New Year's Day 2026 in Australia

New Year’s Day marks the first day of the Gregorian calendar year. For many Australians, it is a time to reflect on the past year, set goals for the year ahead, and relax after New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Is New Year's Day a Public Holiday?

New Year's Day is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.

When Australians Welcome the New Year

New Year’s Day is celebrated on January 1 each year and is recognized as a public holiday. If the date falls on a weekend, many regions observe a substitute public holiday on the following Monday to ensure workers receive a day off.

Due to its geographical position close to the International Date Line, Australia is one of the first countries in the world to welcome the New Year.

How Do Australians Celebrate New Year’s Day?

Most celebrations begin the night before on New Year’s Eve, with major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Canberra hosting spectacular fireworks displays. Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are iconic focal points, with midnight fireworks drawing millions of viewers both locally and worldwide.

New Year’s Day itself is usually more relaxed. Common ways to spend the day include:

• Going to the beach or local parks for picnics and barbecues.
• Spending time with family and friends, often recovering from late-night festivities.
• Attending sporting events or watching them on TV.
• Making New Year’s resolutions to set goals for the coming year.

The holiday falls in the height of Australia’s summer season, so outdoor and coastal celebrations are especially popular.

What’s Open, What’s Closed?

• Public transport may be limited or operate on a Sunday schedule. It’s best to check local timetables in advance.
• Retail hours vary widely: in many places, supermarkets and shopping centres may open late, reduce hours, or remain closed, depending on the state, local regulations, and the size of the store.
• Schools are generally closed on New Year’s Day, as the holiday falls during the summer break in most states. Many families plan around this period, especially if children are on school holidays.
• Major roads and city centres can be heavily congested on New Year’s Eve but are often much quieter on New Year’s Day.

Respecting Country and Culture

While New Year’s Day is a time of celebration for many Australians, it carries a more layered context for some First Nations peoples, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The day itself doesn’t hold a distinct cultural meaning within First Nations traditions—these communities have long marked time and renewal through seasonal changes, natural cycles, and Country, rather than a Western calendar.

Many First Nations people celebrate New Year’s much like other Australians do, spending the day with family, friends, food, and fireworks.

Acknowledging these perspectives adds depth to how Australians experience the start of the year. It’s a reminder that New Year’s celebrations take place on unceded Aboriginal land, whose stories and connections reach back tens of thousands of years—far beyond the turning of any modern calendar.

New Year’s Day, the Australian Way

New Year’s Day in Australia is a time of celebration, reflection, and relaxation. As a public holiday in the middle of summer, it blends global traditions with uniquely Australian customs like beach gatherings and barbecues.

Whether watching fireworks over Sydney Harbour or spending a quiet day in Western Australia, many Australians welcome the new year with enthusiasm and warmth.

About New Year's Day in Other Countries

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.