Planning ahead for work, travel, or annual leave? Below is a clear and current guide to Australian public holidays for 2026. Public holiday dates and observed days can vary by state and territory, so it is important to confirm the rules that apply where you live or work.
This guide covers nationwide public holidays such as Australia Day and Anzac Day, along with notes on substitute or observed days where applicable. It is useful for individuals planning leave, as well as employers managing payroll, rostering, and business operations.
The following public holidays are recognised nationally. Observed or substitute days may differ depending on the state or territory.
Click below to view the full list of public holidays for your location:
Below is the full list of public holidays observed in New South Wales for 2026. All dates apply statewide. Additional or substitute public holidays may apply where a holiday falls on a weekend.
This is the full list of public holidays observed across Victoria in 2026. All dates apply statewide. Some holidays have special rules, including no replacement day for Anzac Day when it falls on a weekend, and additional days when Christmas or Boxing Day fall on a weekend.
The following public holidays are observed in Queensland for 2026. All dates apply statewide. Queensland has some unique public holidays, including Easter Sunday as an appointed public holiday and additional days when Christmas or Boxing Day fall on a weekend.
The following public holidays are observed across Western Australia in 2026. All dates apply statewide. Western Australia provides additional public holidays when Anzac Day or Boxing Day fall on a weekend.
This list shows the public holidays observed across South Australia in 2026. All dates apply statewide. South Australia has specific rules for Anzac Day and Proclamation Day, including additional public holidays when 26 December falls on a weekend.
The following public holidays are observed in Tasmania for 2026. Most dates apply statewide, while some holidays in Tasmania are observed only in certain regions or by specific workplaces.
The following public holidays are observed in the Australian Capital Territory in 2026. All dates apply statewide. The ACT has specific rules for Anzac Day observance and additional public holidays when Boxing Day falls on a weekend.
The following public holidays are observed across the Northern Territory in 2026. All dates apply territory wide. The Northern Territory provides additional public holidays when Boxing Day falls on a weekend.
Public holidays in Australia are designated days of rest or celebration recognised by governments and employers. They are days when most workers are entitled to time off, and many businesses, schools, and public institutions either close or operate on reduced hours. These holidays often commemorate significant national events, religious traditions, or cultural celebrations and vary depending on the state or territory.
Public holidays are declared by the governments of each state and territory under their respective legislation. While some dates are fixed annually, like Christmas Day or Anzac Day, others may shift or be newly introduced depending on local priorities or once-off events (such as national days of mourning or celebration). Each jurisdiction can also introduce additional holidays or move observance dates depending on the year and context.
The Fair Work Act 2009 outlines public holiday entitlements at the national level, but the exact dates and additional days are controlled locally. Employers must refer to both federal and state/territory legislation to ensure compliance.
National public holidays are recognised across all states and territories, regardless of local policies. These include:
State public holidays, on the other hand, are only observed in specific jurisdictions. These may celebrate events of local significance or relate to specific regional customs. Examples include:
While national holidays are standardised across the country, state holidays add variety depending on local culture and historical events.
Regional holiday observance is typically managed by state or territory governments, often in consultation with local councils or communities. In some cases, local government areas (LGAs) can declare additional holidays, known as local public holidays, for events like regional shows, race days, or anniversaries.
For example, Queensland observes Show Holidays such as Ekka Wednesday in Brisbane, while parts of the Northern Territory may observe unique local events. These dates can differ significantly even within the same state, and their announcement is usually published in advance by the state government.
Employers and employees in regional areas should keep an eye on local government announcements to stay informed of upcoming holidays that may affect trading hours or workplace obligations.
Combining annual leave with public holidays is a strategic approach many Australians use to maximise their time off. By aligning leave days with public holidays and weekends, it’s possible to extend breaks without consuming excessive leave entitlements.
Australia Day (Monday, 26 January 2026):
Taking leave on Friday, 23 January, creates a four-day weekend from Friday to Monday.
Easter (April 2026):
Good Friday falls on 3 April, and Easter Monday falls on 6 April. Taking leave from Tuesday, 7 April, to Friday, 10 April, can turn it into a 10-day break from 3 to 12 April (depending on your roster).
King’s Birthday (Monday, 8 June 2026 in many states):
Applying for leave from Tuesday, 9 June, to Friday, 12 June, results in a nine-day break from 6 to 14 June.
Labour Day (dates vary by state):
If your Labour Day falls on a Monday, taking Tuesday to Friday off can create a nine-day break from Saturday to the following Sunday.
Christmas and New Year (December 2026 – January 2027):
By taking leave on 21, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, and 31 December 2026, you can enjoy a 16-day break from 19 December 2026 to 3 January 2027 (this assumes your state observes the additional Boxing Day public holiday on Monday, 28 December 2026).
To optimise your annual leave in 2026:
By strategically planning and aligning annual leave with public holidays, Australians can significantly increase their time off in 2026, allowing for extended rest, travel, or personal pursuits.
Public holidays in Australia are seen as a chance to unwind, catch up with friends and family, and enjoy the outdoors. Since many of these holidays fall during warmer months, Australians often take advantage of the weather to relax or get away for a short break.
It’s no surprise that public holidays often revolve around simple pleasures. Backyard barbecues, beach outings, and weekend road trips are staples of the Aussie public holiday experience. With the country’s diverse landscapes and coastal access, public holidays are a perfect excuse for spontaneous camping trips, fishing weekends, or just soaking up the sun at a local park or beach.
Sport also plays a big role, and many people spend public holidays watching cricket in the summer, footy in the winter, or getting together for casual games with friends. It’s a time where people prioritise rest, recreation, and quality time.
Some public holidays are marked by major national or local events. For example:
In regional areas, local festivals and show days are held on public holidays, offering rides, exhibitions, and entertainment for families.
