Ever blinked and realised half the year’s already disappeared? We’ve all been there. That’s why planning your time off early can make such a difference; a bit of foresight now could turn next year’s long weekends into proper holidays, not just quick breaks.
At Remitly, we get how important that time is. We’ve rounded up every national and state holiday in Australia for 2026, along with easy tips to make the most of them. Whether you’ve been in Australia for a while or you’re still settling in, knowing when those public holidays fall can help you plan more moments with the people you care about.
Australia holidays 2026 at a glance
Here’s a quick look at when all the public holidays fall in 2026.
| Month | Public holidays | States/Territories |
| January | New Year’s Day (1 Jan), Australia Day (26 Jan) | All |
| February | Royal Hobart Regatta (9 Feb) | TAS |
| March | Labour Day (VIC 9 Mar; WA 2 Mar), Canberra Day (ACT 9 Mar), Adelaide Cup Day (SA 9 Mar), Eight Hours Day (TAS) | Various |
| April | Good Friday (3 Apr), Easter Monday (6 Apr), Anzac Day (25 Apr) | All |
| May | May Day (NT 4 May), Labour Day (QLD 4 May) | Various |
| June | Reconciliation Day (ACT 1 Jun), WA Day (WA 1 Jun), King’s Birthday (Many states 8 Jun) | Various |
| July | Darwin Show Day (24 Jul) | NT (regional) |
| August | Picnic Day (NT 3 Aug), Royal Queensland Show (12 Aug, Brisbane only) | Various |
| September | King’s Birthday (WA 28 Sept), AFL Grand Final Friday (TBC, VIC) | Various |
| October | Labour Day (NSW, SA, ACT 5 Oct), King’s Birthday (QLD 5 Oct) | Various |
| November | Melbourne Cup Day (3 Nov) | VIC |
| December | Christmas Day (25 Dec), Boxing Day (26 Dec, substitute 28 Dec) | All |
Keep in mind that some regional dates might shift slightly, especially those tied to local events like the Royal Queensland Show or the AFL Grand Final holiday.
What to know about Australian public holidays
Public holidays are a key part of life in Australia, giving people time to relax, enjoy the outdoors, and spend time with others. Whether you’re new to the country or a lifelong local, understanding how these days work can help you make the most of them.
The different types of holidays
National holidays, like New Year’s Day, Anzac Day, and Christmas, are celebrated right across the country. Then there are state and territory holidays, which vary depending on where you live, like WA Day in Western Australia or Canberra Day in the ACT.
If you’re based in a regional area, you might even score an extra “show holiday”. This is a day to celebrate agricultural fairs, community festivals, and all things uniquely Aussie. When a public holiday falls on a weekend, most states offer a substitute day the following Monday.
The Aussie way to celebrate
Beyond the logistics, public holidays are a snapshot of what Australians value most: time with family, community, and the great outdoors. You’ll see families and communities coming together with barbecues and other social events.
For newcomers, these holidays are a great way to join in and experience what Aussie life is all about.
National public holidays in Australia 2026
No matter where you live in Australia, there are some holidays that everyone shares—the big ones that bring the country to a pause.
New Year’s Day–Wednesday, 1 January
Many people kick off the year with beach or backyard gatherings, easing into the year with a mix of fun and relaxation.
Australia Day–Monday, 26 January
Barbecues and picnics are common on Australia Day, and you’ll find plenty of local events. It’s also a time for many Australians to reflect on the country’s history and invite conversations about identity and inclusivity.
Good Friday–Friday, 3 April
Good Friday marks the beginning of the Easter long weekend and is often a day of rest and family gatherings. You’ll notice most shops are closed, making it one of the few truly quiet days in the year.
Easter Monday–Monday, 6 April
Many families are travelling, catching up with friends, or making the most of the extra time off before the work week starts again. From road trips to beach camps, it’s a great opportunity to experience Easter Aussie-style.
