Australia Public Holidays 2026 – Full national and state-by-state holiday calendar, dates, regional differences, history, travel tips, FAQs, and official sources.
Introduction
Public holidays play a vital role in Australian life. They shape work schedules, school calendars, travel demand, retail trading hours, and major cultural events. For employees, public holidays can mean paid time off or penalty rates. For families and travellers, they determine the best times to plan holidays, book flights, or attend festivals. For businesses, they influence staffing, logistics, and operating costs.
Understanding Australia Public Holidays 2026 is especially important because Australia does not follow a single, uniform holiday calendar. While some public holidays are observed nationwide, many others vary by state and territory, with different dates, names, or substitute days when holidays fall on weekends. Labour Day alone is celebrated on at least four different dates across the country, and regional holidays such as Canberra Day or local show days can affect travel and services in specific areas.
In this in-depth guide, you’ll find:
- A clear explanation of how public holidays work in Australia
- A comprehensive Australia public holidays calendar 2026, including regional differences
- Detailed explanations of each major public holiday, including history, cultural meaning, and practical impacts
- A breakdown of state and territory variations
- Planning tips and FAQs to help residents, employers, and visitors prepare effectively
This article is written with accurate facts, official sources, and practical insights to help you confidently navigate 2026 Australian holiday dates.
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What Are Public Holidays in Australia?
Public holidays in Australia are days officially declared by federal, state, or territory governments. On these days, most employees are entitled to a paid day off or to penalty rates if they work, subject to awards and enterprise agreements.
Types of Public Holidays
- National public holidays
These are observed across all states and territories. Examples include New Year’s Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, ANZAC Day, and Christmas Day.
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman - State and territory public holidays
Each state or territory can declare its own holidays, such as Labour Day (on different dates), Canberra Day (ACT), or Adelaide Cup Day (SA).
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman - Regional and local public holidays
Some holidays apply only to certain regions, such as local show days or special events in parts of Tasmania or the Northern Territory.
Source: State government holiday calendars
Why Public Holidays Matter
- Workforce planning: Staffing, payroll, and compliance with industrial laws
- Education: School terms and breaks often align with public holidays
- Travel and tourism: Public holidays create peak travel periods
- Community life: Many holidays commemorate historical events or cultural traditions
Comprehensive Australia Public Holidays Calendar 2026
The table below summarises the main public holidays Australia states observe in 2026. Dates reflect official government calendars and include key regional differences.
| Date | Day | Holiday | Regions Observed |
| 1 January 2026 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | All states & territories |
| 26 January 2026 | Monday | Australia Day | All states & territories |
| 2 March 2026 | Monday | Labour Day | WA |
| 9 March 2026 | Monday | Labour Day (VIC), Adelaide Cup Day (SA), Canberra Day (ACT), Eight Hours Day (TAS) | VIC, SA, ACT, TAS |
| 3 April 2026 | Friday | Good Friday | All |
| 4 April 2026 | Saturday | Easter Saturday | NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, ACT, NT |
| 5 April 2026 | Sunday | Easter Sunday | Most states |
| 6 April 2026 | Monday | Easter Monday | All |
| 25 April 2026 | Saturday | ANZAC Day | All |
| 4 May 2026 | Monday | Labour Day / May Day | QLD, NT |
| 8 June 2026 | Monday | King’s Birthday | ACT, NSW, VIC, SA, TAS, NT |
| October 2026 | Monday | King’s Birthday | QLD |
| 25 December 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day | All |
| 26 December 2026 | Saturday | Boxing Day | All |
| 28 December 2026 | Monday | Boxing Day (Observed) | Most states |
Sources: Fair Work Ombudsman; state government holiday calendars
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Major Public Holidays in Australia – Detailed Explanations
New Year’s Day – 1 January 2026
New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is one of Australia’s most widely celebrated public holidays. It symbolises renewal, fresh starts, and collective celebration after the year’s end. Across Australia, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are associated with fireworks, concerts, beach gatherings, and family events.
Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are internationally recognised, attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators and generating significant tourism revenue. According to Tourism Australia, the New Year period consistently ranks among the busiest travel times of the year, with domestic and international arrivals peaking in major cities and coastal destinations.
