When is Western Australia Day?
In 2026, Western Australia Day falls on Monday, June 1, 2026. It is classified here as a Australian public holiday.
History of Western Australia Day
Western Australia Day in Australia has a distinct historical and social setting. It developed from Foundation Day, associated with the 1829 establishment of the Swan River Colony, and was renamed in 2012 to present a broader account of identity. British settlement was not the beginning of the region: Aboriginal peoples have maintained law, culture and connection to Country across Western Australia for tens of thousands of years.
The modern name invites recognition of people from many communities, although changing a title does not resolve colonisation's effects or competing interpretations. In 2026 the first-Monday-in-June holiday falls on June 1. It is distinct from Western Australia's King’s Birthday, held later in September and subject to regional variation.
Western Australia Day applies as a public holiday in Western Australia. Under the National Employment Standards, an employee may be absent on a declared public holiday; an employer may request work when reasonable, and an employee may refuse on reasonable grounds. Pay for absence, penalty rates, substitute leave and roster effects depend on the Fair Work Act together with the applicable award or enterprise agreement. Hospitals, transport, hospitality, banks and other essential or customer-facing services can continue operating.
How Western Australia Day is observed
A statewide public holiday on June's first Monday; it is distinct from Western Australia's later King’s Birthday holiday. Coverage follows the employee's place of work and applicable industrial instrument, not merely the employer's head office.
Traditions of Western Australia Day
Public life
Western Australia Day is visible through state awards, cultural programmes and stories from across the regions, giving the date a recognisable place in Western Australia's calendar.
Community practice
People mark Western Australia Day through festivals, local institutions and reflection on First Nations and settler histories, although participation and local programmes vary across Australian communities.
Practical planning
For Western Australia Day, public programmes can differ greatly between Perth and remote or regional communities; workers and employers also check local notices, rosters, awards and enterprise agreements.
Dates and observance rules are checked against the official Australian Government and Fair Work guidance. State and territory public-holiday rules vary, so the relevant local government calendar should be checked.
History sources: Fair Work Ombudsman: 2026 public holidays by state and territory, Fair Work Ombudsman: public holidays and the National Employment Standards, Federal Register of Legislation: Fair Work Act 2009.
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