Quick Answer: Father’s Day 2026 falls on Sunday, 6 September 2026. It is NOT a public holiday in Australia. Father’s Day is an observance celebrated on the first Sunday of September each year. Normal trading hours apply, public transport runs on Sunday schedules, and there is no automatic day off work.
Father’s Day 2026 Australia: Date, Gift Ideas & Complete Guide
Father’s Day 2026 in Australia is on Sunday, 6 September 2026. Australia celebrates Father’s Day on the first Sunday in September each year.
Father’s Day is not a public holiday in Australia, so there is no additional day off work simply because it is Father’s Day. Most shops, restaurants and attractions operate under their usual Sunday arrangements, although individual opening hours can vary.
Father’s Day 2026 at a Glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| When is Father’s Day 2026? | Sunday, 6 September 2026 |
| What day is Father’s Day? | Sunday |
| Is Father’s Day a public holiday? | No |
| When is Father’s Day celebrated in Australia? | First Sunday in September |
| Is Monday 7 September a Father’s Day public holiday? | No |
| Do shops usually open? | Generally yes, under normal Sunday trading arrangements |
| Do Father’s Day dates vary by state? | No — the date is the same across Australia |
When Is Father’s Day 2026 in Australia?
Father’s Day 2026 falls on Sunday, 6 September 2026.
Australia observes Father’s Day on the first Sunday of September, so the calendar date changes from year to year. The same date applies in every Australian state and territory.
Father’s Day Dates 2025–2030
| Year | Father’s Day | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7 September 2025 | Sunday |
| 2026 | 6 September 2026 | Sunday |
| 2027 | 5 September 2027 | Sunday |
| 2028 | 3 September 2028 | Sunday |
| 2029 | 2 September 2029 | Sunday |
| 2030 | 1 September 2030 | Sunday |
If you are planning ahead, simply look for the first Sunday in September.
Is Father’s Day a Public Holiday in Australia?
No. Father’s Day is not an Australian public holiday. It is an observance rather than a gazetted national, state or territory public holiday.
That means Father’s Day itself does not create an entitlement to public holiday leave or public holiday penalty rates.
Because Father’s Day falls on a Sunday, however, employees who work that day may still receive Sunday penalty rates or other weekend entitlements depending on their award, enterprise agreement or employment arrangements. Fair Work confirms that penalty rates can apply for work performed on weekends as well as public holidays.
Father’s Day vs a Public Holiday
| Feature | Public Holiday | Father’s Day |
|---|---|---|
| Official gazetted holiday | Yes | No |
| Automatic public holiday entitlement | Usually | No |
| Public holiday penalty rates | May apply | No |
| Sunday penalty rates | Depends on day and agreement | May apply |
| Shops automatically required to close | Depends on jurisdiction | No |
| Celebrated nationally | Depends on holiday | Yes |
Is Monday 7 September 2026 a Public Holiday?
No additional Father’s Day public holiday applies on Monday, 7 September 2026.
Father’s Day is observed on Sunday and is not transferred to Monday.
However, if Monday is normally a working day for you, taking annual leave on Monday, 7 September could turn the Father’s Day weekend into a personal three-day break.
Father’s Day Weekend 2026
Saturday, 5 September: start the weekend with a family outing, fishing trip, sporting activity or dinner.
Sunday, 6 September: Father’s Day.
Monday, 7 September: not a Father’s Day public holiday, but potentially useful as an annual-leave day for families wanting a longer getaway.
Why Does Australia Celebrate Father’s Day in September?
Australia differs from countries including the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, where Father’s Day is generally celebrated on the third Sunday in June.
In Australia, the established modern tradition is the first Sunday in September. Historical Australian newspaper records show Father’s Day being promoted during the 1930s, including references to September celebrations. ABC research also identifies Australian newspaper references from 1936 encouraging the observance.
There are a number of popular explanations for why September became the Australian date, including retail timing and separation from other celebrations, but there is no single clearly documented reason that should be treated as definitive.
What is certain is that the September date has become an established Australian tradition.
It also happens to fall at the beginning of Australian spring, making barbecues, picnics, beach trips, bushwalks and other outdoor celebrations popular options.
