Making public holiday plans
Scrolling through the calendar searching for the next public holiday so they can have some extra time off, or spend a longer long weekend with family and friends is something many employees do.
When it comes to public holidays, Tasmanian employees get to enjoy 10 state-wide days as well as some regional days like the Royal Hobart Regatta or Flinders Island Show. Depending on your business and industry, there are certain holidays that affect all businesses and Aussie companies.
For employers and business owners, if you’re unsure of your public holiday obligations or employee wage rates, call and speak to a specialist adviser at Peninsula 24/7.
List of Public Holidays in Tasmania for 2025
| Holiday | Date in 2025 |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Wednesday 1 January |
| Australia Day | Monday 27 January |
| Eight Hours Day | Monday 10 March |
| Good Friday | Friday 18 April |
| Easter Monday | Monday 21 April |
| Easter Tuesday (generally Tasmanian Public Service only) | Tuesday 22 April |
| ANZAC Day | Friday 25 April |
| King’s Birthday | Monday 9 June |
| Recreation Day | Monday 3 November |
| Christmas Eve | Wednesday 24 December 7 pm-midnight |
| Christmas Day | Thursday 25 December |
| Boxing Day | Friday 26 December |
Substitute holidays in Tasmania
When New Year’s Day, Australia Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day fall on the weekend the public holiday is held on the following Monday (or Tuesday in some cases):
- If 25 December is on a Saturday, then both the Saturday and following Monday holidays
- If 25 December falls on a Sunday, then both the Sunday and following Tuesday holidays
- If Boxing Day falls on a Saturday, then Monday is the public holiday
- If Boxing Day falls on a Sunday, then Tuesday is the public holiday
When ANZAC Day falls on Saturday or Sunday, no substitute or additional holiday is observed.
Regional holidays in Tasmania in 2025
*Holiday 2025 Remarks *
Devonport Cup Wednesday 8 January Tasmanian State Service Only
Royal Hobart Regatta Monday 10 February South of and including Oatlands and Swansea excluding Bronte Park, Catagunya, Strathgordon, Tarraleah, Wayatinah & West Coast
Launceston Cup Wednesday 26 February Tasmanian Public Service Only
King Island Show Tuesday 4 March Only in King Island
AGFEST Friday 2 May Municipal area of Circular Head Only
Burnie Show Friday 3 October Municipal areas of Burnie, Waratah-Wynyard and West Coast.
Royal Launceston Show Thursday 9 October Municipal areas of Break O'Day, Dorset, George Town, Launceston, Meander Valley, Northern Midlands, West Tamar
Flinders Island Show Friday 17 October Municipal area of Flinders Island
Royal Hobart Show Thursday 23 October All of Tasmania south of and including Oatlands and Swansea also Bronte Park, Strathgordon, Tarreleah and Wayatinah. Excludes West Coast
Devonport Show Friday 28 November Municipal areas of Devonport, Kentish and Latrobe
Employee entitlements on public holidays in Tasmania
Listing a day as a public holiday in Tasmania does not mean employees can have the day off work or get paid more for working on that day. If you are an employer or business owner in Tasmania, you will need to check your award, agreement, or National Employment Standard (NES), to find out if the public holiday applies to your workplace.
Employees also have a right to not work on a public holiday. They should be given a choice if they should work or not on the public holiday.
Ensure you get public holidays right with Peninsula
The holiday season, public holidays, and long weekends mean enjoying good food and fun times with family and friends. For business owners or employers in Tasmania, juggling HR and WH&S responsibilities can be challenging. You need to know all the public holidays and appropriate employee entitlements to ensure you meet your legal obligations.
Peninsula is committed to providing answers to your public holiday questions. Call our team for free initial advice 24/7.