Anzac Day–Saturday, 25 April
Anzac Day is one of Australia’s most meaningful national holidays. It honours the service and sacrifice of Australians and New Zealanders. Across the country, you’ll find dawn services, commemorative marches, and moments of silence that bring communities together.
Christmas Day–Friday, 25 December
Christmas in Australia looks a little different when it’s 30 °C. Instead of snow and hot cocoa, you’ll find family gatherings under the sun with seafood platters and backyard cricket.
Boxing Day–Saturday, 26 December (Substitute holiday Monday, 28 December)
Boxing Day is when Australia collectively slows down or heads to the shops. For some, it’s all about the Boxing Day cricket match and leftovers from Christmas lunch. For others, it’s hitting the sales or sneaking in one last beach trip before New Year’s.
State and territory public holidays 2026
While national holidays bring the whole country together, each state and territory in Australia also has its own special days, often tied to local history and culture.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Life in the capital comes with a few extra perks, including some unique holidays. Canberra Day on Monday, 9 March, celebrates the founding of the city, complete with community events, food stalls, and live music around Lake Burley Griffin.
Then there’s Reconciliation Day on Monday, 1 June, an ACT-only public holiday that encourages reflection and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Rounding out the year are King’s Birthday (Monday, 8 June) and Labour Day (Monday, 5 October), both perfect excuses for a long weekend road trip or a lazy brunch in the city.
New South Wales (NSW)
New South Wales keeps things simple but classic with King’s Birthday on Monday, 8 June and Labour Day on Monday, 5 October.
If you’re based in Sydney, these long weekends are gold. The King’s Birthday break is right in the middle of winter, perfect for escaping to the Blue Mountains or heading north for some sun. By October, Labour Day brings warmer weather and festival season.
Northern Territory (NT)
The NT does holidays differently, in a laid-back and local way. May Day (Monday, 4 May) celebrates workers’ rights, while King’s Birthday (Monday, 8 June) offers the perfect reason to explore the red centre before the dry season crowds roll in.
Later in the year, things get even more local with Darwin Show Day on Friday, 24 July. The day is a true Territory tradition featuring livestock and fairground fun. Then there’s Picnic Day (Monday, 3 August), which is exactly what it sounds like: a day to relax and soak up the dry-season sunshine.
Queensland (QLD)
Queenslanders know how to make the most of their time off. Labour Day (Monday, 4 May) and King’s Birthday (Monday, 5 October) both fall perfectly for weekend getaways, whether that’s up to the Sunshine Coast or down to Byron Bay.
And if you’re in Brisbane, Wednesday, 12 August is your lucky day: it’s the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka), a public holiday that celebrates all things Queensland.
South Australia (SA)
South Australians have a great mix of public holidays, and most of them land right when you need a break the most. Adelaide Cup Day (Monday, 9 March) is one of the city’s biggest events, blending horse racing with picnics and fashion.
Then there’s King’s Birthday (Monday, 8 June) and Labour Day (Monday, 5 October), both made for long weekends exploring the Barossa Valley, Kangaroo Island, or the Flinders Ranges.
Tasmania (TAS)
Tasmania has some of the most unique holidays in the country. The year kicks off with the Royal Hobart Regatta on Monday, 9 February, a local celebration of Tasmania’s maritime heritage that’s been running for over 180 years.
A month later comes Eight Hours Day (Monday, 9 March), celebrating the early push for work-life balance. Then there’s King’s Birthday (Monday, 8 June) and regional gems like the Royal Launceston Show, which turns the north of the state into a full community festival.
Victoria (VIC)
Victoria’s public holidays are all about lifestyle and sport. Labour Day (Monday, 9 March) and King’s Birthday (Monday, 8 June) offer perfect long weekends for winter wine trips or city escapes.
