Labour Day Long Weekend In Cairns
The upcoming Labour Day Long Weekend in Cairns is the perfect time to plan an extended getaway for the tropics! Whether you’re a local looking to make the most of an extra day off work, or you’re hoping to visit Cairns in May, Labour Day is a great time to enjoy Cairns. Here is your guide to the upcoming public holiday in Queensland!
Is Labour Day a holiday in QLD?
Labour Day is a public holiday in Queensland that celebrates the achievements of workers in Australia. Workers struggled throughout the 19th and 20th Centuries to gain fair working conditions, so the holiday commemorates their efforts.
Every state in Australia celebrates Labour Day, but not always on the same day. Here is when you can celebrate Labour Day around Australia:
- May - Queensland and Northern Territory
- March - Western Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania
- October - South Australia, New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory
When is Labour Day in Cairns?
Labour Day in Cairns falls on the first Monday in May. So for 2025, Labour Day is on Monday the 5th of May. This is actually an amazing time to visit Cairns! May is the end of stinger season in Tropical North Queensland, so you can swim in the ocean safely without the fear of jellyfish.
May in Cairns also sees a drop in the heat and humidity that encompasses Queensland for the summer months. With drier weather and more pleasant temperatures, outdoor adventures are a dream during May in Cairns.
2025 Labour Day March In Cairns
- Time: 9am - 2pm
- Location: Figtree Park, 34-38 Esplanade, Cairns 4870
Every year there is a march in downtown Cairns in honour of Labour Day. Several unions will be marching through Cairns to celebrate the progress of their efforts in securing better working conditions and fair wages. The march will finish in Figtree Park for food and other festivities.
Things To Do On Labour Day Long Weekend In Cairns
Aside from the local marches, there are lots of fun things to do on your Labour Day Long Weekend in Cairns. An extra day off means you have more time for adventures in the surrounding reefs and rainforests, so really cherish every moment.
Just note that some tours and activities may have a public holiday surcharge! And public holiday weekends tend to have higher prices for flights and accommodations. It’s a good idea to book your stay well in advance to secure a good price and to ensure nothing sells out.
Here are some fun things to do during your long weekend in Cairns!
Make the most of your long weekend in Cairns with these activities!
Visit the Great Barrier Reef
Cairns is the Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, so naturally most travellers that come here plan to get out on the water. A day trip to the Outer Reef is the most common way to see the Great Barrier Reef. You can snorkel at exquisite reef sites and marvel at the unique marine life below. With an extra day off, you can even consider extending your Great Barrier Reef trip with an overnight liveaboard!
Explore the Daintree Rainforest
The Daintree Rainforest is a majestic wilderness area that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the oldest tropical rainforest on Earth! It’s 3 hours north of Cairns, and there are several tours that can take you here and back in a day. If you’re hoping to spend your public holiday in the rainforest, consider staying overnight in Cape Tribulation. This will give you more time for activities like hikes, horseback riding, and a reef tour!
Book a tropical island getaway
From the sandy shores of Green Island, to the lush mountains of Fitzroy Island, to the serene tranquility of the Frankland Islands, the offshore wonders of Queensland await! These islands are all just a quick boat ride from Cairns. You can combine multiple island visits into an affordable package, or stay overnight at one of the island resorts.
Spend a day in Kuranda
If you have a spare day with nothing planned, take a day trip into the Atherton Tablelands and explore Kuranda. This charming and colourful mountain town has much to offer, including attractions that are fun for the whole family. Visit the Butterfly Sanctuary, admire wildlife at the Koala Gardens, learn abut Indigenous culture with a Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, tour the local markets, and more!
Beach hop along the coast
With an extra day in Cairns, you have more time to venture along the idyllic coastline. Rent a car and go beach hopping along the coast! Head south for Mission Beach, the hub of adventure sports like skydiving and river rafting. Or head north for peaceful beach towns like Palm Cove or Port Douglas. There is no shortage of beautiful places to visit on the Far North Queensland coast.