Father’s Day 2026 in Every Australian State and Territory
Father’s Day falls on the same date throughout Australia.
| State or Territory | Father’s Day 2026 |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | Sunday, 6 September 2026 |
| Victoria | Sunday, 6 September 2026 |
| Queensland | Sunday, 6 September 2026 |
| Western Australia | Sunday, 6 September 2026 |
| South Australia | Sunday, 6 September 2026 |
| Tasmania | Sunday, 6 September 2026 |
| Australian Capital Territory | Sunday, 6 September 2026 |
| Northern Territory | Sunday, 6 September 2026 |
Unlike some Australian public holidays, there is no state-by-state difference in the date of Father’s Day.
Father’s Day Gift Ideas for 2026
The best Father’s Day gift will depend on what Dad actually enjoys. Experiences can be just as memorable as physical gifts, and thoughtful low-cost options can work just as well as expensive presents.
For the Active Dad
Consider a golf day, fishing charter, camping equipment, hiking gear, sporting equipment or an annual pass for places he enjoys visiting.
A planned day together can make the gift more meaningful than simply buying another piece of equipment.
For the Foodie Dad
Popular ideas include a barbecue or smoking class, restaurant voucher, quality cooking equipment, artisan food hamper, specialty coffee or a brewery or winery experience.
You could also skip the purchased gift altogether and cook Dad’s favourite meal at home.
For the Tech Dad
Possible gifts include wireless earbuds, headphones, a smartwatch, fitness tracker, smart-home device, portable charger or charging station.
Before buying higher-priced technology, check what devices Dad already uses so that the new product is compatible.
For the Dad Who Likes to Relax
Books, quality coffee, comfortable loungewear, a streaming subscription, restaurant voucher or massage can all work well.
For many dads, having the day organised for them may be a better present than receiving another physical item.
Experience Gifts
Instead of buying an object, consider creating something Dad can look forward to.
A driving experience, hot-air balloon ride, fishing trip, sporting event, concert, whale-watching tour, restaurant booking or weekend away can turn Father’s Day into a lasting memory.
Cheap and Free Father’s Day Ideas
Father’s Day does not need to be expensive.
Some of the simplest celebrations can be the most enjoyable: hold a family barbecue, visit a local park or beach, go fishing, take a bushwalk, play backyard cricket, watch Dad’s favourite movies, tackle a DIY project together or cook his favourite meal.
Children can also make a card, photo book or family video rather than purchasing a present.
The important part is spending time together rather than the amount spent.
Things to Do on Father’s Day 2026
Early September is the beginning of spring across Australia, so Father’s Day can be a good opportunity to get outside.
Popular choices include a barbecue at home, breakfast at a local café, Sunday lunch at a pub or restaurant, a beach trip, fishing, golf, bushwalking, attending a sporting event or visiting a local attraction.
If you plan to eat at a popular restaurant, booking ahead is sensible because Father’s Day lunch is a popular family occasion.
Father’s Day BBQ Ideas
The Australian barbecue is one of the easiest Father’s Day traditions to organise.
Keep it simple with Dad’s favourite steak, sausages, seafood, burgers or barbecue chicken alongside salads, bread and something for dessert.
For a more relaxed day, give Dad the day off the barbecue and let the rest of the family do the cooking.
A local park with barbecue facilities can also work well for larger family groups.
Father’s Day Activities with Children
For younger children, Father’s Day activities do not need to be complicated.
Making breakfast, creating a homemade card, going to the playground, playing sport together, fishing, baking something for Dad or looking through family photographs can all create a memorable day.
Many Australian schools and early-learning centres also hold Father’s Day or special-person activities in the lead-up to the weekend, although arrangements vary between schools.
Are Shops Open on Father’s Day 2026?
Most shops can open on Father’s Day because it is not a public holiday. Most businesses generally follow their normal Sunday opening arrangements.
Actual hours can vary considerably by state, shopping centre and individual business, so check directly with the retailer before travelling.
Supermarkets and larger shopping centres will generally publish their specific Sunday opening hours online.
Are Restaurants Open on Father’s Day?
Father’s Day is not a public holiday, so restaurants are not required to close because of the occasion.
Many restaurants, cafés, pubs and clubs choose to promote Father’s Day breakfasts, lunches or dinners.
