Easter has come earlier than usual in 2024, meaning many Australians are enjoying a four-day weekend before the weather changes and daylight savings ends.
And in Tasmania, thousands of workers and students will enjoy a five-day weekend thanks to the state's unique Easter Tuesday holiday.
Here's the history behind Easter Tuesday, its observance, and whether Tasmania has more public holidays than the other states and territories.
What is Easter Tuesday?
Easter Tuesday falls directly after Easter Monday. In 2024, it falls on 2 April.
It is a legislated public holiday in Tasmania, but this only applies to public sector workers, such as those employed in libraries, state courts, and Services Tasmania.
Workplaces in the private sector or federal services (such as Centrelink) operate as usual.
Easter Tuesday falls during the Tasmanian school term, meaning students, teachers, and other school workers also get the day off.
In the rest of the country, it is a regular work day. It often falls during school holidays though, so students, teachers, and other school workers in the other states and territories tend to get the day off by default.
While Tasmania is the only jurisdiction in Australia that observes Easter Tuesday, it is also one of the only ones — along with South Australia — that does not have an official public holiday on Easter Sunday.
Which state or territory has the most public holidays?
Australia's jurisdictions have many of the same public holidays, but each state or territory is unique.
New Year's Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day are all public holidays Australia-wide.
Every jurisdiction also holds a public holiday for the King's birthday, but the date varies.
Here are the state and territories with the most — and least — public holidays.
Each state and territory in Australia has different legislated public holidays. Source: SBS News
Victoria: Victoria also has 13 public holidays, including Melbourne Cup Day and the Friday before the AFL Final.
Northern Territory: The NT has 14 public holidays, including Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, which are only classified as public holidays from 7pm onwards. The NT is home to the unique Picnic Day public holiday, is on 5 August. It is also the only jurisdiction to celebrate May Day on 6 May, while others have Labour Day.
South Australia: SA also has 12 full public holidays, plus Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve from 7pm. Its unique public holiday is Adelaide Cup Day, which fell on 11 March in 2024.
Queensland:12 public holidays, plus additional regional holidays. The capital city of Brisbane also has a public holiday for the Royal Queensland Show on 14 August.
Tasmania: Tasmania also has 12 public holidays, including the unique additions of Eight Hours Day and Easter Tuesday. Recreation Day is also observed by some parts of the state, while others have Royal Hobart Regatta.
NSW: NSW has fewer statewide public holidays at 11. This does not include regional public holidays, such as local shows.
Western Australia: WA also has 11 public holidays, including the unique Western Australia Day on 3 June.
