If you’re planning a long weekend around Melbourne in June 2025, there’s one date that matters more than the rest: the King’s Birthday public holiday falls on Monday 9 June, giving Victorians a welcome three-day break from the working week.
Date in Victoria 2025: Monday 9 June · Location Focus: Melbourne · Public Holiday Status: Yes, statewide in Victoria · Long Weekend: Saturday 7 to Monday 9 June · Next Year’s Date: Monday 8 June 2026
Quick snapshot
- King’s Birthday: Monday 9 June (Business Victoria)
- Long weekend: 7–9 June (Business Victoria)
- AFL Grand Final Eve: 26 September (Business Victoria)
- Free events on long weekend
- Parks and markets open
- Major attractions limited
- Victoria: 9 June
- WA regions: 29 September
- NT: 12 June
- Public holiday in Victoria only
- Retail trading may vary
- Public transport reduced
The snapshot table below consolidates the essential facts about Victoria’s 2025 King’s Birthday observance.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Official Date Melbourne 2025 | Monday 9 June |
| Public Holiday | Yes, Victoria-wide |
| Source | business.vic.gov.au |
| Long Weekend | 3 days |
| Tradition Origin | Second Monday June since Queen era |
What date is the king’s birthday in Australia in 2025?
In Victoria, the King’s Birthday public holiday falls on Monday 9 June 2025 according to the state government’s official calendar. This date comes from Business Victoria, which publishes the authoritative list of public holidays for the state each year.
Victoria and Melbourne specific date
The 2025 King’s Birthday holiday lands on a Monday, which means most workers automatically get a three-day long weekend. For Melbourne CBD shoppers, this usually means altered retail hours, so it’s worth checking individual store websites before heading out.
The state-by-state comparison reveals how Victoria’s date aligns with most eastern states.
| State/Territory | King’s Birthday 2025 Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | Monday 9 June | Statewide public holiday |
| New South Wales | Monday 9 June | Same as Victoria |
| South Australia | Monday 9 June | Same as Victoria |
| Tasmania | Monday 9 June | Same as Victoria |
| Western Australia | 29 September or 6 October | Governor proclaimed annually |
| Queensland | Monday 6 October | First Monday in October |
| Northern Territory | Monday 9 June | Same as Victoria |
| ACT | Monday 9 June | Same as Victoria |
The pattern is clear: most states observe the holiday on the second Monday of June, but Western Australia and Queensland deliberately choose different dates to suit their own regional rhythms and historical reasons. Victoria’s 9 June date aligns with New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and the ACT, making it easy to coordinate interstate travel plans if you’re crossing borders during the long weekend.
Is the king’s birthday a public holiday in Australia?
Yes, King’s Birthday is a public holiday in most Australian states and territories, including Victoria where Melbourne is located. The holiday marks the official birthday of King Charles III of the United Kingdom, following the transition from Queen’s Birthday that occurred after his accession to the throne in 2022.
Victoria and Melbourne status
In Victoria, King’s Birthday is a statewide public holiday. According to the Parliament of Victoria’s official calendar, the 2025 public holiday schedule includes King’s Birthday on 9 June alongside other major holidays such as ANZAC Day on 25 April, Grand Final Eve on 26 September, and Melbourne Cup Day on 4 November.
Employee entitlements
Under Fair Work Ombudsman guidance, employees are generally entitled to penalty rates when working on public holidays. Most full-time workers receive the day off at their normal rate, while those who do work are typically entitled to extra pay. The specific entitlements can vary based on awards, enterprise agreements, or individual contracts.
Not all venues honour the public holiday equally — some restaurants and attractions apply surcharges or reduced hours on King’s Birthday itself. Checking venue websites before visiting is the safest move.
Is everything open on King’s Birthday in Melbourne?
The short answer is no — King’s Birthday is a genuine public holiday, so core government services, most banks, and many offices close for the day. However, Melbourne being Melbourne, there’s still plenty happening if you know where to look.
Supermarkets and shops
Major supermarket chains like Woolworths and Coles typically operate on reduced hours during public holidays, often opening later and closing earlier than usual. Some smaller convenience stores may open their regular hours, but large retail centres in the CBD and suburbs often have altered trading times that vary by location.
Attractions and public transport
Melbourne’s major attractions — the Melbourne Cricket Ground, museums, galleries, and theatres — often run special programming during the long weekend. Public transport operates on a Sunday timetable on the public holiday itself, with full services resuming on the Tuesday. The What’s On Melbourne guide highlights free and low-cost activities across the city during this period.
Restaurants and services
Hospitality venues tend to stay open, often with special long-weekend menus or events. Hours may vary, and surcharges commonly apply at restaurants choosing to operate on the public holiday. What’s On Melbourne recommends visitors check directly with venues before visiting, as conditions can change closer to the date.
The traditional AFL match between the Collingwood Magpies and Melbourne Demons at the MCG is one of Melbourne’s most reliable King’s Birthday traditions, drawing large crowds and creating traffic hotspots across the city.
Why is the Queen’s
Charlotte SinghStaff WriterBen Singh covers culture, lifestyle and society across Australia for Aussie Report.
Ben Singh covers culture, lifestyle and society across Australia for Aussie Report.