Planning your year around public holidays can make all the difference. For Australians, knowing when to expect long weekends and public breaks helps with everything from travel to family time. In 2026, several states and territories have confirmed their public holidays, with some changes and debates around key dates like Anzac Day. Here’s your go-to guide for Australia public holidays in 2026 — the important dates you need to mark on your calendar.
National Public Holidays in Australia 2026
Across Australia, some public holidays are observed nationwide regardless of the state or territory. These include New Year's Day, Australia Day, Anzac Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
In 2026, these dates fall as follows:
- New Year's Day: Thursday, 1 January
- Australia Day: Monday, 26 January
- Anzac Day: Saturday, 25 April
- Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December
- Boxing Day: Saturday, 26 December
When these holidays fall on weekends, the handling of substitute public holidays varies by state.
Extra Public Holiday for Anzac Day in New South Wales
One notable change in 2026 is in New South Wales (NSW), where the government has announced an extra public holiday due to Anzac Day falling on a Saturday. Premier Chris Minns declared that both 2026 and 2027 will feature an additional public holiday on the Monday following Anzac Day. This means NSW residents will enjoy a long weekend for Anzac Day in those years.
The move aligns NSW with Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory, which already grant a public holiday on the Monday after Anzac Day when it lands on a weekend. Other states, like Victoria and Queensland, have decided not to follow this practice.
Premier Minns emphasised that this extra day off won't undermine the solemnity of Anzac Day. Instead, it offers more time for people to spend with family and friends while recognising the sacrifices of servicemen and women.
The Returned and Services League (RSL) NSW expressed support for the extra public holiday after consulting with its members. They stressed the importance of maintaining the meaning of Anzac Day despite the additional day off.
Public Holidays by State and Territory in 2026
While some public holidays are standard across Australia, each state and territory has its own calendar with unique dates and regional observances. Below is a summary of public holidays for 2026 by region.
New South Wales (NSW)
- New Year's Day: 1 January (Thursday)
- Australia Day: 26 January (Monday)
- Good Friday: 3 April
- Easter Saturday: 4 April
- Easter Sunday: 5 April
- Easter Monday: 6 April
- Anzac Day: 25 April (Saturday)
- Extra Anzac Day Holiday: 27 April (Monday)
- Queen's Birthday: 8 June (Monday)
- Labour Day: 5 October (Monday)
- Christmas Day: 25 December (Friday)
- Boxing Day: 26 December (Saturday)
Victoria (VIC)
- New Year's Day: 1 January (Thursday)
- Australia Day: 26 January (Monday)
- Labour Day: 9 March (Monday)
- Good Friday: 3 April
- Easter Saturday: 4 April
- Easter Sunday: 5 April
- Easter Monday: 6 April
- Anzac Day: 25 April (Saturday)
- Queen's Birthday: 8 June (Monday)
- Friday before AFL Grand Final: 26 September (Friday)
- Melbourne Cup Day: 3 November (Tuesday)
- Christmas Day: 25 December (Friday)
- Boxing Day: 26 December (Saturday)
Queensland (QLD)
- New Year's Day: 1 January (Thursday)
- Australia Day: 26 January (Monday)
- Good Friday: 3 April
- Easter Saturday: 4 April
- Easter Sunday: 5 April
- Easter Monday: 6 April
- Anzac Day: 25 April (Saturday)
- Labour Day: 5 October (Monday)
- Queen's Birthday: 8 June (Monday)
- Christmas Day: 25 December (Friday)
- Boxing Day: 26 December (Saturday)
Queensland is currently campaigning for a new public holiday called "Games Day" to celebrate the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This holiday would fall on the second-last Friday of July starting in 2027. However, this proposal is yet to be approved and didn't impact the 2026 public holiday schedule.
Western Australia (WA)
- New Year's Day: 1 January (Thursday)
- Australia Day: 26 January (Monday)
- Labour Day: 2 March (Monday)
- Good Friday: 3 April
- Easter Monday: 6 April
- Anzac Day: 25 April (Saturday)
- Extra Anzac Day Holiday: 27 April (Monday)
- Western Australia Day: 1 June (Monday)
- Queen's Birthday: 29 September (Monday)
- Christmas Day: 25 December (Friday)
- Boxing Day: 26 December (Saturday)
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- New Year's Day: 1 January (Thursday)
- Australia Day: 26 January (Monday)
- Canberra Day: 9 March (Monday)
- Good Friday: 3 April
- Easter Monday: 6 April
- Anzac Day: 25 April (Saturday)
- Extra Anzac Day Holiday: 27 April (Monday)
- Reconciliation Day: 27 May (Wednesday)
- Queen's Birthday: 8 June (Monday)
- Labour Day: 5 October (Monday)
- Christmas Day: 25 December (Friday)
- Boxing Day: 26 December (Saturday)
Other States and Territories
South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory and other regions follow similar patterns but with their own distinct holidays such as Adelaide Cup Day, Eight Hours Day, and Picnic Day. For detailed dates, it’s best to consult the official state government websites closer to the year.
Considerations for Businesses and Workers
Public holidays impact employers and employees differently. Small businesses, especially in hospitality, have expressed concern about the cost of additional public holidays.
For example, the Restaurant and Cafe Association warned that extra holidays mean paying between 75 and 100 per cent of their revenue out in wages, which could force some to close on those days.
Still, the government’s perspective is that public holidays provide important rest and recognition of significant events. NSW Premier Chris Minns acknowledged the potential burden on small businesses but maintained the extra Anzac Day holiday was a necessary step for the state.
How to Keep Track of Public Holidays in 2026
Public holiday dates can sometimes shift with government decisions or regional changes. Bookmarking official state and territory government websites, or subscribing to reliable news updates, ensures you stay informed through the year.
This guide offers the confirmed dates as of mid-2026. If you’re planning travel, work schedules, or family events, keep an eye out for any announcements, especially around potential new holidays like Queensland’s proposed Games Day.
In 2026, Australians will experience the usual set of public holidays, with a few notable changes. NSW joins WA and the ACT in granting an extra public holiday on the Monday after Anzac Day, offering residents a long weekend to honour this key national occasion. Queensland’s push for a new holiday linked to the 2032 Games remains a talking point but won't affect 2026. Knowing these dates helps with planning work, travel and downtime. Keep this guide handy as you organise your year.
This article was created with AI assistance.
