South Australia keeps Anzac Day holiday rules

South Australia will continue observing Anzac Day on 25 April, even when it falls on a weekend, with no substitute Monday public holiday planned for 2026 or 2027.

Anzac Day will fall on Saturday 25 April in 2026 and Sunday 25 April in 2027. In both years, the public holiday will be recognised on the actual date.

Under South Australia’s Public Holidays Act 2023, Anzac Day remains fixed to 25 April each year. Unlike some other public holidays, there is no automatic provision for a substitute weekday holiday if the date lands on a Saturday or Sunday.

The approach reflects long-standing arrangements in South Australia, where the day is observed on its historical anniversary.

Anzac Day remains one of the nation’s most significant commemorations, marking the anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli in 1915 and honouring the service and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand defence personnel.

Across the Limestone Coast, dawn services and marches are traditionally held on 25 April, regardless of the day of the week.

Public holiday arrangements vary across the country.

Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory provide a substitute Monday holiday when Anzac Day falls on a weekend. New South Wales has also confirmed additional Monday public holidays for both 2026 and 2027.

Queensland follows a similar model to South Australia, observing the day on 25 April without an extra weekday holiday.

With Anzac Day falling on a weekend for the next two years, South Australians planning ahead should note that the next long weekend after Easter will be the King’s Birthday public holiday on Monday 8 June.

While approaches differ between states, Anzac Day commemorations will continue to be held on 25 April across South Australia.