If you want to dine out on Sunday, 6 September 2026, booking ahead is a good idea rather than relying on a walk-in table.
Some venues may apply their normal Sunday surcharge. Any surcharge should be checked with the individual venue.
Does Public Transport Run on Father’s Day?
Father’s Day does not create a special nationwide public holiday transport timetable.
Public transport arrangements are determined by the transport operator in each city and state. Because Father’s Day is a Sunday, services will generally be based around whatever Sunday timetable applies locally, subject to planned works, special events or timetable changes.
Check your local transport authority before travelling.
Do You Get Penalty Rates for Working on Father’s Day?
There is no special Father’s Day public holiday penalty rate because Father’s Day is not a public holiday.
However, Father’s Day 2026 falls on a Sunday.
Depending on your award, enterprise agreement or employment contract, working on Sunday may attract weekend penalty rates. Fair Work advises that penalty rates can apply for evenings, weekends and public holidays, with the applicable rate depending on the employee’s workplace arrangements.
If you are unsure what rate applies to you, check your award or agreement through the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Father’s Day vs Mother’s Day 2026
Both Father’s Day and Mother’s Day are widely observed in Australia, but neither is a national public holiday.
| Mother’s Day 2026 | Father’s Day 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, 10 May 2026 | Sunday, 6 September 2026 |
| Australian timing | Second Sunday in May | First Sunday in September |
| Public holiday | No | No |
| Common celebrations | Breakfast, lunch, family time | BBQs, lunch, activities, family time |
A Short History of Father’s Day in Australia
The modern Father’s Day tradition developed internationally during the early 20th century.
Historical Australian newspaper records show that the idea was being discussed and promoted in Australia by the 1930s. Newspaper material preserved by the National Library of Australia includes Australian references to Father’s Day during that period, while ABC historical research notes promotions for Father’s Day events in 1936.
Over time, the first Sunday in September became the established Australian date.
Today the occasion is widely recognised as a day for celebrating fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, carers and other father figures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Father’s Day 2026
What date is Father’s Day in Australia in 2026?
Father’s Day is Sunday, 6 September 2026 in Australia. It is celebrated on the first Sunday in September.
Is Father’s Day a public holiday in Australia?
No. Father’s Day is an observance, not an Australian public holiday.
Is Father’s Day the same date every year?
No. It is always held on the first Sunday in September, so the numerical date changes each year.
Is Father’s Day the same date in every Australian state?
Yes. Father’s Day 2026 is Sunday, 6 September in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT and Northern Territory.
Why does Australia have Father’s Day in September?
The September tradition developed in Australia during the 20th century and is different from the June date used by countries such as the United States and United Kingdom. Historical newspaper records show Australian Father’s Day promotions during the 1930s, although there is no single definitive explanation for why September was ultimately adopted.
Are shops closed on Father’s Day?
Generally no. Father’s Day is not a public holiday, and most businesses follow their normal Sunday trading arrangements. Individual opening hours should still be checked.
Do I get public holiday penalty rates on Father’s Day?
No, not simply because it is Father’s Day. Sunday penalty rates may apply depending on your award, agreement or employment arrangements.
Is Monday after Father’s Day a public holiday?
No special Father’s Day public holiday applies on the following Monday.
Do schools close for Father’s Day?
Father’s Day occurs on a Sunday, and there is no additional Father’s Day school closure. Individual schools may organise Father’s Day breakfasts, stalls or activities during the preceding week.
What is a good Father’s Day gift if I am on a budget?
A homemade meal, family barbecue, fishing trip, bushwalk, handwritten card, photo album or simply spending the day together can all be inexpensive options.
When is Father’s Day 2027?
Father’s Day 2027 falls on Sunday, 5 September 2027.
Plan Father’s Day 2026
Father’s Day 2026 is Sunday, 6 September.
It is not a public holiday, but for many Australian families it remains an important day to spend time with fathers and father figures.
Whether the plan is a barbecue at home, breakfast out, fishing, a family lunch, a thoughtful gift or simply some uninterrupted time together, planning ahead can make the weekend easier.
For more dates to plan around, see our guides to Australian Public Holidays 2026, Mother’s Day 2026 in Australia and the 2026 Spring School Holidays.
