On public holidays, government departments, banks, offices, large stores and post offices are closed. On Good Friday and Christmas Day, newspapers aren't published and about the only stores you'll find open are 7?Elevenstyle convenience stores. Note that some consulates close for 10 days over the Christmas?New Year period.
Public holidays include:

1 January New Year's Day
26 January Australia Day
March/April Easter (Good Friday/Easter Monday)
25 April Anzac Day
10 June Queen's Birthday
1st Monday in August August Bank Holiday
1st Monday in October Labour Day
25-26 December Christmas & Boxing Days