March

Canberra Day – 11 March

Observed only in the Australian Capital Territory, Canberra Day is held on the second Monday in March each year to celebrate the capital’s official naming in 1913. Schools and many businesses are closed; instead, festivals, musical performances and events occur across the city. Check out what’s happening here.

Good Friday – 29 March

Easter festivities begin on Good Friday each year to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus. This important holiday in Christianity is widely observed across the world. Those celebrating will often eat fish and hot cross buns.

Easter Saturday – 30 March

Also known as Holy Saturday, many businesses will remain open with adjusted opening hours. Traditionally, it is a day for Christians to prepare for Easter Sunday.

Easter Sunday – 31 March

The resurrection of Jesus in the Christian faith is celebrated on Easter Sunday. Many will attend mass, gather with family and friends, or take part in a chocolate Easter egg hunt.

April

Easter Monday – 1 April

Easter Monday marks the final day of the 4-day Easter holiday. Check businesses’ websites and social media pages as some will remain closed, while others will have adjusted opening hours.

ANZAC Day – 25 April

This national day commemorates the Australians and New Zealanders who died during World War I. Dawn services and wreath-laying ceremonies take place across the country, while many will wear a red poppy flower as a symbol of remembrance.

May

UC Semester 1 2024 teaching period ends – 3 May

Semester 1 officially concludes, as students prepare for the examination period.

UC Semester 1 2024 examination period begins – 6 May

The two-week examination period begins for students who studied during Semester 1.

Reconciliation Day – 27 May

Observed only in Canberra and the ACT, Reconciliation Day celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people and culture. This year, the theme ‘Now More Than Ever’ is set to remind those that the fight for justice and the rights of Australia’s First Nations population must always continue.

June

King’s Birthday – 10 June

This public holiday celebrates the official birthday of King Charles III of the United Kingdom. 10 June falls on a Monday, meaning Canberrans get a long weekend.

July

UC Semester 2 2024 Orientation Week – 22 - 26 July

O-Week is back as students can get together, reconnect and participate in a number of activities and events in preparation for the new semester.

UC Semester 2 2024 begins – 29 July

Semester 2 officially commences with most students returning to their studies.

October

Labour Day  – 7 October

Held on the first Monday of October, Labour Day in the ACT is a day off for most workers. It celebrates and recognises worker’s contribution to the economy. Labour Day is observed on different days in other states and territories.

UC Semester 2 2024 teaching period ends – 25 October

Semester 2 concludes and the official teaching period is over for another year.

UC Semester 2 2024 examination period begins – 28 October

Students prepare for two weeks of examinations during this period.

December

Christmas Day – 25 December

What stemmed from a religious holiday to celebrate the birth of Jesus, Christmas in Australia has evolved into a day to spend with family and friends, exchange gifts and share a meal. The majority of businesses close on Christmas Day, including supermarkets.

Boxing Day – 26 December

Boxing Day is celebrated with a day of rest after the Christmas festivities. Many retailers offer special discounted promotions, while sporting events such as the Boxing Day test match and the Sydney to Hobart yacht race begin.

January 2025

New Year’s Day – 1 January

Marking the first day of the new year in the Gregorian calendar, this nationwide public holiday often begins the night before on New Year’s Eve. You can expect fireworks, music and a countdown to midnight, followed by making resolutions and setting goals on 1 January.

Australia Day – 26 January

This controversial date acknowledges the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. Many now see 26 January as a day for mourning in support of Australia’s First Nations, with some workplaces offering their employees an alternative day to take off.

UC Semester 1 2025 Orientation Week – End of January - early February

Orientation Week, informally known as O-Week, is a week-long program designed to introduce students – both new and returning – to university life. Look out for the many activities, events and sessions to help you make friends and prepare you for the year ahead.

February 2025

UC Semester 1 2025 begins – Early February

Semester 1 studies commence on this date so be sure you’re ready for your classes!