Then there’s the Friday before the AFL Grand Final (date TBC; usually late September), a public holiday for football and celebration. Finally, Melbourne Cup Day (Tuesday, 3 November) is a statewide favourite, turning the city into a mix of racing and fashion, along with plenty of good vibes.
Western Australia (WA)
WA’s public holidays are perfectly spaced throughout the year, giving locals plenty of chances to explore their backyard. Labour Day (Monday, 2 March) and WA Day (Monday, 1 June) both land in ideal seasons for road trips—think wine tasting in Margaret River or wildflower spotting in the Wheatbelt.
Later in the year, King’s Birthday (Monday, 28 September) offers another well-timed break to enjoy the coast or venture north while the weather’s still mild.
How to maximise your annual leave in 2026
If you plan your time off around public holidays, you can stretch just a few leave days into proper holidays.
January break
Take four days off between Tuesday, 27 January and Friday, 30 January to unlock nine days in a row, from Saturday, 24 January, to Sunday, 1 February.
The sunshine of January means beach days and backyard barbecues. For some, it’s the perfect time for a road trip. For others, visiting friends or simply recovering from the holiday chaos is the perfect way to start the year.
Easter extravaganza
Easter hits that sweet spot; not too hot, not too cold. Take Tuesday, 7 April to Friday, 10 April off, and you’ll get a 10-day holiday from 3–12 April. It’s ideal for a camping trip or a coastal escape. The weather’s great almost everywhere, but book early because Easter is the peak travel season for locals.
Christmas and New Year mega-break
With Christmas Day on a Friday, you can take four days off between Tuesday, 29 December and Friday, 1 January to enjoy 10 days off, from 25 December to 4 January.
This stretch is pure summer bliss: long evenings and relaxed lunches with friends or family. Whether you stay local or explore a new corner of Australia, it’s the perfect way to end (and start) the year.
Holiday ideas for 2026
Now that you’ve figured out how to stretch your time off, the fun part begins: deciding where to go.
Dry season trip to the Top End
From May to October, the Northern Territory’s dry season brings blue skies and cool nights, ideal for exploring Charles Darwin National Park. You’ll find WWII sites, mangrove boardwalks, and sweeping harbour views, all wrapped in that relaxed Territory atmosphere.
Winter escape
If cold weather isn’t your thing, the King’s Birthday long weekend in June is perfect for a warm getaway. Head north to Queensland for sunshine and lap up reef views and tropical energy in places like Cairns or the Whitsundays.
If you prefer the chill, Tasmania delivers roaring fires and mountain views. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and savour every moment.
Spring exploration
By Labour Day in October, spring has transformed much of Australia. In Western Australia, wildflowers blanket the countryside, while in Victoria, the Yarra Valley and Great Ocean Road are perfect for road trips and picnics. It’s a great season for getting outdoors before the summer heat sets in.
Local getaway ideas
You don’t need to travel far for a real break. If you’re in Sydney, try the Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, or Jervis Bay. Melbourne locals can head to the Mornington Peninsula or Grampians, while Perth residents have Rottnest Island and Margaret River right on their doorstep.
Start planning now
Knowing the public holiday dates for 2026 is the first step to planning your breaks. By combining these days with your annual leave, you can turn a few days into longer and more relaxing breaks. Start mapping out your adventures now and make 2026 a year to remember!
FAQs
How many public holidays are there in Australia in 2026?
There are seven national holidays plus several state and regional ones. Most Australians enjoy between 10 and 13 public holidays each year, depending on where they live.
Do public holidays differ by state?
Yes. Each state and territory sets its own additional holidays, such as WA Day in Western Australia or Melbourne Cup Day in Victoria.
Will there be substitute holidays when holidays fall on weekends?
For most public holidays, yes. For example, Boxing Day in 2026 will have a substitute holiday on the following Monday.
What’s the best time to plan a long holiday in 2026?
The Easter and Christmas periods offer the longest potential breaks, but May and October are great for mild weather and smaller crowds.