Australia’s public holidays are so much more than just days off work. They’re an opportunity to pause, reflect and, of course, enjoy some well-earned downtime or exciting travels. That's why we've mapped out all the public holidays in Australia for 2026 to see how to make the most of your time off.

Whether it’s for beach barbecues on Australia Day,  making your way down to Canberra for dawn service on ANZAC Day, or extending the festive cheer on Christmas,  there’s lots of ways to milk your annual leave entitlements in order to lean in to the time off Here's how to maximise your annual leave this year.

Here’s a quick look at the public holidays for 2026

Note: Some holidays vary by state, so check the local calendar before making plans.

Maximising your annual leave around public holidays in 2026

A little planning can turn a standard holiday into an extended break. Here are some key opportunities to stretch your time off:

Australia Day (26 January) falls on a Monday. That’s a ready-made long weekend for a quick escape.

What does that mean? You can take a 9-day holiday (from Saturday, 24 January until Sunday, 1 February) with just four days of annual leave.

The Easter Weekend runs from Good Friday (3 April) to Easter Monday (6 April) — a perfect four-day break. 

What does that mean? You can take a huge 16-day break (from Saturday, 28 March until Sunday, 12 April) with just eight days of annual leave.

Combine Christmas (25 December) and Boxing Day (26 December) for a festive long weekend, or even take a few extra days to ring in the New Year in style.

What does that mean? You can get a 10-day holiday (from Friday, 25 December until Sunday, 3 January) with just three days of annual leave.

This year, there are few public holidays that fall on a Saturday, which means a substitute public holiday is given on the next weekday – perfect for stretching that break even further. For example, Boxing Day falls on a weekend this year, so Monday, December 28 is also a public holiday. 

This is also the case for ANZAC Day in some states, such as Western Australia (not all states do this however, so it’s worth double-checking whether you’re meant to be working).

Key public holidays to look forward to

1. New Year's Day (1 January)

New year, new adventures! It is a perfect time to pack your bags and have some getaways. Whether you are enjoying vibrant night life in Bangkok, or enjoying water sports in Phuket, the new year is the perfect moment to recharge before you reset and pretend to follow through with all those resolutions you just made.

2. Australia Day (26 January)

Australia Day is a time to reflect on the country’s history, celebrate cultural diversity, and enjoy everything Aussie. Many gather at beaches for picnics, enjoy fireworks displays, or attend citizenship ceremonies. It’s a day of both festivity and contemplation, as communities come together to celebrate their shared identity. It’s become a controversial date over the years, dubbed by some as “Invasion Day” as it is held on the anniversary of the date the First Fleet arrived in Sydney in 1788. There are many rallies held on this date if you want to show your support for Indigenous Australians.

3. ANZAC Day (25 April)

ANZAC Day honours the sacrifices of Australian and New Zealand armed forces. From dawn services to solemn parades, this day is steeped in tradition. Whether you’re attending a service at your local memorial or visiting the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, it’s a poignant reminder of resilience and sacrifice. Head to your local pub and get in on the action by playing a game of Two-Up – this gambling game can only legally be played on this date.

4. King's Birthday (9 June, Except QLD and WA, 28 September, WA)

Most Australian states celebrate the King’s Birthday on 9 June. King Charles III was born on 14 November 1948. June was chosen as the month to celebrate the King’s Birthday because it marks the start of summer, and the weather in London tends to be warmer compared to November. Following Queen Elizabeth II’s death in September 2022, the day was renamed King’s Birthday to reflect the new reign of King Charles after previously being known as Queen’s Birthday for decades.

5. Labour Day (2 March - WA, 9 March - Vic, 4 May -QLD, 5 October - SA, NSW, ACT)

Labour Day is celebrated on different dates around the country, with SA, NSW, ACT marking the event on 5 October. This public holiday honours the achievements of workers and the labour movement, particularly the push for the eight-hour workday. Over in other states, they still have Labour Day, but it’s held on a different date. It falls on 2 March in Western Australia, 9 March in Victoria and 4 May in Queensland, respectively.

6. Christmas and Boxing Day (25–26 December)

The festive season is all about family, food, and fun. On Christmas, many enjoy hearty meals and gift exchanges, while Boxing Day is a shopper’s paradise with post-Christmas sales. It’s also a great time to head outdoors — whether it’s to the beach or a local park — for some festive relaxation. If you’re a cricket fan, there’s no better way to spend Boxing Day than watching Australia going head to head with England in an Ashes test match.

Unique State-Specific Holidays

Australia’s states and territories have their own unique holidays, showcasing regional culture and traditions:

Melbourne Cup Day (3 November): Known as “the race that stops a nation,” this day is a celebration of horse racing, fashion, and festivities and is observed in Victoria.

King’s Birthday (varied dates): Different states observe this holiday on different dates, providing varied opportunities for a mid-year break.

Canberra Day (9 March): Canberra Day, celebrated on the second Monday of March in the ACT, marks Canberra's 1913 founding with festive events.

It pays to glance at the calendar if you’re travelling from out of state to check the state-specific public holidays. You don’t want to get an unexpectedly high bill due to the increased demand.

Making the most of public holidays

Public holidays are the perfect excuse to explore new destinations. Here’s how to plan ahead for maximum fun:

1. Plan your annual leave strategically

Take a day or two off around public holidays to create mini-breaks. For instance, adding a couple of days to Easter or Australia Day can give you a proper getaway without eating into too much leave.

2. Travel Ideas

Beach Escapes: Head to the Gold Coast or Byron Bay for a dose of sun, sand, and surf.

Cultural Getaways: Visit Canberra for ANZAC Day or Melbourne for Melbourne Cup or the AFL grand final celebrations.

Nature Retreats: Explore the Great Ocean Road or Tasmania’s stunning landscapes during long weekends.

Top activities and destinations for public holidays

From relaxing breaks to action packed holidays for adventure-seekers, Australia has something for everyone:

Sydney Harbour: Enjoy breathtaking fireworks on New Year’s Eve or soak up Australia Day celebrations.

Gold Coast: Perfect for beach lovers and thrill-seekers, with theme parks and endless coastline.

Great Ocean Road: A road trip paradise, ideal for Easter or Christmas getaways.

Local events like food festivals and outdoor concerts also make public holidays extra special. Check out local listings to see what’s happening near you.

Travel tips for public holidays

To avoid the stress of peak holiday periods, consider these tips:

Book Early: Flights and accommodation fill up fast, especially during Christmas and Easter.

Check Transport Schedules: Public transport often runs on reduced schedules during holidays.

Pack Smart: Long weekends call for light packing to keep travel hassle-free.

Time to explore!

Australia’s public holidays in 2026 are an ideal opportunity to make the most of time away from. Whether it’s a quiet moment at a dawn service, a lovely day at the beach, or a festive feast with loved ones, these days hold something special for everyone.

Ready to start planning your next holiday? Book your flights, hotels, and tourist activities now on Traveloka. No matter whether you’re eyeing off a cosy beachside stay, an adventurous road trip, or a city escape, Traveloka makes it easy to create your perfect holiday. Don’t wait — make 2026 your year of unforgettable adventures!