On public holidays, many businesses either close or operate with reduced hours. Supermarkets, cafés, and retail stores may shut entirely or open for limited trading, especially on major holidays like Christmas Day or Good Friday.
Essential services such as hospitals, police, and public transport continue to operate, although transport may run on a weekend or holiday schedule. It’s also common for public holiday surcharge fees to apply at restaurants or cafés that remain open.
If you’re planning to shop, dine out, or travel, it’s always a good idea to check hours in advance, especially in smaller towns where closures are more widespread.
Public holidays in Australia often mark important national milestones, historical events, or cultural observances. Each has its own background and significance, reflecting the country’s heritage, values, and way of life.
Australia Day, observed on 26 January, marks the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788. It’s officially recognised as the beginning of British colonisation in Australia. Traditionally, the day is celebrated with community events, concerts, fireworks, and citizenship ceremonies.
However, Australia Day is also a day of reflection and protest for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who refer to it as Invasion Day or Survival Day, highlighting the lasting impact of colonisation. In recent years, the national conversation has broadened to include these perspectives, making the day one of both celebration and reflection.
Anzac Day, held on 25 April, commemorates the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) at Gallipoli in 1915 during World War I. Over time, it has come to represent the sacrifice of all Australian service members who have served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.
The day begins with dawn services, followed by veterans’ marches, memorial ceremonies, and gatherings at RSL clubs. Anzac Day is a solemn and respected national day, symbolising the spirit of courage, mateship, and sacrifice.
The King’s Birthday, observed on different dates across the states (commonly in June), is a symbolic public holiday to honour the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. While King Charles III’s actual birthday is in November, Australia continues the tradition of marking the monarch’s birthday in June, a practice that dates back to the early 20th century.
The day often includes award announcements such as the King’s Birthday Honours List, and while it’s not tied to public ceremonies for most people, it’s widely enjoyed as a mid-year-long weekend.
Labour Day celebrates the achievements of the labour movement, particularly the push for the eight-hour working day. In the 19th century, Australian workers campaigned for “eight hours labour, eight hours recreation, and eight hours rest,” laying the groundwork for modern work-life balance.
The date of Labour Day varies by state but is observed with parades, union marches, and public gatherings. It serves as a reminder of workers’ rights and the evolution of fair working conditions in Australia.
Boxing Day, held on 26 December, is the day after Christmas and is traditionally associated with charitable giving. Historically, it was when employers gave gifts or “boxes” to employees and those in need.
Today, Boxing Day in Australia is better known for its post-Christmas sales, cricket matches (like the Boxing Day Test), and relaxing with family and friends. It’s a key part of the holiday season, providing a moment to unwind after Christmas and enjoy the summer break.
Yes, public holidays in Australia are generally paid days off for most employees, depending on their award, enterprise agreement, or employment contract. The Fair Work Act 2009 outlines that eligible employees who normally work on the day a public holiday falls are entitled to be paid their base rate of pay for their usual hours. However, how pay is handled can vary depending on whether the employee works on the public holiday or not.
If an employee works on a public holiday, they may be entitled to penalty rates, which are higher pay rates designed to compensate for working during a public rest day. The exact rate depends on the applicable award or enterprise agreement. For example, many retail, hospitality, and healthcare workers receive double time or double time and a half for hours worked on a public holiday.
If an employee does not work but the day falls on their usual work schedule, they are typically paid their ordinary base rate (not including bonuses, penalty rates, or loadings).
Casual employees who don’t have fixed hours may not receive public holiday pay unless their award or agreement provides for it.
Employers and employees should always refer to the specific award or agreement relevant to their industry or job role, as entitlements can vary across different sectors.
Public holidays in Australia can significantly impact how businesses operate, especially in industries like retail, hospitality, and tourism. Whether a business stays open or closes depends on several factors including state laws, industry-specific rules, and staffing arrangements.
Yes, businesses can generally choose to remain open on public holidays, but there are a few key considerations:
Each state and territory may have its own regulations around trading on certain holidays, which brings us to the next point.
Yes, trading restrictions do apply on specific public holidays, particularly in states like New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. These restrictions often affect larger retailers and are in place on days like:
For example:
There are exemptions for small businesses, pharmacies, petrol stations, and businesses in tourist zones.
Businesses should check their local state or territory regulations well in advance, especially if planning to open on a restricted holiday.
Understanding how public holidays work can be confusing, especially when it comes to pay, entitlements, and how different work arrangements are affected. Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about public holidays in Australia.
Yes, in some cases, public holidays can be observed on a Monday even if the official date falls on a weekend. This is often done to provide a long weekend. For example, if Australia Day (26 January) falls on a Sunday, the public holiday may be observed on the following Monday.
However, this varies depending on the state or territory. Some holidays, such as Anzac Day, are observed only on their actual calendar date in some jurisdictions and may not be moved to the following Monday, depending on local rules.
When a public holiday falls on a weekend, some states and territories declare an additional day off, usually on the following Monday. This is referred to as a substitute or observed holiday.
For example:
Employees should check their relevant state legislation and employer policies to understand how substitute days are handled in their workplace.
Yes, part-time workers are entitled to be paid for a public holiday if the day falls on a day they would normally work. If the holiday falls on a day they are not usually rostered to work, they are not entitled to payment for that day.
The key factor is whether the public holiday falls on a regular workday as per the employee’s usual schedule or roster. Entitlements may also be outlined more specifically in the applicable award or enterprise agreement.
Shift workers are generally entitled to the same public holiday rights as other employees, with some additional considerations:
In numerous instances, shift workers are covered by detailed provisions in industry-specific awards that define how public holidays apply to overnight or rotating shifts. It’s important for both employers and employees to review these agreements to ensure compliance.
