Australia Public Holidays 2026

New Year’s Day – Thursday, 1 January
Celebrated with fireworks, parties, and gatherings to welcome the new year.
Australia Day – Monday, 26 January
Marks the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, celebrated with parades, fireworks, and community events.

Labour Day (WA Only) – Monday, 2 March
A day recognizing workers' rights in Western Australia.
Canberra Day (ACT Only) – Monday, 9 March
Celebrates the founding of Canberra, the nation’s capital.
Adelaide Cup Day (SA Only) – Monday, 9 March
A public holiday in South Australia for a major horse racing event.
Eight Hours Day (TAS) & Labour Day (VIC) – Monday, 9 March
A holiday commemorating the achievement of an eight-hour workday.

Good Friday – Friday, 3 April
A Christian holiday marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, observed nationwide.
Easter Saturday – Saturday, 4 April
Observed in most states as part of the Easter weekend.
Easter Sunday – Sunday, 5 April
Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ with church services and Easter egg hunts.
Easter Monday – Monday, 6 April
A public holiday extending the Easter celebrations.
ANZAC Day – Saturday, 25 April
Honors Australian and New Zealand soldiers, marked by dawn services and parades.

Labour Day (QLD & NT Only) – Monday, 4 May
Celebrates workers' rights in Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Western Australia Day (WA Only) – Monday, 1 June
Marks the foundation of Western Australia.

King’s Birthday (All states except WA & QLD) – Monday, 8 June
A public holiday celebrating the reigning monarch’s birthday.
Reconciliation Day (ACT Only) – Monday, 1 June
Promotes unity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Picnic Day (NT Only) – Monday, 3 August
A regional public holiday observed with outdoor activities.
Royal Queensland Show Day (QLD Only - Brisbane Area Only) – Wednesday, 12 August
A major event in Brisbane featuring agricultural exhibitions.

King’s Birthday (WA Only) – Monday, 28 September
Western Australia observes the monarch’s birthday on a different date.
Friday before AFL Grand Final (VIC Only - Subject to AFL Schedule) – Friday, 25 September
A public holiday in Victoria celebrating the Australian Football League Grand Final.

Labour Day (ACT, NSW, SA Only) – Monday, 5 October
Observed in several states to recognize the contributions of workers.
Queen’s Birthday (QLD Only) – Monday, 5 October
Celebrated in Queensland, marking the birthday of the reigning monarch.

Melbourne Cup Day (VIC Only - Some Regional Areas Exempt) – Tuesday, 3 November
A major horse racing event in Australia, widely celebrated with gatherings and betting.

Christmas Day – Friday, 25 December
A Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed with feasts and gift-giving.
Boxing Day – Saturday, 26 December (Observed on Monday, 28 December)
Traditionally a day of charity, now associated with shopping sales and sports events.