King's Birthday
323 days until King's Birthday
About King's Birthday
The King's Birthday is a public holiday celebrated on the second Monday of June in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, the Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria. It marks the official birthday of Australia's head of state, King Charles III, providing a widely observed mid-year long weekend across these jurisdictions.
History
The practice of celebrating the monarch's birthday in Australia began in 1788, when Governor Arthur Phillip declared a holiday to mark the birthday of King George III. In the early colonial era, the holiday was celebrated on the sovereign's actual day of birth, leading to regular date changes with each new monarch.
In 1936, following the death of King George V, the holiday was standardised to the second Monday of June in most Australian states and territories, mirroring the United Kingdom's official birthday celebrations. Upon the accession of King Charles III in September 2022, the event's official title transitioned from the Queen's Birthday to the King's Birthday.
Traditions & Celebrations
The June long weekend traditionally marks the official commencement of the Australian snow season across alpine resorts in New South Wales and Victoria. A key national highlight is the publication of the King's Birthday Honours list by the Governor-General, recognising Australians for exceptional service and achievement across various fields. In Melbourne, the day is synonymous with the annual King's Birthday Australian Football League (AFL) match between Collingwood and Melbourne at the MCG, which hosts the 'Big Freeze' event to raise funds and awareness for motor neurone disease research.
Did you know?
- King Charles III was born on 14 November 1948, so the official public holiday in June does not coincide with his actual birthday.
- Western Australia and Queensland do not observe the holiday in June; Western Australia celebrates it in late September or early October, while Queensland observes it on the first Monday in October.
- The 'Big Freeze at the 'G' charity slide, held on the King's Birthday AFL match, has raised tens of millions of dollars for FightMND since its inception in 2015.
King's Birthday dates by year
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the King's Birthday a public holiday throughout all of Australia on the second Monday of June?
No. The second Monday in June is a public holiday only in the ACT, NSW, NT, SA, TAS, and VIC. Western Australia and Queensland celebrate the holiday on alternative dates later in the year.
Why is the monarch's birthday celebrated in June when King Charles III was born in November?
The tradition of an 'official' monarch's birthday was established in the UK by King Edward VII, who was born in November, to avoid poor winter weather during public outdoor celebrations. Australia maintained the June schedule for continuity and a well-spaced winter break.
Do public services and businesses close on the King's Birthday?
In the states and territories where the holiday is observed, schools, banks, post offices, and public institutions are closed. Most major supermarkets and retail centres remain open, though operating hours may vary.