Plan your year with Australia's complete 2026 calendar featuring all public holidays and key dates
Make the most of 2026 by planning ahead for long weekends. Strategic leave planning can turn public holidays into extended breaks, giving you more time to explore Australia or simply relax with family and friends.
With careful planning, you can turn your standard annual leave allocation into significantly more time off. By taking strategic leave days around public holidays, Australians can enjoy extended breaks throughout 2026. Here's our comprehensive guide to making the most of every long weekend opportunity.
Thursday 1 January - Sunday 4 January
New Year's Day falls on a Thursday in 2026, creating an excellent opportunity for a 4-day weekend. Take Friday 2nd January off and enjoy an extended break to recover from New Year celebrations or take a quick summer getaway.
Leave Required: 1 day | Days Off: 4 days
Saturday 24 January - Monday 26 January
Australia Day on Monday 26th January creates a natural 3-day weekend. Extend this to a 5-day break by taking Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd off. Perfect timing for a summer road trip along the coast or visiting friends and family.
Leave Required: 2 days | Days Off: 5 days
Friday 3 April - Monday 6 April
Easter 2026 provides a 4-day weekend with Good Friday and Easter Monday both being public holidays. Take the week before off (Mon-Thu) to create an incredible 10-day break. This is the perfect time for an autumn holiday, whether exploring Australia's wine regions or heading overseas.
Leave Required: 4 days | Days Off: 10 days
Saturday 25 April - Sunday 26 April
Anzac Day falls on a Saturday in 2026, which means some states may observe a substitute public holiday on Monday 27th. Check your state's specific arrangements. Take Friday 24th off to create a 3-day weekend and attend dawn services on Saturday.
Leave Required: 1 day | Days Off: 3 days
Saturday 13 June - Monday 15 June (varies by state)
The Queen's Birthday public holiday falls on the second Monday of June in most states (NSW, VIC, TAS, ACT, SA, NT). This creates a natural 3-day weekend in the middle of winter - perfect for a cozy weekend away or hitting the ski slopes as the snow season begins.
Leave Required: 0 days | Days Off: 3 days
Friday 25 December - Friday 1 January 2027
Christmas Day falls on a Friday and Boxing Day on Saturday in 2026. With strategic leave planning, you can enjoy an extended summer break. Take Monday 28th to Thursday 31st December off for a full 10-day holiday break spanning Christmas and New Year.
Leave Required: 4 days | Days Off: 10 days
By strategically using just 12 days of annual leave, you can enjoy up to 35 days off in 2026. Here's a quick summary of the best opportunities:
Australia's federal system means that each state and territory has its own unique public holidays in addition to national holidays. Understanding these differences is essential for planning travel, business operations, and family gatherings across state borders.
New South Wales observes all national public holidays plus Bank Holiday in August (for banks only). The Queen's Birthday is celebrated on the second Monday of June. NSW does not observe Melbourne Cup Day or other state-specific holidays, making it one of the more straightforward states for holiday planning.
Sydney residents often use the June long weekend for winter escapes to the Blue Mountains or coastal getaways to the South Coast.
Victoria is unique in Australia for observing Melbourne Cup Day as a public holiday - though only in metropolitan Melbourne and some regional areas. The state also celebrates the Queen's Birthday on the second Monday of June. AFL Grand Final Friday has become an unofficial holiday for many Melburnians.
Melbourne Cup Day is a great opportunity for locals to enjoy the spring racing carnival or escape the city crowds with a regional getaway.
Queensland celebrates the Queen's Birthday in October rather than June, making it the only state to do so at a different time. The Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) holiday is observed in the Brisbane area in August. Labour Day is celebrated on the first Monday in May.
Queensland's October Queen's Birthday provides perfect spring weather for exploring the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, or Great Barrier Reef.
South Australia has some unique holidays including Adelaide Cup Day in March and Proclamation Day on 28 December. The state celebrates the Queen's Birthday on the second Monday of June. Labour Day falls on the first Monday in October.
