Planning ahead for time off, school holidays, long weekends or family travel? This complete guide to public holidays Australia 2026 makes it easy to see every major holiday across the country. Whether you live in NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT or NT, you’ll find all confirmed dates and tips to help you make the most of the year.
Why Knowing Australia’s 2026 Public Holidays Matters
Understanding the public holidays in Australia for 2026 helps with:
Planning family trips
Organising work schedules
Booking holidays early (and cheaper!)
Taking advantage of long weekends
Managing school calendars and childcare
Because many holidays move each year—like Easter and state-specific events—it’s helpful to have everything in one reliable guide.
Australia-Wide Public Holidays in 2026
These holidays are recognised across all states and territories:
National Public Holidays
New Year’s Day — Thursday, 1 January 2026
Australia Day — Monday, 26 January 2026
Good Friday — 3 April 2026
Easter Saturday — 4 April 2026 (varies by state)
Easter Sunday — 5 April 2026 (varies by state)
Easter Monday — 6 April 2026
ANZAC Day — Saturday, 25 April 2026
Christmas Day — Friday, 25 December 2026
Boxing Day — Saturday, 26 December 2026 (with Monday observance in most states)
Public Holidays Australia 2026 — State-by-State Guide
New South Wales (NSW)
Key dates:
King’s Birthday — 8 June
Bank Holiday — 3 August
Labour Day — 5 October
Christmas Day & Boxing Day (with 28 December as an additional public holiday)
Tip: NSW has one of the best October long weekends for spring travel.
Victoria (VIC)
Key dates:
Labour Day — 9 March
AFL Grand Final Eve (date TBA)
Melbourne Cup Day — 3 November
Tip: Many regions in VIC take Melbourne Cup Day off, creating an unofficial 4-day long weekend if planned well.
Queensland (QLD)
Key dates:
Labour Day — 4 May
Ekka Wednesday — 12 August
King’s Birthday — 5 October
Christmas Eve (part-day holiday)
Tip: Queenslanders enjoy several mid-year breaks thanks to the Ekka and mild winter weather.
Western Australia (WA)
Key dates:
Labour Day — 2 March
WA Day — 1 June
King’s Birthday — 28 September
Tip: WA has unique variations like Easter Sunday and substituted holidays for Boxing Day.
South Australia (SA)
Key dates:
Adelaide Cup Day — 9 March
Labour Day — 5 October
Proclamation Day — 26 & 28 December
Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve part-day holidays
Tip: SA offers more part-day public holidays than any other state.
Tasmania (TAS)
Key dates include:
Eight Hours Day — 9 March
Recreation Day — 2 November
Multiple regional holidays (eg. Hobart Regatta Day)
Tip: Tasmania’s regional holidays vary widely, so locals should check their local council area.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Key dates:
Canberra Day — 9 March
Reconciliation Day — 1 June
Family & Community Day may apply depending on the year
Northern Territory (NT)
Key dates:
May Day — 4 May
Picnic Day — 3 August
Regional show days across July
Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve part-day holidays
Tip: NT residents enjoy more regional holidays than any other jurisdiction.
Long Weekends in Australia 2026
If you’re planning ahead, here are the biggest opportunities for long weekends:
Guaranteed Long Weekends
✔ Australia Day — Monday
✔ Easter (4-day weekend)
✔ King’s Birthday (most states)
✔ Labour Day (state-dependent)
✔ Christmas/Boxing Day — extended long weekend in many states
Possible Long Weekends
ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday — some states offer Monday observations.
How to Make the Most of Public Holidays in 2026
Here are smart ways to stretch your break:
1. Combine annual leave with long weekends
Turning a 3-day weekend into a 9-day holiday is common around Easter, Christmas and King’s Birthday.
2. Book travel early
Flights and hotels surge around long weekends—especially school holiday overlaps.
3. Check regional holidays
These can offer locals extra days off that others miss.
4. Use public holidays for rest
Don’t forget: public holidays are made for rest, family, reflection and celebration.
Also Read – Global Religious Observances 2026