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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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.
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