South Australia Public Holidays 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to Planning the Perfect Break

Why South Australia’s Public Holidays Matter in 2025

Public holidays in South Australia aren’t just days off—they’re a chance to celebrate, reflect, and connect with community traditions. From national holidays like Australia Day to state-specific events like Adelaide Cup Day, these moments shape the rhythm of the year. In 2025, South Australia offers 12 full public holidays and two part-day holidays, giving residents ample opportunities for rest, recreation, or cultural engagement.

For employees and employers, these holidays also come with specific workplace obligations. According to the Public Holidays Act 2023 (SA), employees are entitled to be absent on public holidays, and those working may receive penalty rates, depending on their award or agreement. Understanding these dates helps everyone plan smarter—whether it’s booking a coastal escape to Glenelg or ensuring your retail business is staffed appropriately.

Full List of South Australia Public Holidays 2025

Here’s the complete lineup of public holidays in South Australia for 2025, based on official sources from SafeWork SA and the Public Holidays Act 2023. These dates are accurate as of May 2025 but are subject to change, so always double-check with official government resources.

January 2025

• New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1
  Kick off the year with a public holiday celebrating new beginnings. Many South Australians head to the beach or enjoy family barbecues. Businesses, take note: penalty rates may apply for staff working this day.
• Australia Day: Monday, January 27
  Since Australia Day (January 26) falls on a Sunday in 2025, the public holiday shifts to the following Monday. Expect vibrant community events, from citizenship ceremonies to fireworks at Elder Park.

March 2025

• Adelaide Cup Day: Monday, March 10
  Unique to South Australia, this holiday celebrates the iconic Adelaide Cup horse race, a major social and sporting event. It’s the perfect excuse for a day at the races or a long weekend in the Barossa Valley.

April 2025

• Good Friday: Friday, April 18
  A solemn day for reflection, Good Friday marks the start of the Easter long weekend. Retail trading is restricted, so plan your shopping in advance.
• Easter Saturday: Saturday, April 19
  Part of the Easter long weekend, this day is ideal for family gatherings or exploring South Australia’s national parks.
• Easter Sunday: Sunday, April 20
  A public holiday since 2024, Easter Sunday offers another day to relax or attend community events.
• Easter Monday: Monday, April 21
  Wrap up the Easter long weekend with a day off. Many locals use this time for short getaways to Kangaroo Island or the Fleurieu Peninsula.
• Anzac Day: Friday, April 25
  A national day of remembrance, Anzac Day is marked by dawn services and marches across South Australia. It’s a public holiday regardless of the day it falls on, offering a long weekend in 2025.

June 2025

• King’s Birthday: Monday, June 9
  Celebrate the monarch’s birthday with a long weekend. This is a great time for a winter escape to the Adelaide Hills or a cozy winery tour.

October 2025

• Labour Day: Monday, October 6
  Honouring workers’ contributions, Labour Day is perfect for a spring outing to the Botanic Gardens or a family picnic.

December 2025

• Christmas Eve (Part-Day): Wednesday, December 24 (7:00 PM to midnight)
  A unique South Australian tradition, this part-day holiday applies from 7:00 PM, meaning employees working these hours may be entitled to public holiday rates.
• Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25
  A national holiday filled with festive cheer, Christmas Day is a time for family, food, and relaxation. Retail trading is restricted.
• Boxing Day/Proclamation Day: Friday, December 26
  In South Australia, December 26 is both Boxing Day and Proclamation Day, commemorating the state’s founding in 1836. Expect sales, sports, and community events.
• Additional Boxing Day Holiday: Monday, December 29
  Since Boxing Day falls on a Friday, an additional public holiday is observed on the following Monday, extending the festive season.
• New Year’s Eve (Part-Day): Wednesday, December 31 (7:00 PM to midnight)
  Like Christmas Eve, this part-day holiday covers the evening hours, perfect for ringing in the new year with fireworks at the River Torrens.

How to Maximize Your Time Off in 2025

South Australia’s 2025 public holidays offer six long weekends, making it easy to stretch your annual leave into extended breaks. Here are some strategic tips to get the most out of your holidays, inspired by insights from Forbes Australia and personal planning experience.