Adelaide Cup Day coincides with the Adelaide Festival season, making it an excellent time to explore the city's vibrant arts and culture scene.
Western Australia celebrates the Queen's Birthday in September or October, later than most other states. The state also observes Western Australia Day on 1 June (or the following Monday). Labour Day falls on the first Monday in March.
WA's unique holiday schedule means residents can enjoy wildflower season with a September long weekend - perfect for exploring the state's famous spring blooms.
Tasmania celebrates Eight Hours Day (Labour Day) on the second Monday in March. The state also observes Recreation Day on the first Monday in November in northern Tasmania. Royal Hobart Regatta Day is observed in southern Tasmania in February.
Tasmania's Recreation Day in November is ideal for exploring the state's stunning wilderness areas before the summer tourist season begins.
The Northern Territory observes May Day on the first Monday in May and Picnic Day on the first Monday in August. The Queen's Birthday is celebrated on the second Monday of June. These holidays often align with excellent weather for outdoor activities in the Top End.
Picnic Day falls during the dry season, making it perfect for camping trips to Kakadu or Litchfield National Parks.
The ACT celebrates Canberra Day on the second Monday in March, commemorating the naming of Canberra. The territory also observes Family & Community Day on the Monday before or after the last Friday in September (formerly known as Reconciliation Day).
Canberra Day coincides with the end of the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, making it a wonderful time to enjoy the capital's autumn colours and cultural attractions.
Make the most of your year with these practical tips for planning around Australian public holidays.
Popular destinations like the Gold Coast, Great Barrier Reef, and Margaret River fill up quickly during long weekends. For major holidays like Easter and Christmas, booking 3-6 months in advance is recommended. Consider less popular times like Queen's Birthday weekend for better availability and prices.
Remember that different states have different holiday dates. If you're travelling interstate for business, check the local public holidays. This is especially important for meetings with Victorian clients during Melbourne Cup Day or Queensland contacts during Ekka week.
Travelling just before or after major holidays can save money and avoid crowds. The days immediately after Australia Day or Easter Monday often offer excellent deals on flights and accommodation as tourist numbers drop.
Many businesses operate on reduced hours or close entirely on public holidays. Banks, government offices, and some retailers may be closed. Plan your errands accordingly, especially around Christmas when closures can extend for several days.
Popular leave periods around Easter and Christmas are competitive. Submit your annual leave requests as early as possible - ideally in January for the entire year. This gives you the best chance of securing your preferred dates.
Download a calendar app or use a physical wall calendar that marks all public holidays. This helps you visualise the year ahead and identify opportunities for extended breaks. Many apps can sync holidays with your work calendar automatically.
Common questions about Australian public holidays in 2026.
Australia has 8 national public holidays that apply to all states and territories: New Year's Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. Each state and territory also has additional local public holidays, bringing the total to between 10-13 days depending on where you live.
Easter 2026 falls in early April. Good Friday is on 3 April 2026, Easter Saturday on 4 April, Easter Sunday on 5 April, and Easter Monday on 6 April 2026. This creates a 4-day weekend for most Australians, with many businesses closing or operating on reduced hours.
Under the Fair Work Act, employees who work on public holidays are generally entitled to penalty rates. The exact rate depends on your award, enterprise agreement, or employment contract. Most awards provide for double time or time-and-a-half. Some employees may also have the right to refuse to work on public holidays if the request is unreasonable.
When a national public holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute public holiday is usually observed on the following Monday. For example, if Boxing Day falls on a Saturday, the Monday is typically a public holiday. However, rules vary by state, so always check your local arrangements.
Queensland moved its Queen's Birthday holiday from June to October in 2012 to avoid having too many public holidays clustered in the first half of the year. October timing also provides better weather for outdoor celebrations and coincides with the end of the dry season in northern Queensland.
Melbourne Cup Day (first Tuesday in November) is a public holiday in metropolitan Melbourne and some surrounding areas. However, not all of Victoria observes this holiday. Some regional areas have alternative local holidays instead. Check with your local council or employer for specific arrangements in your area.
