When planning to visit Australia, holiday visa holders would surely want to know when the holidays really are supposed to be. After all, they are supposed to be in a holiday vacation. Here are some of the days that you need to watch out for when in the country.
Aside from the regular holidays that the country celebrates along with other countries around the world, such as Christmas, Australia also celebrates many holidays unique to the country. In fact, the week between Christmas and the New Year is still very much packed with holiday activities.
After Christmas on the 25th, Boxing Day follows immediately on the 26th. Though the name might remind tourists of two guys duking it out on the ring, it is actually different from that. Boxing day refers to the tradition of giving gifts to people, hence the “box”. And since it's all about gifts, many Australians also consider Boxing Day as Shopping Day, as many commercial establishments in the country go on sale during this day, with very large discounts on most stores.
The first month of 2010 also has several holidays in line. Aside from the New Year, Australians will also look forward to the 26th of January, as this is is celebrated as the country's Foundation day. There will be many celebrations held in the various parts of the country. And since this is a public holiday in Australia, many people will likely be just relaxing and enjoying all the activities out there, so this will also definitely be a good time for tourists as well.
Aside from nationwide holidays, each state also has its own set of holidays. For those going to Tasmania, it would be a good idea to visit Hobart on the second Monday of February since this is the end of the Royal Hobart Regatta. This is actually a public holiday in the state and is often marked by celebrations held throughout the island, with many events being held at Hobart itself.
On the other hand, the country's capital, Canberra, celebrates the official date of the city's naming on the 2nd Monday of March. As with any of the public holidays that are held in the country, there is a lot of events taking place during this day. This is also the same date when the famed Adelaide Cup is held in Adelaide, so horse racing enthusiasts would definitely want to book a trip to the city during this date.
An interesting thing about holidays in Australia is that, when a holiday falls on a weekend, the succeeding Monday (and sometimes Tuesday) is often given as a day off. Thus, worker will definitely have a longer time to celebrate. This has also earned the country the popular nickname “the land of long weekends”.
Sources:
Public Holidays in Australia, Wikipedia article
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_holidays_in_Australia
IOL Travel
http://www.ioltravel.co.za/article/view/3551845
Aside from nationwide holidays, each state also has its own set of holidays. For those going to Tasmania, it would be a good idea to visit Hobart on the second Monday of February since this is the end of the Royal Hobart Regatta. This is actually a public holiday in the state and is often marked by celebrations held throughout the island, with many events being held at Hobart itself.
On the other hand, the country's capital, Canberra, celebrates the official date of the city's naming on the 2nd Monday of March. As with any of the public holidays that are held in the country, there is a lot of events taking place during this day. This is also the same date when the famed Adelaide Cup is held in Adelaide, so horse racing enthusiasts would definitely want to book a trip to the city during this date.
An interesting thing about holidays in Australia is that, when a holiday falls on a weekend, the succeeding Monday (and sometimes Tuesday) is often given as a day off. Thus, worker will definitely have a longer time to celebrate. This has also earned the country the popular nickname “the land of long weekends”.
Sources:
Public Holidays in Australia, Wikipedia article
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_holidays_in_Australia
IOL Travel
http://www.ioltravel.co.za/article/view/3551845
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