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How to maximise annual leave using Australia’s 2026 public holidays ?

admin928749
Nov 28
2 min read

Smart planning could help Australian workers stretch their standard 20 days of annual leave into more than 50 days off in 2026.

By booking leave around key public holidays — including New Year, Australia Day, Easter, the King's Birthday and Labour Day — full-time workers can unlock long breaks without using much annual leave. Extra regional holidays can extend that even further.

Here’s a simple breakdown of how to maximise your time off next year:

January

Take 4 days off (Jan 27–30) for 9 days off in a row (Jan 24–Feb 1).Public holidays: New Year’s Day (Jan 1), Australia Day (Jan 26).

February

Tasmanians can take 4 days (Feb 10–13) for 9 days off (Feb 7–15).Public holiday: Royal Hobart Regatta (Feb 9).

March

WA: Take Mar 3–6 for 9 days off (Feb 28–Mar 8).ACT, SA, TAS, VIC: Take Mar 10–13 for 9 days off (Mar 8–15).Public holidays include Labour Day, Canberra Day, Adelaide Cup and more.

April

All states: Book 8 days (Mar 30–Apr 2 & Apr 7–10) for a huge 16-day break (Mar 28–Apr 12).WA: A second chance — take Apr 28–May 1 for 9 days off (Apr 25–May 3).Public holidays include Easter and ANZAC Day.

May

NT & QLD: Take May 5–8 for 9 days off (May 2–10).Public holiday: May Day (May 4).

June

ACT & WA: Take Jun 2–5 for 9 days off (May 30–Jun 7).Most states: Take Jun 9–12 for 9 days off (Jun 6–14).Public holidays include Reconciliation Day, WA Day and the King’s Birthday.

July

No public holidays.

August

NT: Take Aug 4–7 for 9 days off (Aug 1–9).Brisbane area: Take Aug 10–11 & 13–14 for 9 days off (Aug 8–16).Public holidays: Picnic Day, Royal Queensland Show.

September

WA: Take Sep 29–Oct 2 for 9 days off (Sep 26–Oct 4).Public holiday: King’s Birthday (WA).

October

ACT, NSW, SA, QLD: Take Oct 6–9 for 9 days off (Oct 3–11).Tasmania: Take Oct 23–26 for 9 days off (Oct 20–28).Public holidays include Labour Day, King’s Birthday, Hobart Show.

November

Tasmania: Take Nov 3–6 for 9 days off (Oct 31–Nov 8).Victoria: Take Nov 2 & 4–6 for 9 days off during the same period.Public holidays: Recreation Day, Melbourne Cup.