Your Ultimate Guide to the October Long Weekend
There’s no denying Australians love a short break, especially when you don’t have to dip into your annual leave. For those in Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and South Australia, the October long weekend is just around the corner, which means now is the perfect time to start planning your next escape. Here’s what you need to know about the public holiday.
When is the October long weekend in 2025?
In New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and South Australia, a public holiday (known as Labour Day) falls on the first Monday of October. In 2025, this will be 6 October. Queensland residents have a holiday on the same day, however it is dedicated to the king’s birthday rather than Labour Day.
What does the Labour Day public holiday celebrate?
Observed around the country on different dates throughout the year, Labour Day marks the historic achievements of the Australian labour movement, particularly the push for fair working conditions and the establishment of the eight-hour workday (in the 1800s, many Australians were expected to work up to 14 hours a day, six days a week with no sick leave or holiday leave).
In Western Australia, Victoria and Tasmania, the holiday falls in March (in Tasmania, they refer to it as Eight Hours Day). The Northern Territory and Queensland traditionally celebrate Labour Day in May (the NT calls it May Day), while NSW, the ACT and SA celebrate it in October, resulting in the October long weekend.
Does daylight saving fall on the October long weekend in 2025?
Daylight saving begins the day before the public holiday. In NSW, the ACT, Victoria, SA and Tasmania clocks move forward by one hour at 2am on Sunday 5 October. This means sunrise and sunset falls an hour later in the day.
Things to do in New South Wales this October long weekend
If you’re in Sydney, you can still catch the MCA’s major winter exhibition, Cerith Wyn Evans .... in light of the visible, which is showing until 19 October. Wander through the Welsh artist’s garden of neon sculptures then venture upstairs to Canvas (which is open Wednesday through Sunday) for stellar harbour views and a multi-course feast – the restaurant’s “Lambington”, a take on beef wellington, is a crowd-pleaser. When the sun starts to set, catch the ferry to Manly and step straight from the wharf into Felons Seafood, a new eatery by the Felons Brewing Co. team, where you can down award-winning craft beers and crisp potato scallops.
If it’s a nature escape you’re craving, head to Blackheath – a 90-minute drive north-west of Sydney – to the refurbished Kyah, a former motel where Mid-century Modern design meets the rugged wilderness of the Blue Mountains. In addition to relaxing in the hot tub and sauna or swinging a racquet on the tennis court, you’ll be able to borrow one of the property’s e-bikes to explore the area. Plus, onsite restaurant Blaq has just welcomed executive chef Alejandro Huerta (formerly of Comedor) to the team and he’s crafting Mexican-inspired dishes from hyper-local ingredients.
Things to do in Queensland this October long weekend
Wake early in Brisbane to pick up a twice-baked almond croissant from New Farm’s Idle, the new neighbourhood kitchen from the team behind the now-closed Agnes bakery. The classic pastry has been given a zesty twist with an infusion of orange syrup and almond frangipane then topped with a flipped croissant lid.
The long weekend is your last chance to catch QAGOMA’s Wonderstruck exhibition, which has more than 100 artworks and interactive installations on display. It includes The Obliteration Room, an evolving work by Yayoi Kusama that encourages viewers to leave behind a sticker (or two). If you have little ones in tow, be sure to pop by Bluey’s World in Hamilton where you’ll be immersed in the creative fun of the hit children’s television show.
A long weekend in Queensland isn’t complete without exploring the coastline. Take in views of Burleigh Beach from your private balcony at the newly opened Mondrian Gold Coast, a little over an hour’s drive south-east of Brisbane. Or explore the Sunshine Coast (around 109 kilometres north of Brisbane) by trekking through the stunning Noosa National Park. The track is around 5.4 kilometres one way (10.8 kilometres return) and winds around to Sunshine Beach. You can choose to turn around and head back or call it a day and cool off with a dip (be sure to stay between the flags) and crisp Heads of Noosa Lager at the Sunshine Beach Surf Club.
Things to do in the Australian Capital Territory this October long weekend
See the sunrise from a new vantage point with a hot air balloon ride over the city. Departing from (and returning to) the Hyatt Hotel Canberra, Balloon Aloft takes guests up into the misty air to drift over undulating countryside and glassy lakes for up to an hour. Upon landing, tuck into an optional buffet breakfast at the hotel.
Make Cubby and Co’s tiny home on Mount Majura Vineyard, about 10 minutes drive from Canberra Airport, your home base for the weekend. Enjoy a bottle of the winery’s signature tempranillo on the deck or inside your cosy retreat, where you can take in tranquil winery views from the expansive window.
Such and Such is a Canberra mainstay for a classic Negroni, then head to the Canberra Theatre Centre on Sunday 5 October to see Mystique – A Journey Beyond Reality, a magical performance full of mind-bending illusions.
Things to do in South Australia this October long weekend
Start in Adelaide’s CBD where there’s no shortage of standout sandwiches. At Exchange Coffee, the signature Wallace is stacked with avocado, pancetta, chipotle aioli, roasted peppers and mojo verde (there’s a vego and vegan option, too), while Shōbōsho serves up a moreish Katsu Sando. There’s Parc Brasserie & Bar for Mediterranean-style fare or Proof wine bar’s golden toasties are a late-night staple from Monday through to Saturday. From the city, it’s just a 20-minute drive to Henley Beach, where you can stroll along the foreshore before watching the sun set with a cocktail at Henley House Rooftop Bar.
Venture further and you’ll reach some of Australia’s best wineries. McLaren Vale’s d’Arenberg Cube, a five-storey, Rubik’s cube-like cellar door, pours sumptuous shiraz, while Yalumba in the Barossa Valley offers award-winning grenache. For the ultimate wine weekend, book a stay at one of Rare Earth Retreats’ off-grid, eco-luxe villas. Set in the heart of McLaren Vale, it will put you moments away from the region’s top drops.
