If you're planning your 2026 calendar, knowing the public holidays can really help—whether it's for booking a trip, spending time with family, or sorting out work and school plans. Here's a straightforward list of Australia's public holidays in 2026, covering both national and state-specific dates to help you plan ahead.

Quick Summary: Public Holidays in Australia 2026

  • National holidays include New Year's Day (Thursday, 1 January), Australia Day (Monday, 26 January), Good Friday (Friday, 3 April), Easter Saturday (Saturday, 4 April), Easter Monday (Monday, 6 April), Anzac Day (Saturday, 25 April), Queen's Birthday (dates vary by state), Christmas Day (Friday, 25 December), and Boxing Day (Saturday, 26 December).
  • State-specific holidays: Canberra Day (Australian Capital Territory, Monday, 9 March), Reconciliation Day (ACT, Monday, 25 May), Royal Queensland Show or Ekka (Queensland, Wednesday, 12 August), Melbourne Cup (Victoria, Tuesday, 3 November), Recreation Day (Northern Tasmania, Monday, 2 November).
  • When holidays fall on weekends, most states observe the public holiday on the following Monday so workers don't miss out on a day off.
  • Government offices, banks, and post offices close on public holidays; most retail outlets stay open but usually with reduced hours, except on Good Friday and Christmas Day when most shops close entirely.
  • If you work on a public holiday, you usually get paid penalty rates between 200% and 250%, but it's best to check your workplace's specific rules.
  • Long weekends in 2026 include Australia Day on Monday, 26 January; the Easter period from Friday, 3 April through Monday, 6 April; Queen's Birthday long weekends, which vary between states; and potentially Anzac Day substitution days depending on local rules.
  • School holidays differ by state but generally include breaks around Easter (approximately two weeks), mid-year (two weeks), spring (two weeks), and summer (around six weeks spanning December and January). Check your state education department’s website for exact dates.

Key National Public Holidays and Dates in 2026

The big national days where everyone gets a break are pretty set. New Year's Day starts the year on Thursday, 1 January 2026—a great chance for celebrations carrying over from New Year's Eve.

Australia Day lands on Monday, 26 January, giving most Australians a long weekend to enjoy events, barbecues, and community activities. It’s a time when many local councils organise citizenship ceremonies and public celebrations.

Easter in 2026 spreads across several days: Good Friday on Friday, 3 April; Easter Saturday on Saturday, 4 April; and Easter Monday on Monday, 6 April. This four-day stretch is perfect for family gatherings or short trips, with many schools scheduling holidays around this period.

Anzac Day falls on Saturday, 25 April. Since it lands on a weekend, several states may observe a substitute public holiday on the following Monday, 27 April, meaning you could get an extended break. Anzac Day services and parades are held nationwide to honour Australian and New Zealand service members.

The Queen's Birthday holiday varies across states and territories. In 2026, it will be observed on Monday, 8 June in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory. Queensland and Western Australia celebrate it later in the year, with Queensland marking it on Monday, 5 October and Western Australia on Monday, 28 September. The Northern Territory observes it on Friday, 26 June. These differences are important to note for planning work and travel.

Christmas Day and Boxing Day close out the year, falling on Friday, 25 December and Saturday, 26 December respectively. Since Boxing Day is on a weekend, many states will observe the public holiday on Monday, 28 December, providing a nice post-Christmas break.

State and Territory Public Holidays to Know

Each state and territory has its own unique public holidays that reflect local culture and history. Here’s the rundown for 2026:

Mastheads
  • Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Canberra Day on Monday, 9 March celebrates the city’s official birthday. Reconciliation Day, on Monday, 25 May, is a newer public holiday recognising the importance of reconciliation with Indigenous Australians.
  • New South Wales (NSW): In addition to national holidays, NSW celebrates Labour Day on Monday, 5 October.
  • Queensland (QLD): The Royal Queensland Show, known as the Ekka, is on Wednesday, 12 August. It’s a major agricultural show that attracts visitors statewide and includes a public holiday for Brisbane Metro area employees.
  • South Australia (SA): Adelaide Cup Day is observed on Monday, 9 March, and Labour Day on Monday, 5 October.
  • Tasmania (TAS): Recreation Day is celebrated in Northern Tasmania on Monday, 2 November. Southern Tasmania observes the Royal Hobart Regatta Day on Friday, 3 February. Eight-hour Day is on Monday, 9 March.
  • Victoria (VIC): The Melbourne Cup holiday falls on Tuesday, 3 November, a day when many workplaces and schools in metropolitan Melbourne close.
  • Western Australia (WA): Western Australia Day is on Monday, 1 June, celebrating the state’s heritage.
  • Northern Territory (NT): Picnic Day is observed on Monday, 5 August, providing a mid-year break.

Practical Tips for Planning Around Public Holidays in 2026

To get the most out of 2026 public holidays, mark the long weekends on your calendar early. Booking accommodation and travel well ahead can save you big bucks, as these periods tend to get busy fast.

Remember that public holiday trading hours vary. For example, Good Friday and Christmas Day see most retail stores closed across the country, but on other public holidays, shops might open with reduced hours. Check local trading laws and store websites before heading out.

If you work on a public holiday, check your award or enterprise agreement for penalty rates. These can be as high as 250% of your usual pay, which can provide a financial boost if you’re rostered on.

Schools usually have holidays aligned with public holidays, but the exact dates can differ by state. Planning family trips around these breaks means less stress and more fun.

Public transport services can also change on public holidays, with some cities running reduced timetables. It’s wise to check local transit websites ahead of time to avoid surprises.

Budget Planning for 2026 Holidays

Public holidays are great for downtime but can also impact your wallet if you’re not careful. Accommodation prices tend to spike around long weekends and popular holidays like Easter and Christmas.

Planning a trip? Booking flights and hotels several months in advance can secure better deals. For example, Easter holidays in 2026 fall early April, so aim to book by January or February to avoid last-minute price hikes.

Eating out on public holidays can be pricier too, with many venues charging premiums or requiring bookings. Planning meals ahead or choosing less busy days around the holidays can save money.

If you’re working on a public holiday, the higher pay rates might offset some costs, but keep in mind that not all industries offer the same penalties.

Finally, consider free or low-cost local events often held on public holidays. Many councils organise community festivals, markets, and outdoor concerts that can make your day off memorable without breaking the bank.

Public holidays in Australia in 2026 give plenty of chances for long weekends and special celebrations across the country. With national days like Australia Day, Easter, and Christmas, plus unique state holidays such as the Melbourne Cup in Victoria and the Ekka in Queensland, there’s something for everyone. Keep an eye on local announcements for any substitute holidays, and plan early to make the most of your time off.

This article was created with AI assistance.