How it’s celebrated:
- Fireworks and public events in major cities
- Private gatherings, barbecues, and beach outings
- Reduced public transport schedules on the holiday itself
Business and travel impact:
- Many businesses and government offices close
- Airports, hotels, and tourist attractions experience high demand
- Retail trading hours vary by state and local council
Australia Day – 26 January 2026
Australia Day commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Port Jackson in 1788. It is a national public holiday observed in all states and territories. The day recognises Australia’s history, culture, and achievements, while also prompting reflection and discussion about Indigenous history and reconciliation.
Citizenship ceremonies are a major feature of Australia Day, with thousands of new citizens formally welcomed each year. Local councils and community groups host events ranging from concerts and festivals to award ceremonies and family activities.
How it’s celebrated:
- Citizenship ceremonies nationwide
- Community festivals, parades, and live music
- Fireworks and outdoor events, particularly in capital cities
Business and travel impact:
- Government offices and banks close
- Popular travel day for domestic tourism
- Some retailers operate under public holiday trading hours
Source: Australian Government and Tourism Australia
Easter Public Holidays – 3 to 6 April 2026
Easter represents one of the most significant holiday periods in Australia, combining religious observance with one of the longest long weekends of the year. The Easter period includes Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday (in most states), and Easter Monday.
Good Friday is traditionally a solemn day for Christian observance, while Easter Saturday and Sunday are more family-oriented, often associated with Easter eggs, markets, and community events. Easter Monday is widely treated as a leisure and travel day.
According to transport authorities, Easter consistently ranks as one of the busiest road travel periods in Australia, with increased traffic volumes and safety campaigns across all states .
Business and travel impact:
- Many retail outlets close on Good Friday
- Hospitality and tourism sectors experience high demand
- Public transport often runs on holiday timetables
ANZAC Day – 25 April 2026
ANZAC Day commemorates the service and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand armed forces, particularly those who served in the Gallipoli campaign during World War I. It is observed nationwide on 25 April, regardless of the day of the week.
ANZAC Day is marked by dawn services, marches, and memorial ceremonies in cities, towns, and local communities. Unlike many other public holidays, its tone is reflective and respectful rather than celebratory.
How it’s observed:
- Dawn services and commemorative marches
- Closure of many businesses until midday in some states
- Strong community participation across generations
Source: Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Labour Day – Multiple Dates in 2026
Labour Day recognises the achievements of the labour movement, particularly the establishment of the eight-hour working day. Unlike national holidays, Labour Day is observed on different dates depending on the state or territory.
Key dates in 2026:
- 2 March: Western Australia
- 9 March: Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, ACT
- 4 May: Queensland, Northern Territory
Impact:
- Long weekends that significantly boost short-haul tourism
- Reduced business operations in affected states
Source: State government holiday calendars
King’s Birthday – June & October 2026
The King’s Birthday public holiday honours the reigning monarch of Australia. Most states observe it in June, while Queensland celebrates it in October.
This holiday is often associated with community events, honours lists, and sporting fixtures. It also creates a valuable mid-year long weekend for travel and rest.
Christmas Day & Boxing Day – December 2026
Christmas Day (25 December) is a national public holiday celebrating Christmas, marked by family gatherings, religious services, and festive meals. Boxing Day (26 December) follows immediately and is also a public holiday nationwide.
When Boxing Day falls on a weekend, a substitute weekday holiday usually applies, as it does in 2026 on Monday, 28 December.
Business and travel impact:
- One of the busiest travel periods of the year
- Most businesses close on Christmas Day
- Retail sales peak around Boxing Day
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman
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Regional Variations and Observances
Public holidays in Australia differ notably by state and territory.
Key Differences by Region
- New South Wales & Victoria: Observe most national holidays, with Melbourne Cup Day unique to Victoria
- Queensland: King’s Birthday in October, Labour Day in May
- Western Australia: Labour Day in March; additional regional observances
- Tasmania: Eight Hours Day and regional show days
- Northern Territory: May Day and Picnic Day
- ACT: Canberra Day in March
These differences affect school terms, transport schedules, and local events.
Planning Tips and FAQs
Planning Tips
- Book flights and accommodation early around Easter and Christmas
- Check state-specific calendars if travelling interstate
- Employers should confirm penalty rates and substitute day rules
FAQs
Do all states observe the same public holidays?
No. National holidays are shared, but many others vary by state or territory.
What if a public holiday falls on a weekend?
A substitute weekday holiday usually applies, depending on state law.
Are businesses required to close?
Not always, but employees may be entitled to penalty rates.
References
- Fair Work Ombudsman – Public holidays 2026
- Tourism Australia – Australian public holidays
- State and Territory Government Holiday Calendars:
Last updated: January 2026