Long Weekend Opportunities

• Australia Day (January 27): Take off Friday, January 24, for a four-day weekend (January 24–27). Head to McLaren Vale for wine tasting or enjoy Adelaide’s vibrant Australia Day festivities.
• Adelaide Cup Day (March 10): Pair this Monday holiday with a Friday off for a four-day weekend. A trip to the Clare Valley for wine and relaxation is a local favorite.
• Easter (April 18–21): With four consecutive public holidays, this is the ultimate long weekend. Book a camping trip to Flinders Ranges or a beachside retreat in Victor Harbor.
• Anzac Day (April 25): Falling on a Friday, this creates a three-day weekend. Consider a reflective visit to the Australian War Memorial or a coastal hike.
• King’s Birthday (June 9): Another Monday holiday, perfect for a winter escape to Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake.
• Labour Day (October 6): Take a Friday off for a four-day spring weekend, ideal for exploring the Adelaide Botanic Garden or hiking in Belair National Park.

Real-Life Example: Sarah’s Epic Easter Break

Last year, Sarah, an Adelaide-based teacher, used the Easter long weekend to take her family to Kangaroo Island. By booking early, she secured a cozy cabin and spent four days spotting seals, hiking, and enjoying local produce. “The four-day Easter break felt like a proper holiday without using much annual leave,” she shared. Planning ahead for 2025’s Easter holidays (April 18–21) could unlock similar adventures.

Workplace Obligations: What Employers Need to Know

For business owners, public holidays come with responsibilities. The Fair Work Ombudsman outlines that employees have the right to be absent on public holidays, and those who work may be entitled to penalty rates under their award or agreement.

• Retail and Hospitality: Restricted trading applies on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Day. On Boxing Day, employees must freely choose to work, and penalty rates apply.
• Part-Day Holidays: Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve (7:00 PM to midnight) require public holiday rates for hours worked during this time.
• Contact SafeWork SA: For specific guidance, call SafeWork SA at 1300 365 255 to ensure compliance with the Public Holidays Act 2023.

Expert Insight: HR Specialist Advice

Jane Thompson, an HR consultant based in Adelaide, emphasizes preparation: “Businesses should review their awards early and roster staff who are happy to work public holidays. Clear communication avoids disputes and keeps everyone happy.” Her advice? Use tools like the Fair Work Pay and Conditions Tool to calculate entitlements accurately.

Unique South Australian Holidays: A Closer Look

South Australia stands out with holidays like Adelaide Cup Day and Proclamation Day, which reflect the state’s unique culture and history.

Adelaide Cup Day

Held on the second Monday in March, Adelaide Cup Day is a celebration of horse racing and South Australian pride. The event draws crowds to Morphettville Racecourse, but even if racing isn’t your thing, the long weekend is a great excuse to explore Adelaide’s vibrant food scene or take a day trip to Hahndorf.

Proclamation Day

Observed on December 26, Proclamation Day marks the founding of South Australia as a British colony in 1836. It coincides with Boxing Day, blending historical significance with festive sales and events. Fun fact: While the original Proclamation Day was December 28, it was moved to align with Boxing Day for convenience.

Planning Tips for Residents and Visitors

Whether you’re a local or visiting South Australia, here’s how to make the most of these holidays:

• Book Early: Popular destinations like Kangaroo Island and the Barossa Valley fill up fast during long weekends. Secure accommodations and tours months in advance.
• Check Regional Events: Adelaide hosts festivals like the Adelaide Fringe (February–March) that often align with public holidays, offering extra entertainment.
• Daylight Saving: South Australia observes Daylight Saving Time from the first Sunday in October to the first Sunday in April. In 2025, clocks go back on April 6, so plan your holiday activities accordingly.

Visitor’s Perspective: A Traveler’s Tale

Last Anzac Day, Melbourne couple Emma and Tom visited Adelaide for the long weekend. They attended the dawn service at the Adelaide War Memorial, followed by a wine tour in McLaren Vale. “The public holiday gave us an extra day to explore, and the vibe in Adelaide was so welcoming,” Emma said. For 2025, consider pairing Anzac Day with a visit to the South Australian Museum or a hike in Morialta Conservation Park.

Fun Facts About South Australia’s Public Holidays

• South Australia and the Northern Territory are the only regions with part-day holidays on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
• The Adelaide Cup, first held in 1864, is one of Australia’s oldest horse races, making its public holiday a cherished tradition.
• Easter Sunday became a public holiday in South Australia in 2024, aligning all four Easter days as public holidays.

Conclusion: Plan Your 2025 with Confidence

South Australia’s 2025 public holidays offer a perfect mix of relaxation, celebration, and cultural connection. Whether you’re planning a long weekend in the Outback, navigating workplace obligations, or soaking up the festive atmosphere in Adelaide, these dates are your roadmap to a memorable year. By understanding the holiday schedule and planning strategically, you can turn a few days off into unforgettable experiences.

For the latest updates, check SafeWork SA’s official resources or contact them at 1300 365 255. Ready to make 2025 your best year yet? Start planning now, and let South Australia’s public holidays inspire your next adventure!