Unlike most other Cities around the world a public holiday in Cairns normally only affects institutions like schools, banks and Government departments. Being a city with a large tourism industry means that many businesses operate seven days per week, regardless of the holidays or even weekends. A visitor to Cairns should allow for the fact that if they need to do any banking public holidays will make this difficult if not impossible. To compensate for this there are many reputable money changers in the Cairns CBD and most are open over the holiday periods. Most restaurants and night clubs are open over public holidays. The only real exceptions to this are the holidays on Good Friday and Christmas Day where most venues that serve alcohol are closed (except for restaurants). All day tours operate on public holidays and many shops are open. The major shopping centres may operate on public holidays for limited hours.

If in doubt always check with the hotel where you are staying as they will have the most up to date information available. In short, if a public holiday is falling during your stay don't worry it will not affect your stay in any way.

January
Public Holiday - New Years Day 1st
Public Holiday - Australia Day 26th April
Public Holiday - Good Friday
Public Holiday - Easter Saturday
Public Holiday - Easter Monday
Public Holiday - Anzac Day 25th

May
Public Holiday - Labour Day
Port Douglas - Carnivale

June
Public Holiday - Queens Birthday

July
Cairns Show

August
Cairns Cup (Horse Racing Carnival)

September
Amateurs (Horse Racing Carnival)

October
Reef Festival

December
Public Holiday - Christmas Day 25th
Public Holiday - Boxing Day 26th