Planning a group trip to Australia in 2026? Public holidays can play a big part in shaping your travel plans. From long weekends to state-specific celebrations, knowing when the holidays fall is the best way to maximise your time off and make the most of your getaway.
Here’s a full guide to Australia’s public holidays in 2026, including national and state-by-state dates.
Australian National Public Holidays in 2026
The following 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 | Boxing Day (observed) |
Australian State and Territory Public Holidays 2026
While the national holidays are shared across the country, each state and territory also has its own additional public holidays.
Australian Capital Territory Public Holidays 2026 (ACT)
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 9 March | Monday | Canberra Day |
| 1 June | Monday | Reconciliation Day |
| 8 June | Monday | King’s Birthday |
| 5 October | Monday | Labour Day |
Northern Territory Public Holidays 2026 (NT)
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 4 May | Monday | May Day |
| 3 August | Monday | Picnic Day |
Queensland Public Holidays 2026 (QLD)
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 4 May | Monday | Labour Day |
| 12 August | Wednesday | Royal Queensland Show* |
*Brisbane only
South Australia Public Holidays 2026(SA)
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 9 March | Monday | Adelaide Cup Day |
| 5 October | Monday | Labour Day |
Tasmania Public Holidays 2026 (TAS)
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 9 February | Monday | Royal Hobart Regatta* |
| 9 March | Monday | Eight Hours Day |
| 7 April | Tuesday | Easter Tuesday (public service) |
| 2 November | Monday | Recreation Day** |
* Southern Tasmania only
** For areas not observing Regatta Day
Victoria Public Holidays 2026 (VIC)
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 9 March | Monday | Labour Day |
| TBC | Friday | AFL Grand Final Holiday |
| 3 November | Tuesday | Melbourne Cup Day |
Western Australia Public Holidays 2026 (WA)
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 2 March | Monday | Labour Day |
| 27 April | Monday | ANZAC Day (observed) |
| 1 June | Monday | WA Day |
| 28 September | Monday | King’s Birthday |
Quick Comparison – State Holidays
| State/Territory | Additional Public Holidays |
|---|---|
| ACT | Canberra Day, Reconciliation Day, King’s Birthday, Labour Day |
| NT | May Day, Picnic Day |
| QLD | Labour Day, Royal Queensland Show (Brisbane only) |
| SA | Adelaide Cup Day, Labour Day |
| TAS | Royal Hobart Regatta, Eight Hours Day, Easter Tuesday, Recreation Day |
| VIC | Labour Day, AFL Grand Final Holiday, Melbourne Cup Day |
| WA | Labour Day, ANZAC Day (observed), WA Day, King’s Birthday |
Why These Dates Matter for Travel
Public holidays in Australia often create long weekends, which means popular destinations can book up quickly. They’re also great opportunities to plan group getaways, whether you’re heading to the coast, exploring wine country, or enjoying a city break.
Keep in mind:
- Some holidays shift if they fall on a weekend, with an “observed” date on the following Monday.
- Regional variations exist, such as Tasmania’s Regatta and Recreation Days.
- Event-based holidays like the AFL Grand Final in Victoria are confirmed closer to the time.
Group Accommodation in Australia
Make the Most of Your 2026 Holidays
If you’re planning a group trip in Australia, lining up your getaway with these long weekends is a smart way to stretch your annual leave. Whether it’s a family gathering, a reunion with friends, or a corporate retreat, securing your accommodation early will give you the best choice of large holiday houses and group-friendly stays.
How to Maximise Your Time Off in 2026 using Public Holidays
Public holidays are a great chance to extend your annual leave. With a little planning, you can turn long weekends into full breaks. Here are some of the best opportunities in 2026:
- Australia Day (Monday 26 January)
Take Friday 23 January off and enjoy a four-day weekend. - Easter (Friday 3 – Monday 6 April)
Add four days of leave from Tuesday 7 – Friday 10 April, and you’ll create a ten-day holiday with just four days off. - ANZAC Day (Saturday 25 April)
While ANZAC Day itself falls on a Saturday, some states provide a Monday holiday (27 April in WA). If you’re in WA, that’s an easy long weekend. - Labour Day Variations (March or October, depending on state)
Each state celebrates on different dates, so check your local calendar. Pair with annual leave to create extended breaks. - Christmas and Boxing Day (Friday 25 – Monday 28 December)
Take three days off between Christmas and New Year, and you’ll enjoy a ten-day holiday stretching into January 2027.
Planning your trips around these windows is ideal for family gatherings, weddings, or big group reunions.
No. While national holidays are shared across the country, each state and territory has its own additional holidays.
Often the holiday is “observed” on the following Monday, giving workers an extra day off. For example, Boxing Day 2026 falls on a Saturday, with the public holiday observed on Monday 28 December
Yes, ANZAC Day is always observed on 25 April, but whether a substitute holiday applies if it falls on a weekend depends on the state.
Tasmania has Royal Hobart Regatta and Recreation Day.
Victoria celebrates Melbourne Cup Day.
Queensland has the Royal Queensland Show (Brisbane only).
Western Australia has WA Day.
The date is not fixed until closer to the AFL season. It usually falls on the Friday before the Grand Final in late September or early October.
Related Posts
8 Tips For Cooking For Large Groups
Cooking for large groups can be intimidating, even for the most seasoned chefs. These top tips will help you prepare for when you're cooking for a crowd
The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Group Holiday
We have compiled this ultimate holiday planning guide to ensure you have as stress-free, and smooth experience as possible.
12 Fantastic Group Stays for Walking Groups
Whether it’s a windswept ridgeline in the Scottish Highlands or a gentle woodland stroll through the Forest of Dean, there’s something unbeatable about heading off on foot with a group of fellow walkers. The laughter...
A Guide to Bank Holidays in 2025 in the UK and Ireland
As we approach 2025, planning your holidays effectively to maximize your time off is essential. Bank holidays offer perfect opportunities for long weekends and extended breaks without using too much of your annual leave. It’s...
A Holiday Guide to Cornwall and Devon
Cornwall & Devon have some of the UK’s most beautiful coastline, and wonderful attractions for family day’s out. We have carefully selected some things to do.