Australia keeps Father’s Day on the first Sunday of September, three months after most of the English-speaking world. So if an overseas friend wishes your dad a happy Father’s Day in June, that’s why. Mother’s Day is the second Sunday of May, the same as in the US and Canada.

Christmas falls in summer here, but the dates of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve are the same as everywhere else.

For families spread between states or overseas, each of these days is one more reason to call and catch up.

Relationship days

Day20262027
Valentine's Day For love and romance
Mother's Day For mothers and mother figures
International Day of Friendship The UN day of friendship
Father's Day For fathers and father figures
Wife Appreciation Day For wives

Global days

Day20262027
Halloween An evening of costumes and treats
New Year's Eve The last night of the year

Christian

Day20262027
Good Friday The crucifixion of Jesus
Easter Sunday The resurrection of Jesus
All Saints' Day Remembering those we have lost
St Nicholas' Day Small gifts, often for children
Christmas Eve The night before Christmas
Christmas The birth of Jesus

Hindu

Day20262027
Diwali The festival of lights

Islamic

Day20262027
Eid al-Adha The festival of sacrificeExpected Expected
Eid al-Fitr The end of RamadanNo date listedExpected

Buddhist

Day20262027
Vesak Honoring the BuddhaNo date listed

Expected dates follow the moon and can move by a day. They are confirmed closer to the time.

Notes on Australian dates

  • Father’s Day is the first Sunday of September, so it is never earlier than 1 September or later than 7 September.
  • Easter moves every year, and Good Friday moves with it.
  • Diwali, Eid and Vesak are listed for families who keep them. Eid dates depend on the moon and are confirmed closer to the time.