Australia Public
Holidays 2026
A comprehensive guide to all nationally and regionally recognized public holidays across Australias 6 states and 2 territories.
2026 Australia National HolidaysComplete List
| # | Holiday | Date | Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 – January to March | ||||
| 1 | New Years Day | January 1, 2026 | Thursday | – |
| 2 | Australia Day | January 26, 2026 | Monday | – |
| Q2 – April to June | ||||
| 3 | Good Friday | April 3, 2026 | Friday | – |
| 4 | Easter Saturday | April 4, 2026 | Saturday | All states except TAS, WA |
| 5 | Easter Monday | April 6, 2026 | Monday | – |
| 6 | Anzac Day | April 25, 2026 | Saturday | Mon Apr 27 in ACT |
| Q4 – October to December | ||||
| 7 | Christmas Day | December 25, 2026 | Friday | – |
| 8 | Boxing Day | December 26, 2026 | Saturday | Mon Dec 28 substitute |
New Years Day
The first day of the year is celebrated with fireworks, parties, and festivities across Australia. Sydney Harbour hosts one of the worlds most spectacular New Years Eve firework displays, welcoming the new year with celebrations that start in the afternoon.
CelebrationAustralia Day
Australias national day commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Port Jackson in 1788. Celebrations include citizenship ceremonies, community events, concerts, and fireworks. Also observed as a day of reflection on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories.
National DayLabour Day
Celebrates the achievements of workers and the labour movement. Western Australia observes Labour Day on the first Monday of March, commemorating the eight-hour work day movement.
Western AustraliaCanberra Day
Celebrates the official naming of Canberra as Australias capital city in 1913. Features community events, concerts, and activities throughout the national capital.
ACT OnlyLabour Day
Victoria and Tasmania celebrate Labour Day on the second Monday of March, recognizing workers rights and the historic fight for fair working conditions.
VIC and TASGood Friday
A Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Most businesses close for the day, and many Australians attend church services or spend time with family.
ObservanceEaster Saturday
The day before Easter Sunday, part of the Easter long weekend. Observed as a public holiday in all states and territories except Tasmania and Western Australia.
ObservanceEaster Monday
The Monday following Easter Sunday, completing the four-day Easter break. Many Australians use this long weekend for family gatherings, travel, and outdoor activities.
ObservanceAnzac Day
Australias most important day of remembrance, honouring members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who served and died in all wars. Dawn services are held at war memorials nationwide, followed by marches and commemorative events. In 2026, Anzac Day falls on a Saturday.
RemembranceLabour Day
Queensland celebrates Labour Day on the first Monday of May, commemorating the achievements of the labour movement and the fight for workers rights including the eight-hour workday.
QueenslandReconciliation Day
Celebrates the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. Coincides with the anniversary of the 1967 referendum.
ACT OnlyWestern Australia Day
Commemorates the founding of the Swan River Colony in 1829, the first settlement in Western Australia. Features community events and celebrations across the state.
Western AustraliaKings Birthday
Celebrates the birthday of the reigning monarch, King Charles III. The actual birthday is in November, but the public holiday is observed on different dates across states. ACT, NSW, NT, SA, TAS, and VIC observe it on the second Monday of June.
RoyalRoyal Queensland Show
A public holiday in the Brisbane metropolitan area for the annual agricultural show, commonly known as the Ekka. Features livestock competitions, carnival rides, and showbags.
Brisbane OnlyKings Birthday
Western Australia observes the Kings Birthday on the fourth Monday of September. Some regional areas may celebrate on an alternative date.
Western AustraliaLabour Day
New South Wales, South Australia, and ACT celebrate Labour Day on the first Monday of October, honouring the labour movement and workers achievements.
NSW, SA, ACTKings Birthday
Queensland observes the Kings Birthday on the first Monday of October, separate from other states.
QueenslandAFL Grand Final Friday
A public holiday in Victoria on the Friday before the AFL Grand Final. Celebrates Australian Rules Football culture and gives fans time to prepare for the big game.
Victoria OnlyMelbourne Cup Day
The race that stops a nation is a public holiday in metropolitan Melbourne. The Melbourne Cup is Australias most famous horse race, held on the first Tuesday of November at Flemington Racecourse.
Melbourne OnlyChristmas Day
Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ with family gatherings, gift exchanges, and summer festivities including beach barbecues.
CelebrationBoxing Day
Day after Christmas, known for major retail sales and the start of the Boxing Day Test cricket match. Also called Proclamation Day in SA.
CelebrationLabour Day Dates by State
Labour Day is celebrated on different dates across Australian states and territories.
- Western Australia: First Monday of March
- Victoria and Tasmania: Second Monday of March
- Queensland: First Monday of May
- NSW, SA, and ACT: First Monday of October
- Northern Territory: First Monday of May
Kings Birthday Variations
The Kings Birthday public holiday is observed on different dates depending on the state.
- ACT, NSW, NT, SA, TAS, VIC: Second Monday of June
- Queensland: First Monday of October
- Western Australia: Fourth Monday of September
- Some WA regions may observe alternative dates
Unique State Holidays
Several states have unique public holidays not observed elsewhere in Australia.
- Victoria: AFL Grand Final Friday, Melbourne Cup Day
- Queensland: Royal Queensland Show (Brisbane area)
- ACT: Canberra Day, Reconciliation Day
- Western Australia: Western Australia Day
- South Australia: Proclamation Day (Dec 26)
2026 Long Weekends
Australia enjoys several long weekend opportunities in 2026.
- Australia Day: January 26 (Monday)
- Easter: April 3-6 (Friday to Monday)
- Kings Birthday: June 8 (most states)
- Christmas: December 25-28 with substitute day
