Australia Public Holidays 2026
Seven public holidays are observed across every Australian state and territory in 2026. Boxing Day (Dec 26) falls on a Saturday, so a substitute public holiday is taken on Monday Dec 28. Anzac Day lands on a Saturday, with substitution varying by state.
National holidays
7
States & territories
8
Longest break
Easter · 4 days
Substitute day
Boxing Day → Dec 28
2026 Australia calendar
01January
02February
03March
04April
05May
06June
07July
08August
09September
10October
11November
12December
Australia public holiday list
| Date | Day | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | Thursday | New Year's DayPublic holiday | Public holiday |
| January 26, 2026 | Monday | Australia DayPublic holiday | Public holiday |
| April 3, 2026 | Friday | Good FridayPublic holiday | Public holiday |
| April 6, 2026 | Monday | Easter MondayPublic holiday | Public holiday |
| April 25, 2026 | Saturday | Anzac DayAnzac Day falls on a Saturday in 2026. Most states keep it on April 25; a few (such as Western Australia) grant a substitute weekday.Public holiday | Public holiday |
| December 25, 2026 | Friday | Christmas DayPublic holiday | Public holiday |
| December 28, 2026 | Monday | Boxing Day (observed)Boxing Day (Dec 26) falls on a Saturday, so the public holiday is observed on Monday Dec 28.Substitute holiday | Substitute holiday |
Australia long weekends in 2026
Australia Day
3 daysJan 24 – 26
Australia Day falls on a Monday, giving a three-day weekend.
Easter
4 daysApr 3 – 6
Good Friday and Easter Monday bracket the weekend — four days off.
Christmas
4 daysDec 25 – 28
Christmas Day on Friday through the Boxing Day substitute on Monday — four days in a row.
National vs state: how Australian public holidays work
Australia has no federal public holiday act — each state and territory declares its own holidays. In practice seven dates are observed everywhere: New Year's Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
When a fixed-date holiday such as Christmas Day or Boxing Day falls on a weekend, an extra public holiday is added on the following Monday (or Tuesday). In 2026 Boxing Day is a Saturday, so the substitute is Monday Dec 28. Anzac Day is treated differently — most states keep it on April 25 even on a weekend.
State & territory holidays: King's Birthday, Labour Day and more
King's Birthday is a public holiday in most states on the second Monday of June (Jun 8, 2026), but Queensland observes it in October and Western Australia in late September/October. Labour Day dates differ widely — March in Victoria and Tasmania, May in Queensland, October in NSW, SA and the ACT.
Other state-specific days include Easter Saturday (most states but not Tasmania or WA), Easter Sunday (in some states), and local events such as Melbourne Cup Day (Victoria), Adelaide Cup, Canberra Day, Picnic Day (NT) and WA Day. Always check the calendar for the state where you live or work.
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Official sources & data
- Public holidaysVisit sourceFair Work Ombudsman
Frequently asked questions
How many public holidays does Australia have in 2026?+
Seven public holidays are observed in every Australian state and territory in 2026. Each state adds its own — such as King's Birthday and Labour Day — so most states have around 10 to 13 public holidays in total.
Why is Boxing Day a holiday on December 28 in 2026?+
Boxing Day is December 26, which falls on a Saturday in 2026. When a public holiday lands on a weekend, an extra weekday is granted — usually the following Monday — so the day off moves to Monday December 28.
When is Anzac Day 2026 and is there a substitute day?+
Anzac Day is Saturday April 25, 2026. Unlike other holidays, most states do not move Anzac Day when it falls on a weekend, so there is no substitute in states like NSW and Victoria. A few, such as Western Australia, grant a substitute weekday.
Is King's Birthday the same date across Australia?+
No. Most states observe King's Birthday on the second Monday of June (June 8, 2026), but Queensland holds it in October and Western Australia in late September or October. It is one of the biggest differences between state calendars.
What are the long weekends in Australia in 2026?+
Nationally, Easter (Apr 3–6) is a four-day weekend and Christmas (Dec 25–28) runs four days thanks to the Boxing Day substitute. Australia Day (Jan 26) gives a three-day weekend. Additional long weekends from King's Birthday and Labour Day depend on your state.