Employers can request employees to work on public holidays, but employees can refuse if the request is unreasonable. Factors considered include the nature of the work, personal circumstances, notice given, and whether other employees are available. Many awards and agreements have specific provisions about public holiday work requirements.
No, school holidays and public holidays are different. School holidays are extended breaks (typically 2 weeks at Easter, 2-3 weeks in winter, 2 weeks in spring, and 6-7 weeks over summer) set by state education departments. Public holidays are single days off observed by the general public. School holiday dates vary by state and between public and private schools.
Casual employees are generally entitled to penalty rates for working on public holidays but don't receive paid days off for public holidays they don't work. The exact rates depend on your award or agreement. If you're a casual worker, check your specific award for public holiday entitlements.
In Australia, bank holidays are specific days when banks close but other businesses may remain open. New South Wales has a Bank Holiday on the first Monday in August that affects financial institutions but isn't a general public holiday. Public holidays, in contrast, affect most businesses and entitle employees to the day off with pay.
Expert guides to help you make the most of 2026 in Australia.
Complete guide to school term dates and holiday periods for NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, NT, and ACT. Plan family holidays, childcare, and travel around the school calendar.
Read Full GuideDiscover the perfect destinations for each long weekend in 2026. From beach escapes to mountain retreats and wine country adventures, plan your next short break.
Read Full GuideExplore the fascinating origins of Australia's public holidays. Learn about the history of Australia Day, Anzac Day, and other national and state holidays.
Read Full GuideGet organised for 2026 with these top-rated wall calendars and planners. Perfect for home, office, or gifting.
| Product | Type | Features | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
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Australia 2026 Wall Calendar
16 Months Scenic Calendar
|
Wall Calendar |
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View on Amazon |
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2026 Large Wall Planner
Full Year Overview with Stickers
|
Wall Planner |
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View on Amazon |
|
2026 Yearly Wall Calendar
Extra Large Format (23" x 35")
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Wall Calendar |
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View on Amazon |
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2026 Year Wall Planner
12 Month Academic Poster
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Wall Planner |
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View on Amazon |
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2026-2027 Monthly Calendar
18 Months Flip Calendar
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Desk/Wall |
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View on Amazon |
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2026 Full Year Planner
With Planning Stickers
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Wall Planner |
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View on Amazon |
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The year 2026 brings a fresh start with 365 days of opportunities for Australians across all states and territories. Our comprehensive Calendar 2026 Australia provides you with everything you need to plan your year effectively, featuring all national and state-specific public holidays, key dates, and important events.
Australia celebrates several national public holidays throughout 2026, including New Year's Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, the Queen's Birthday (or King's Birthday), Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. Each state and territory also observes additional holidays specific to their region, such as Labour Day, which varies by state, and local celebrations that reflect the unique character of each Australian region.
Whether you're planning family vacations, business schedules, or personal milestones, our Calendar 2026 Australia helps you identify the best times for travel, work, and leisure. The calendar highlights long weekends created by public holidays, making it easier to plan extended breaks throughout the year. With clear marking of national and state holidays, you can coordinate activities across different Australian states and territories.
Our interactive calendar includes all Australian public holidays for 2026, state-specific holidays for NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, and the ACT. The calendar is designed for both digital viewing and printing, ensuring you can access your schedule whether you're at home, in the office, or on the go. The clean, Australian-themed design makes it easy to quickly identify important dates and plan your year effectively.
2026 offers several long weekend opportunities for Australians to enjoy extended breaks. With public holidays strategically placed throughout the year, you can plan mini-vacations and family time. The calendar clearly shows when holidays fall on weekdays, creating valuable long weekends for travel and relaxation across Australia's diverse landscapes and attractions.
Each Australian state and territory has its own unique set of public holidays in addition to the national holidays. Our Calendar 2026 Australia includes comprehensive information about state-specific holidays, ensuring residents of New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory have complete information for their local area.