Planning your year around Australia's public holidays is one of the smartest moves you can make - whether you're a new migrant settling in, a working holiday maker maximising your travel, or a long-time local chasing long weekends. In 2026, Australians enjoy 8 national public holidays plus a variety of state-specific days off, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore this incredible country. Here's every date you need, state by state, plus our favourite long weekend hacks.
National Public Holidays 2026
These holidays are observed across all states and territories:
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year's Day |
| 26 January | Monday | Australia Day |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 4 April | Saturday | Easter Saturday |
| 5 April | Sunday | Easter Sunday |
| 6 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 25 April | Saturday | Anzac Day |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Saturday | Boxing Day |
| 28 December | Monday | Additional Public Holiday (Boxing Day substitute) |
When a public holiday falls on a weekend, most states observe a substitute public holiday on the following Monday. However, the rules for Anzac Day vary by state - see below.
State & Territory Public Holidays 2026
Each state and territory has its own additional public holidays. Here's the full breakdown:
New South Wales (NSW)
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 27 April | Monday | Additional Anzac Day holiday |
| 8 June | Monday | King's Birthday |
| 5 October | Monday | Labour Day |
Victoria (VIC)
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 9 March | Monday | Labour Day |
| 8 June | Monday | King's Birthday |
| 25 September | Friday | AFL Grand Final Friday (TBC) |
| 3 November | Tuesday | Melbourne Cup Day (metro Melbourne only) |
In Victoria, there is no substitute public holiday when Anzac Day falls on a Saturday. The AFL Grand Final Friday date is subject to the AFL schedule.
Queensland (QLD)
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 4 May | Monday | Labour Day |
| 12 August | Wednesday | Royal Queensland Show (Brisbane area only) |
| 5 October | Monday | King's Birthday |
| 24 December | Thursday | Christmas Eve (from 6 pm) |
South Australia (SA)
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 9 March | Monday | Adelaide Cup Day |
| 8 June | Monday | King's Birthday |
| 5 October | Monday | Labour Day |
| 24 December | Thursday | Christmas Eve (from 7 pm) |
| 26 December | Saturday | Proclamation Day |
| 28 December | Monday | Additional Proclamation Day holiday |
| 31 December | Thursday | New Year's Eve (from 7 pm) |
Western Australia (WA)
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 2 March | Monday | Labour Day |
| 27 April | Monday | Additional Anzac Day holiday |
| 1 June | Monday | Western Australia Day |
| 28 September | Monday | King's Birthday |
Western Australia celebrates the King's Birthday in late September - much later than the rest of the country. This gives WA residents an extra long weekend opportunity in spring!
Tasmania (TAS)
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 9 February | Monday | Royal Hobart Regatta (southern TAS) |
| 9 March | Monday | Eight Hours Day |
| 7 April | Tuesday | Easter Tuesday (public service only) |
| 8 June | Monday | King's Birthday |
| 22 October | Thursday | Royal Hobart Show (Hobart area) |
| 2 November | Monday | Recreation Day (northern TAS) |
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 9 March | Monday | Canberra Day |
| 27 April | Monday | Anzac Day (observed) |
| 1 June | Monday | Reconciliation Day |
| 8 June | Monday | King's Birthday |
| 5 October | Monday | Labour Day |
Northern Territory (NT)
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 4 May | Monday | May Day |
| 8 June | Monday | King's Birthday |
| 3 August | Monday | Picnic Day |
| 24 December | Thursday | Christmas Eve (from 7 pm) |
| 31 December | Thursday | New Year's Eve (from 7 pm) |
The NT also has regional show days in July-August: Alice Springs (3 Jul), Tennant Creek (10 Jul), Katherine (17 Jul), Darwin (24 Jul), and Borroloola (14 Aug).
