Australia Day on Christmas Island
Australia Day falls on 26 January and is listed as a public and bank holiday on Christmas Island. The Shire of Christmas Island says it organises an Australia Day breakfast each year, giving the national holiday a local community gathering.[1][2]
What the day means
Australia Day is associated with the First Fleet’s arrival at Sydney Cove on 26 January 1788, when a convict settlement was established and European colonisation began. The National Museum of Australia records the impact of that arrival on the Eora people, the traditional owners of the Sydney area.[3]
The date carries different meanings for Australians. Aboriginal people have also used 26 January for protest and mourning: in 1938, Aboriginal representatives gathered in Sydney for a Day of Mourning to protest the treatment of Aboriginal people.[4]
A public holiday in an Australian territory
Christmas Island is an external territory of Australia. It transferred from British administration to Australia on 1 October 1958; that anniversary is marked locally as Territory Day, a separate occasion from Australia Day.[5]
The Administrator’s public-holiday bulletin lists Australia Day on 26 January as a public and bank holiday. The listed date is January 26, with no separate in-lieu day shown for Australia Day in that schedule.[1]
For employees covered by the national workplace relations system, public holidays allow absence from work. Full-time and part-time employees who do not work are generally entitled to base pay for their ordinary hours; some employees may still be asked to work where the request is reasonable.[6]
Local observance and practical planning
The Shire says it organises an Australia Day breakfast each year, either by itself or with other organisations. Check with the Shire for the current venue, programme and menu.[2]
Check directly with the office, bank, shop, restaurant or transport service before visiting, especially if you are travelling or need to make an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Is Australia Day a public holiday on Christmas Island?
Yes. The Administrator’s official holiday bulletin lists it as a public and bank holiday on Christmas Island.[1]
When is Australia Day observed on the island?
It is listed on 26 January. The cited holiday schedule does not show a separate in-lieu date for Australia Day.[1]
Do workers get the day off?
Employees covered by the national workplace relations system have a right to be absent on a public holiday, subject to the applicable workplace rules. Some may be reasonably asked to work.[6]
Are shops, banks, or public offices open?
Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go. Opening hours for banks, shops and other services vary, so check with them before visiting.[1]
What local event is associated with the day?
The Shire says it organises an Australia Day breakfast each year. Check with the Shire for the event’s arrangements.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for Australia Day in Christmas Island:
- 2026 Public Holidays, Christmas Island- Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts
- Events & Facilities- Shire of Christmas Island
- The First Fleet arrives at Sydney Cove- National Museum of Australia
- Day of Mourning- National Museum of Australia
- Christmas Island governance and administration- Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts
- Public holidays fact sheet- Fair Work Ombudsman