King's Birthday 2023 in Australia

Starting in 2023, Australians celebrate the official birthday of their king, Charles III. The holiday falls on the second Monday in June in most areas—though there are exceptions.

Is King's Birthday a Public Holiday?

King's Birthday is a public holiday in 6 states, 2 external territories and 2 territories, where it is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.

Celebrating the King of Australia

On King’s Birthday, Australians mark the official birthday of Charles III of the United Kingdom. Australia is a constitutional monarchy with the King or Queen of the UK acting as the head of state.

Formerly the Queen’s Birthday

Until 2022, the holiday was known as Queen’s Birthday and dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II.

After her death, King Charles III ascended to the British throne, which also made him Head of the Commonwealth and King of Australia.

NEWS: Queen’s death impacts holiday schedules worldwide

Most, but Not All, Celebrate in June

In most Australian states and territories, King’s Birthday falls on the second Monday in June—on the same date as the United Kingdom. However, two states have decided to move the holiday to a different date to avoid clashes with other state holidays:

• Western Australia usually observes the holiday on the fourth Monday of September or the first Monday of October. The date is proclaimed each year by the state’s governor.
• Queensland celebrates King’s Birthday on the first Monday of October.

Not the Real Birthday

With the holiday falling on different dates throughout the country, it must be noted that it doesn’t fall on the king’s actual birthday. Charles III was born on November 14, 1948.

The official date was set to June to increase the chance of fair weather during the birthday celebrations in the United Kingdom. In the Northern Hemisphere, June is the first month of summer, and it is one of the driest and warmest months of the year in London.

In Australia, on the other hand, June marks the beginning of winter and it is one of the coolest and wettest months.

King’s Birthday Long Weekend

Most Australians have the day off on King’s Birthday, and since it falls on a Monday, it usually creates a long weekend.

For many, it is a chance to do something with their family or to visit a sporting event. Some people take advantage of the three-day weekend to make trips to visit friends or relatives.

The King’s Birthday Match

Some well-known sporting events are held on King’s Birthday. These include an Australian Football League game played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground between the Collingwood Magpies and the Melbourne Demons.

First Celebrated in the 18th Century

The King’s Birthday was first celebrated in Australia in 1788. In that year, Governor Arthur Phillip declared a holiday to mark King George III’s birthday.

Originally, the holiday fell on a monarch’s actual birthday. However, after the death of King George V in 1936, the date remained close to his birthday, which was June 3.

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.