Long Weekend Hacks: Maximise Your Time Off in 2026
Strategic use of annual leave can turn a few days off into an epic break. Here are the best opportunities:
| Holiday Period | Public Holidays | Leave Days Needed | Total Days Off | Works In |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia Day (24 Jan - 1 Feb) | Mon 26 Jan | 4 days (27-30 Jan) | 9 days | All states |
| Labour Day + Easter (VIC/TAS: 7-12 Mar) | Mon 9 Mar | 0 extra | 3-day weekend | VIC, TAS, SA, ACT |
| Easter (3-6 Apr) | Fri 3 - Mon 6 Apr | 1 day (2 Apr or 7 Apr) | 5 days | All states |
| Easter Extended (28 Mar - 12 Apr) | Fri 3 - Mon 6 Apr | 8 days | 16 days | All states |
| Anzac Day + Bridge (25 Apr - 3 May) | Mon 27 Apr | 4 days (28 Apr - 1 May) | 9 days | NSW, ACT, WA |
| King's Birthday (6-14 Jun) | Mon 8 Jun | 4 days (9-12 Jun) | 9 days | All except QLD, WA |
| Christmas-New Year (25 Dec - 4 Jan) | Fri 25, Mon 28 Dec + Thu 1 Jan | 3 days (29-31 Dec) | 11 days | All states |
Pro tip for new migrants: Annual leave in Australia accrues from your first day of work at a rate of 4 weeks per year (for full-time employees under the National Employment Standards). Plan ahead and book your leave early - popular dates fill up fast!
Key Dates Migrants Should Know
If you're new to Australia, some holidays may be unfamiliar:
- Australia Day (26 January): Marks the anniversary of the First Fleet's arrival. Many communities hold citizenship ceremonies on this day - it's a big deal if you're becoming an Australian citizen.
- Anzac Day (25 April): A day of remembrance for Australian and New Zealand military personnel. Dawn services and marches are held nationwide.
- King's Birthday: A celebration of the reigning monarch's birthday. The date varies by state - most observe it in June, but WA celebrates in September and QLD in October.
- Boxing Day (26 December): Famous for major retail sales and the start of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
Your 2026 Holiday Entitlements at Work
Understanding your workplace rights around public holidays is essential:
- Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to be absent on a public holiday and be paid their base rate of pay.
- Casual employees have no entitlement to paid public holidays, but they cannot be required to work on a public holiday.
- If you work on a public holiday, you may be entitled to penalty rates under your award or enterprise agreement. Rates vary, but common loadings include double time or double time and a half - check with your employer or the Fair Work Ombudsman.
- Public holidays that fall on a day you don't normally work do not create an additional entitlement (e.g., a Monday holiday if you work Tuesday-Saturday).
For detailed information about your specific entitlements, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman.
How First Migration Can Help
Whether you're on a working holiday, settling as a skilled migrant, or studying on a student visa, understanding Australian public holidays helps you plan your year, budget your leave, and make the most of life Down Under. If you're looking to stay longer, our employer-sponsored visa and skilled visa pathways can help you turn your Australian adventure into a permanent home.
If you're thinking about your next visa step - whether that's extending your stay, switching visas, or applying for permanent residency - we're here to help.
Ready to take the next step? We invite you to submit a free visa assessment so we can understand your situation and provide tailored advice.
MARA Registered Agent
Registration No. 1569835
Certified by the Migration Agents Registration Authority. Your trusted partner for Australian visa applications.
189 Visa Quota Exhausted for 2025-26: Your Best Skilled Migration Options Right Now
Civil Engineers: CDR Writing, Skills Assessment & PR Pathway to Australia (2026)
Mechanical Engineers: CDR Guide, Skills Assessment & Australian PR Pathway (2026)
Working Holiday Health Insurance: Do You Need OVHC, Medicare & What's Actually Covered?
Working Holiday Visa Country Comparison: Which Passport Gets the Best Deal in Australia?
Office Hours
Mon-Fri: 9AM-5PM Sat: 10AM-2PM