Who Gets the King's Birthday Off? A State-by-State Guide
A map of Australia with a royal crown and calendar – Image created by ChatGPT with DALL·E by OpenAI.
VOCABULARY LIST
Long weekend (noun) /ˈlɒŋ ˈwikɛnd/
A weekend that includes an extra day off.
Example: Many Australians will enjoy a long weekend for the King’s Birthday.Public holiday (noun) /ˈpʌblɪk ˈhɒlədeɪ/
An official day when most people don’t have to work.
Example: Monday 9 June is a public holiday in several states.Celebrate (verb) /ˈsɛləbrɛɪt/
To do something special on an important day.
Example: Queensland and WA celebrate the King’s Birthday on different dates.Clock in (phrasal verb) /klɒk ɪn/
To officially start work, often by recording the time you arrive.
Example: You can enjoy a long weekend — no need to clock in on Monday!Official (adjective) /əˈfɪʃəl/
Approved or recognised by an authority.
Example: The public holiday isn’t on the real birthday – it’s the official one.Parade (noun) /pəˈreɪd/
A public event where people march or perform to celebrate something.
Example: It includes a famous parade called Trooping the Colour.Tradition (noun) /trəˈdɪʃən/
A belief or custom passed down through time.
Example: It’s a UK tradition to hold the birthday parade in June.Head of state (noun) /hɛd əv steɪt/
The official leader of a country.
Example: King Charles III is our head of state too.Local (adjective) /ˈloʊkəl/
Relating to a specific area or community.
Example: Local areas in WA have different dates for the holiday.Down under (expression) /daʊn ˈʌndə/
A casual way to refer to Australia or New Zealand.
Example: Some say we should call him Charles I down under!
ARTICLE
Many Australians will enjoy a day off work on Monday thanks to the King’s Birthday long weekend. But not everyone gets the same date off, and the holiday is not actually on King Charles III’s real birthday.
Which states have Monday off?
On Monday 9 June 2025, people in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, and the Northern Territory will get a public holiday for the King’s Birthday. If you're in these states and your job allows, you can sleep in and enjoy a long weekend — no need to clock in on Monday!
Which states don’t?
Queensland and Western Australia celebrate the King’s Birthday on different dates. In 2025, Queenslanders will have the holiday on 6 October, while most of Western Australia will celebrate it on 29 September.
However, in Western Australia, the local areas of Karratha and Port Hedland will have their King’s Birthday holiday on 4 August. The WA government says these dates are chosen to match important local events.
Is the public holiday on the King's actual birthday?
No, King Charles III was born on 14 November. But the public holiday isn’t about the real birthday – it’s the official one.
In the UK, the official birthday is usually held in June. This year, it will be on 14 June. It includes a famous parade called Trooping the Colour, which started in the 1600s. Since King George II in 1748, the UK has used the parade to celebrate the monarch’s birthday, often in summer when the weather is better.
Why does Australia celebrate this holiday?
Australia celebrates the birthday of the King of Australia, which is a different role from the King of the UK. King Charles III is our head of state too, so we follow a similar tradition. Some even joke that we should call him Charles I down under, since he’s the first King Charles of Australia!
SOURCE:
This article is based on: https://www.9news.com.au/national/kings-birthday-public-holiday-australia-2025-june-long-weekend-dates-state-by-state-guide/b01e1dfc-565c-4a1b-8f06-8fbfa6182109
Reflection Questions
Instructions:
Use these questions as:
– Speaking practice (e.g. talk to yourself, record and listen back)
– Writing practice (e.g. short paragraph answers)
– Class discussion with your teacher or classmates
Do you get public holidays in your country for a royal birthday or national leader?
What would you do with a three-day weekend?
Do you think all states should have public holidays on the same day? Why or why not?
Have you ever celebrated someone’s birthday on a different day? Why?
What’s your favourite local event or tradition in your area?
Comprehension activity - multiple choice
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