King’s Official Birthday in Australia and Papua New Guinea Date in the current year: June 12, 2023

The birthday of the monarch of the United Kingdom was first celebrated in Australia in 1788. The holiday was declared by Governor Arthur Phillip. Originally, it coincided with the actual birthday of the incumbent monarch. After the death of King George V in 1936, it was decided to celebrate it on the second Monday in June.

On this day government offices, educational institutions, and most businesses in all of Australia (except for Western Australia and Queensland) are closed. The holiday is marked with sporting events, firework displays, and other festive events and activities. The King’s Birthday also marks the start of the ski season, since June is the first month of winter in the Southern Hemisphere.

Australia is not the only country that celebrates the King’s Birthday on the second Monday in June. Papua New Guinea observes the holiday on the same day. It should be also noted that Western Australia and Queensland do not celebrate the birthday of the monarch with the rest of the country. The Governor of Western Australia proclaims the date of the holiday each year; it usually falls in late September or early October. Queensland celebrates the holiday of the first Monday of October.