NT Public Holidays

Known as Labour Day in other states and territories of Australia, May Day is the annual celebration of the modern eight hour working day, implemented in the 19th century. Prior to the 19th century, most labourers worked from ten to twelve hours up to six days a week. The public holiday recognises the workers who struggled to improve the working conditions for all Australians. May Day advocates for the equal division of the twenty-four hours in a day into three parts, eight hours for work, recreation and rest respectively. 

May Day is always held on a Monday, forming a long weekend every year.
May Day march held in Darwin, picnic on the Esplanade at Bicentennial Park. The march is often used as a means for the public to express their dissatisfaction with work related issues in the state and country.

*This public holiday is observed only in the Borroloola region of the Northern Territory.

With a population of less than 1000 people, the Borroloola Show is one of the smallest Shows in the country, originating in 1967. The Show draws in over 1000 guests from surrounding areas, doubling the town’s population. The public holiday is held on the last Friday in June, forming a long weekend which the Show is held across. The Show features exciting displays of rodeo and camp draft as well as displays of agriculture, gardening, lifestyle, arts, crafts and competitions for the whole family.

*This public holiday is observed only in the Alice Springs region of the Northern Territory.

Celebrated since 1960, the Alice Springs Show is an annual agricultural and pastoral event which showcases the region’s best produce, livestock and craft. The Show features outback sporting events, photographic and cooking contents carnival style rides and firework displays. 18,000 people make their way to the show each year to enjoy the Territory’s largest agricultural display.

The Grand Parade runs on the Friday to officially open the Show, made up of the Show’s highlights, including champion bulls, showjumpers and the announcement of the year’s showgirl.

*This public holiday is observed only in the Tennant Creek region of the Northern Territory.

Held on the second Friday each July, the Tennant Creek Show Day showcases the region’s agricultural accomplishments for the year. The main attractions of the Show are made up of the cattle and dog demonstrations, but locals and tourists also have the opportunity to enjoy rides, side show alley games, music events and arts and crafts competitions.

*This public holiday is observed only in the Katherine region of the Northern Territory.

The Katherine Show Day has been held on the third Friday of July each year since 1965. The Show holds a large range of competitions and prizes in categories ranging from dog jumping, needlework, cooking, poetry and writing to camp draft and rodeo. Equestrian events take place throughout the week leading up to the public holiday, with the main events taking place on the Friday and Saturday. Each year there is an average of 3000 entries in the showcase competitions. The Show is concluded with a firework display on the Saturday night.

*This public holiday is observed only in Darwin and the surrounding region in the Northern Territory.

The Darwin Show is the oldest Show Day in the Northern Territory, dating back to 1952. The Show acts as a demonstration of the region’s agriculture, livestock, trade and industries. 20,000 locals and visitors are invited to compete in over 24 sections of competitions each year, ranging from stud cattle, arts and crafts, to horticulture and photography. The official Opening Ceremony and Grand Parade takes place at 2pm on the Friday, kicking off the Show with live music, classic cars and parachutists landing in the arena.

Held on the first Monday of August each year, the popular theory is that Picnic Day originated as a holiday so that railway workers would be able picnic at the Adelaide River back in the late 1800’s. The Harts Range Races began in 1946, which were so popular that they inspired an annual race and an official public holiday to celebrate them properly. The races are still held today in the Harts Ranges, north of Alice Springs, featuring bull rides and children’s competitions

The Northern Territory enjoys a half-day public holiday on Christmas Eve. This ensures that all workers have the ability to spend time with the family and friends or be properly compensated for their work during this time.

Many people take to Christmas Carolling on Christmas Eve in groups in their local neighbourhoods to spread cheer and goodwill. Another way people like to give back at this time of the year is to give their time to charitable pursuits. Several charity institutions work hard to ensure that impoverished Australian children can receive a present on Christmas morning and those who are without cooking facilities can enjoy a home cooked Christmas meal.

In Australia, New Years is heralded by firework displays in all major cities and countdowns till midnight form the basis of the previous night’s boisterous celebrations. While New Year’s Eve day is not itself a public holiday, parties and events are held for people to see off the old year in style and welcome in the new with friends and family. The Northern Territory observes the hours from 7pm till midnight as a public holiday, in an effort to compensate those who have to work during that time. New Year’s Day is often used as a day of rest and relaxation across the country.