Easter Tuesday in Australia

Easter Holiday is a state holiday in Tasmania, in Australia. It is the day after Easter Monday, and two days after Easter Sunday.

Some people take part in outdoor activities or enjoy spending time in the countryside on Easter Tuesday. ©iStockphoto.com/Jan Rihak

What do people do?

Many people in Tasmania have a day off work on Easter Tuesday, as well as Easter Monday and Good Friday, so they use this day as part of the Easter long weekend holiday period. It is the school holiday period so many families use this time of the year to go on a holiday or have a quiet break at home.

Many people spend the day relaxing before returning to work. Some people listen to or watch for results from sporting events such as the Tasmania Three Peaks Race, which usually starts on Good Friday. It is also a time for friends to catch up and spend time together. Popular Easter treats are chocolate eggs, Easter-themed confectionery, and hot cross buns.

Easter is known to be the busiest time for domestic air travel in Australia. It is also a popular time for gatherings such as weddings and christenings. Some people choose this time of the year to travel interstate or go overseas, while others prefer to explore Tasmania’s countryside through scenic tours and driving trips. Government and police authorities usually announce road safety messages around this time of the year, advising people to be careful when driving home from a holiday trip during the end of the state’s Easter holiday period.

Public life

Easter Tuesday is a state holiday in Tasmania. Government offices, schools, universities and many businesses are closed in Tasmania during this period. Sunday timetables may operate during public holidays for buses in metropolitan regions. However, those wishing to travel via public transport may need to check with the appropriate transport authorities to confirm their timetables.

Background

Easter Tuesday is part of Tasmania’s Easter period. Easter celebrations in Australia reflect on peace and forgiveness. It also celebrates the promise of life in the face of death. Many Christians in Australia celebrate the Easter dates according to the Gregorian calendar, which is used in many countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States.

Easter traditions that have taken place in Australia during the Easter period over the years include purchasing Easter eggs, promoting the Easter bilby, which is an endangered species in Australia, and supporting sporting events such as the Tasmania Three Peaks Race. The race is a major event that occurs in Tasmania during the Easter period. It is a four-day sailing and endurance running race around Tasmania’s east coast and attracts contestants around the world.  It has also received plenty of media attention over the years.

Symbols

Hot cross buns are sweet, spiced buns made of dried fruit and leavened with yeast. A cross, the symbol of Jesus Christ, is placed on top of the buns, either with pastry or a simple flour and water mix. They are traditionally eaten on Good Friday but are available prior to Easter and eaten as a treat throughout the Easter period. It was first conducted in 1989 and has attracted large crowds and extensive media attention over the years.

Easter Tuesday Observances

Related holidays

• Palm Sunday ―Sunday, April 1, 2012
• Maundy Thursday ―Thursday, April 5, 2012
• Good Friday ―Friday, April 6, 2012
• Easter Saturday ―Saturday, April 7, 2012
• Easter Day ―Sunday, April 8, 2012
• Easter Monday ―Monday, April 9, 2012

Other holidays in April 2012 in Australia

• Palm Sunday ―Sunday, April 1, 2012
• Maundy Thursday ―Thursday, April 5, 2012
• Good Friday ―Friday, April 6, 2012
• Easter Saturday ―Saturday, April 7, 2012
• First day of Passover ―Saturday, April 7, 2012
• Easter Day ―Sunday, April 8, 2012
• Easter Monday ―Monday, April 9, 2012
• Orthodox Good Friday ―Friday, April 13, 2012
• Orthodox Holy Saturday ―Saturday, April 14, 2012
• Last day of Passover ―Saturday, April 14, 2012
• Orthodox Easter ―Sunday, April 15, 2012
• Orthodox Easter Monday ―Monday, April 16, 2012
• Yom HaShoah ―Wednesday, April 18, 2012
• Anzac Day ―Wednesday, April 25, 2012
• Yom HaAtzmaut ―Thursday, April 26, 2012