Schedule Options on Australia Day for Divorced Parents

Australia Day is a national public holiday on 26th January to commemorate the arrival of the first European settlers at Port Jackson in 1788. When the holiday falls on a weekend, the country celebrates the following Monday instead.

It is a day of national pride. Many immigrants are presented their citizenship on this day as a celebration of a multicultural Australia.

Different parts of the country celebrate differently — Sydney holds boat races, whilst Adelaide holds a parade and a cricket tournament. Families often celebrate the day with outdoor events like barbecues, picnics and concerts.

However you choose to spend this public holiday, if you are divorced, it will require advanced planning with the other parent.

Australia Day scheduling ideas

Look at the scheduling ideas below as well as our guide on parenting schedules to help you create a comprehensive plan for Australia Day and other holidays. Whatever you agree, make sure it is included in your parenting plan.

Continue with your summer schedule

Australia Day falls when the kids are already off school on summer break. One of the most straightforward options is for parents to stay on the summer school holiday schedule they are already following.

This avoids additional scheduling for parents and unnecessary exchanges for kids enjoying their summer.

Plan around festivities

Australia Day celebrations often include both daytime and nighttime activities. Consider splitting the day to accommodate — one parent might have the kids for the boat races during the day, and the other parent may have them for a concert at night.

Make it a fixed holiday

You could agree to give one parent the holiday every year. Often, it goes to the parent who spends less time with the child in the regular parenting schedule.

Alternate the holiday

Your parenting schedule could state that one parent gets Australia Day in even-numbered years and the other gets it in odd-numbered years.

Celebrate together

Parents who get along may choose to celebrate Australia Day together. This is a great option for newly-divorced parents; celebrating like you did before the split can give your children a reassuring sense of consistency.

The easiest way to make an Australia Day parenting schedule

There's a lot to think about when you build a holiday schedule. You'll want it to address weekend and midweek holidays, reflect special occasions unique to your family (like birthdays) and work for years to come.

The Custody X Change app makes it easy. Just open your Custody X Change calendar and follow our steps to make a holiday schedule.

To make a parenting schedule quickly and affordably, turn to Custody X Change. In no time, you'll have written and visual versions that include the holidays you care about.