Exact meal and rest break entitlements for a 11-hour shift under Australian Modern Awards.
Last verified: 21 May 2026On an 11-hour shift, most awards give you two 30-minute unpaid meal breaks plus 3 x 10-minute paid rest breaks. You'll also be earning overtime for hours beyond 8 or 38/week.
Meal Break (unpaid)
Often two meal breaks (30 min + 30 min unpaid)
Rest Breaks (paid)
3 x 10 min (paid)
Break rules vary by Modern Award. Here's what a 11-hour shift looks like under the most common awards in Australia.
| Award | Meal Break | Rest Breaks |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitality (HIGA) | 2 x 30 min unpaid (1 after 5 hrs, 1 after 10 hrs) | 3 x 10 min paid |
| General Retail (GRIA) | 30-60 min unpaid + possible 2nd | 2-3 x 10 min paid |
| Fast Food | 30 min unpaid after 5 hrs | 2-3 x 10 min paid |
| Clerks—Private Sector | 30-60 min unpaid + possible 2nd | No paid rest break required |
| Manufacturing | 30 min unpaid + possible 2nd after 10 hrs | 3 x 10 min paid |
| Nurses Award 2020 | 2 x 30 min unpaid (common) | 3 x 10 min paid |
If your employer isn't giving you the breaks you're entitled to under your award, that's a breach. Here's what to do.
Want to check your specific award and shift? Our Break Compliance Checker matches your shift length against the rules for your exact award.
Open Break Compliance Checker →On a 11-hour shift under most Modern Awards, you get two x 30 min unpaid meal break(s) and 3 x 10 min (paid). 11-hour shift: two 30-min meal breaks + 3 x 10-min rest breaks. Significant overtime usually applies.
Meal breaks are unpaid — the clock stops. Rest breaks are paid — the clock keeps running. On a 11-hour shift, expect two x 30 min unpaid unpaid and 3 x 10 min (paid) paid.
Yes, if it's reasonable and your award allows it. But you'll get overtime pay, you're entitled to additional breaks, and you need a 10-hour break before your next shift.
Usually time-and-a-half for the first 2-3 hours over 8, then double-time after that. The exact rates are in your award.
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FairWork Mate is an independent commercial service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, or any Australian Government agency. Content is general information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.
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