The King’s Birthday is one of the most unusual public holidays in the Commonwealth because it does not follow the King’s actual birthday. Instead, different countries, and in Australia’s case, different states, celebrate it on different dates.
Here’s a clear breakdown of how it works, why the dates vary, and what each region recognises.
What the King’s Birthday holiday represents
The King’s Birthday marks the official birthday of King Charles III, a tradition continued from past monarchs. It symbolises national recognition of the Crown, and in many countries, it remains a formal public holiday. The key thing to understand is that this holiday does not align with the King’s real birthday, but with the tradition of an “official birthday” chosen for practical reasons like weather and ceremony.
Australia: why each state celebrates on different dates
Australia treats the King’s Birthday as a public holiday, but not on the same day nationwide. Each state and territory sets its own public holiday calendar, which is why the King’s Birthday can fall in June, October, or later in the year, depending on where you live.
Most states celebrate the King’s Birthday on the second Monday of June, continuing the historical practice established for Queen Elizabeth II.
These states include:
- New South Wales
- Victoria
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Northern Territory
- Australian Capital Territory
However, two states follow a different pattern:
Queensland observes the King’s Birthday in October
Queensland moved the holiday to the first Monday of October to spread public holidays more evenly throughout the year.
In 2026, Queensland celebrates the King’s Birthday on Monday, 5 October.
Western Australia sets its own date later in the year
Western Australia doesn’t follow the June tradition. Instead, WA places the King’s Birthday in September, usually aligning with its major regional events and weather patterns.
In 2026, Western Australia celebrates the King’s Birthday on Monday, 28 September.
King’s Birthday dates for Australia in 2026
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT): 8 June 2026
- New South Wales (NSW): 8 June 2026
- Northern Territory (NT): 8 June 2026
- South Australia (SA): 8 June 2026
- Tasmania (TAS): 8 June 2026
- Victoria (VIC): 8 June 2026
- Queensland (QLD): 5 October 2026
- Western Australia (WA): 28 September 2026
New Zealand’s King’s Birthday observance
New Zealand celebrates the King’s Birthday on the first Monday of June each year.
In 2026, this holiday falls on Monday, 1 June 2026.
Unlike Australia, New Zealand does not vary the date by region or state, the entire country observes the holiday on the same day. It is a nationwide statutory public holiday, meaning schools, government offices, and most workplaces are closed.
Public transport usually runs on a public holiday timetable, while retail trading varies depending on the region. Larger cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch often operate near-normal trading hours, while smaller towns may reduce operations.
The King’s Birthday long weekend also marks the start of New Zealand’s early winter season, making it a popular time for short domestic trips, wintry escapes, and community events. Although New Zealand does not host a large-scale royal parade like the UK’s Trooping the Colour, the holiday remains a key moment in the national calendar.
United Kingdom: the ceremony without the public holiday
The UK marks the King’s Birthday with Trooping the Colour, the annual royal parade in London. Despite being the monarch’s official birthday celebration, it is not a public holiday in the UK. Shops, schools, and services operate normally.
This is one of the biggest distinctions between the UK and Commonwealth countries: the UK treats it as a ceremonial tradition, while others treat it as a statutory public holiday.
How other Commonwealth countries observe the King’s Birthday
Several Commonwealth realms continue to treat the monarch’s official birthday as a public holiday. These include:
- Solomon Islands
- Tuvalu
- Papua New Guinea
The date varies by country, but the pattern is similar: most choose a Monday in June for a long weekend.
How different countries celebrate the King’s Birthday
Celebrations vary widely depending on the country.
- In Australia and New Zealand, the holiday functions mainly as a long weekend for travel, family time, and events.
- In the UK, it is marked by the Trooping the Colour parade, a major national ceremony but not a public holiday.
- Pacific nations observe it through community events and formal acknowledgements of the monarch.
King’s Birthday vs Victoria Day, understanding the difference
These two holidays often get mixed up, but they serve very different purposes.
- King’s Birthday honours the current monarch, King Charles III.
- Victoria Day in Canada celebrates Queen Victoria’s legacy, and although it functions as the monarch’s official birthday in Canada, it is not a celebration of King Charles directly.
Canada does not celebrate the King’s Birthday on a separate date, which is why Victoria Day appears so frequently in related searches.
What’s open and closed on the King’s Birthday
Because different countries celebrate the King’s Birthday in different ways, what opens or closes on the day also varies.
Australia
In most Australian states, the King’s Birthday is a full public holiday, so:
- Major retailers usually open, except in regions with stricter trading rules (e.g., parts of WA)
- Public transport runs on a public holiday or Sunday timetable
- Government services and schools are closed
- Major attractions and tourism operators are open, especially during the June long weekend
New Zealand
New Zealand treats the King’s Birthday as a nationwide public holiday, so:
- Schools, government offices, and banks are closed
- Many shops are open, though some regions have reduced hours
- Public transport runs on a public holiday schedule
- Winter attractions (e.g., ski areas) see higher activity
United Kingdom
The King’s Birthday in the UK is not a public holiday, so:
- Shops, offices, schools, and transport operate normally
- The main observance is the Trooping the Colour parade in London
- Tourists may experience crowding or street closures around parade routes
Other Commonwealth countries
In places like the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, or Papua New Guinea:
- It is a public holiday, so government offices are closed
- Shops and local services may remain open depending on regional rules
Using an eSIM for your King’s Birthday travel plans
Whether you’re spending the King’s Birthday weekend in June, taking Queensland’s October break, or visiting multiple Commonwealth countries, staying organised makes travel smoother.
For domestic or international travel, Eskimo eSIM options give you instant data without swapping SIM cards or waiting in a store:
- Australia eSIM for fast, local connectivity
- New Zealand eSIM for cross-Tasman trips
- Europe or Global eSIM if your plans continue beyond the Commonwealth
A prepaid eSIM makes it easier to check holiday trading hours, book transport, navigate events like Trooping the Colour, and stay online during long-weekend travel.
FAQs
Is the King’s Birthday a public holiday in Australia?
Yes. It is a public holiday in all states and territories, but the date varies.
When is the King’s Birthday in Australia?
Most states celebrate it on 8 June 2026, except QLD (5 October) and WA (28 September).
Why does the King have two birthdays?
The monarch’s “official birthday” was created to hold public celebrations in better weather, separate from the King’s real birthday.
Why is the King’s Birthday in June?
June provides more reliable weather for parades and ceremonies, a tradition started under King George II.
Which countries celebrate the King’s Birthday?
Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, and several Pacific nations. The UK celebrates the occasion ceremonially but without a public holiday.
Is the King’s Birthday a public holiday in New Zealand?
Yes, on the first Monday in June.
Does the UK get a holiday for the King’s Birthday?
No. The UK celebrates with Trooping the Colour, but it is not a statutory holiday.
Is Victoria Day the same as the King’s Birthday?
No. Victoria Day honours Queen Victoria. It is not the King’s Birthday, although it functions as Canada’s official monarch’s birthday.
