Public Holidays in Australia 2026
National holidays plus state and territory holidays in 2026
Australia does not have one identical holiday calendar for every location. New Year's Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day and Christmas are widely observed, but states and territories set additional holidays and their own substitution rules. The table shows the common national baseline and major observed days.
Australia Public Holidays 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day |
| Jan 26 | Monday | Australia Day |
| Apr 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| Apr 4 | Saturday | Easter Saturday Regional |
| Apr 5 | Sunday | Easter Sunday Regional |
| Apr 6 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| Apr 25 | Saturday | Anzac Day |
| Apr 27 | Monday | Additional Anzac Day holiday Regional |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
| Dec 26 | Saturday | Boxing Day |
| Dec 28 | Monday | Additional Boxing Day holiday Observed |
Holiday rules can vary by sector or locality. Future religious and officially declared dates should be rechecked before travel, payroll or business planning.
Australia’s State and Territory Holiday System 2026
Holiday Rules in Australia
Each Australian state and territory sets part of its own public holiday calendar. A date that is a public holiday in New South Wales may not be a holiday on the same date in Western Australia, Victoria or Queensland, so local government calendars are essential for payroll and travel planning.
Australia Holiday Calendar: What to Know
- Public holidays vary by state and territory.
- Australia Day is observed on 26 January nationwide.
- Anzac Day is 25 April, but substitute-day rules vary by jurisdiction.
- King’s Birthday and Labour Day do not fall on one nationwide date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Australia have the same public holidays everywhere?
No. States and territories set additional holidays and some substitution rules differ.
When is Australia Day?
Australia Day is observed on 26 January.
Is Anzac Day always given a Monday substitute?
No. Substitute arrangements differ by state and territory.
Why is King’s Birthday not in the national baseline table?
Its date varies between Australian jurisdictions, so it should be checked on the relevant state or territory calendar.
Sources & methodology
View sources used for this page
Australian Government 2026 state and territory public-holiday calendars and substitution rules.
Independent calendar cross-check used for date, weekday and observed-day review. Government notices and statutory rules take precedence where they differ.
Source hierarchy: government, statutory or institutional material is used as the primary reference where available. Timeanddate is retained only as an independent calendar cross-check. Later official declarations take precedence.