and territories)
• Easter Sunday
• Easter Monday

• Many businesses close or reduce hours on Easter Sunday. Public transport usually runs on a Sunday or holiday schedule; employees working that day often receive penalty rates to compensate them for working during inconvenient times.

Easter Sunday in Australia: What’s Open, What’s Closed?

• What’s open on Easter Sunday depends on your state or territory:

• Large retail stores and major supermarkets may close or operate with reduced hours on Easter Sunday. In New South Wales, most large stores close.
• Smaller shops, petrol stations, cafes, and pharmacies often remain open, especially in tourist areas. However, hours may vary significantly, so it’s best to check local opening hours.
• Liquor sales are restricted in many places.

• Tip: If you’re planning a shopping trip, it’s best to check local store hours in advance.

How Is Easter Sunday Celebrated in Australia?

Easter in Australia combines religious and non-religious traditions. Many Australians attend church services on Easter Sunday to celebrate Jesus’s resurrection, while others spend time with family or attend local events.

• Church services: Many congregations hold sunrise or morning services celebrating the resurrection of Christ.
• Easter egg hunts: This tradition is especially popular with children, and they are held in homes, parks, or community venues.
• Family meals: Easter Sunday is popular for barbecues, roasts, and seafood.
• Weekend getaways: With a four-day break, many Australians use the time to travel, often to coastal or rural destinations.
• Outdoor activities: Easter falls in early autumn, making it a popular time for hiking, camping, or picnicking.

Major Cultural Events

There are several significant events across Australia during Easter.

• The Sydney Royal Easter Show in New South Wales combines agricultural exhibitions, food stalls, rides, and entertainment.
• The National Folk Festival in Canberra offers live music, dance, and craft markets.
• The Blessing of the Fleet Festival in Ulladulla features parades and blessings for fishing vessels.
• The Bendigo Easter Festival in Victoria includes a historic dragon parade and carnival-style attractions.

Sporting Events

Easter is also a notable time for sporting fixtures:

• The Stawell Gift, held in Victoria, is Australia’s oldest professional footrace.
• The Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race starts on Good Friday and finishes over the Easter weekend.

Symbols of Easter in Australia

Easter in Australia features both universal and uniquely local symbols.

• Easter eggs: Chocolate eggs represent new life and resurrection and are a central part of the Easter celebration.
• The Easter Bilby: A native marsupial promoted instead of the Easter Bunny, to raise awareness of wildlife conservation.
• Hot cross buns: Spiced buns marked with a cross, traditionally eaten throughout the Easter weekend.
• Spring imagery: Although Easter in Australia occurs in autumn, symbols like flowers and chicks remain common in decorations.
• Lambs are an important symbol of Easter, as Jesus is referred to as the "Lamb of God," symbolizing his sacrifice and resurrection.
• The cross: A central symbol of Christianity, representing Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection.

About Easter Sunday in Other Countries

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.