QLD Public Holidays

Labour 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. Labour 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. Labour Day is held on different days according to each state but is always held on a Monday, forming a long weekend every year. In Queensland the holiday is held on the first Monday of May.

Many people take the long weekend as an opportunity to partake in some of the cultural events taking place in the state. The Planting is a three-day environmental and culinary festival held in Woodfordia. Guests are encouraged to plant trees in an effort to conserve local wildlife habitats, as well as engage with the global environmental consciousness movement through music, dance, art and folk lore.

The “Ekka Show”, is a common abbreviation for the Brisbane Exhibition, it is also referred to as the Royal Queensland Show. The holiday is held to celebrate the Queensland way of life, with emphasis given to the agricultural industries and workers. The Ekka has been held in Brisbane since 1876 and is Queensland’s largest annual event, held across ten days. This year's Ekka Wednesday will be celebrated on August 11th. 

Making your way to the show held at the Brisbane Showgrounds is a must for those who can get there easily. Half a million guests make their way through the entertainment, agricultural and education exhibitions each year. Live entertainment, carnival rides and attractions, animal competitions and shopping venues make up the bulk of the activities guests take part in.