Western Australia Day 2027

Western Australia Day, often shortened to WA Day, marks the founding of the Swan River Colony in 1829. It is a statutory public holiday in Western Australia only. Under the Public and Bank Holidays Act 1972 it falls on the first Monday in June up to and including 2027. From 2028 it moves to the second Monday in November. In 2027 it falls on Monday 7 June, and in 2028 on Monday 13 November.

Shops, schools and work

WA Day is a full-day public holiday in Western Australia. Banks, government offices and government schools are closed, and Australia Post outlets typically close or open with reduced hours. Many larger shops and supermarkets trade, often with shorter hours, and public transport in Perth usually runs a Sunday or public holiday timetable. Employees in hospitality, health, transport and retail may still work, with pay set by the relevant award or agreement. No part-day holiday is attached. The working days calculator counts WA Day for Western Australia only.

History

The day commemorates the establishment of the Swan River Colony, the British settlement that became Western Australia. Captain James Stirling arrived aboard the Parmelia in early June 1829, and the colony was formally proclaimed later that month. For most of its history the holiday was known as Foundation Day and was held on the first Monday in June. It was renamed Western Australia Day in 2012 and kept the same June date. For Noongar people and other Aboriginal Western Australians, the date also marks the start of colonisation on their country.

Western Australia's public holidays are set by state law, not by the Commonwealth. The Public and Bank Holiday Amendment Act 2026 reorganises the state's holiday calendar with effect from 2028. Under that Act, WA Day moves from June to the second Monday in November. The same Act moves King's Birthday in WA to the second Monday in June, sets Labour Day on the second Monday in March, makes Easter Saturday a public holiday and creates a new Show Day set by proclamation.

How Australians spend the day

WA Day is mainly observed as a long weekend. Community events and family activities are often held in Perth and regional towns, and some museums and galleries run special programs. Many households use the three-day weekend for short trips within the state. Under the June rule the holiday falls at the start of winter, during term 2 for government schools. The November date places it in late spring, during term 4. There is no fixed statewide ceremony. The day is also an occasion for public discussion of Western Australian identity and Aboriginal history.

Facts

• WA Day is a public holiday only in Western Australia. No other state or territory observes it, and the Commonwealth does not set it.
• The holiday is listed in the Public and Bank Holidays Act 1972 (WA), and the Fair Work Act 2009 gives employees the day off on it.
• In 2026 WA Day falls on Monday 1 June, and in 2027 on Monday 7 June, the final year under the June rule.
• From 2028 the day is held on the second Monday in November. In 2028 it falls on Monday 13 November.