Public holidays

Australia · 2026

25 holidays including 7 national and 18 regional observances.

25
Total
7
National
18
Regional
25
Public

Guide to public holidays in Australia

Overview, context, and quick answers for 2026.

Holiday overview

Australia observes 25 public holidays throughout 2026, including 7 national and 18 regional. 25 are official public holidays with government recognition.

Use the monthly calendar below for exact dates. Planning in Australia means tracking both fixed-date holidays and variable dates set by calendar or decree.

Key context

  • Location: Australia (AU), Oceania
  • Distribution: 28% national, 72% regional
  • Official public: 100% of listed holidays
  • Year: 2026 (Gregorian)

Why this calendar matters

Public holidays affect government hours, banking, and many businesses. Use this list to avoid conflicts and plan travel or operations in Australia.

FAQ in this guide

How many public holidays does Australia have in 2026?

Australia has 25 public holidays in 2026, including 7 national and 18 regional. 25 are official government-recognized public holidays.

What are the most important holidays in Australia?

Major holidays include national days, religious observances, and cultural events—often with closures for government offices, banks, and many businesses.

Do holidays in Australia affect business?

Yes. Many offices and banks close or reduce hours on public holidays; private businesses vary by sector and region.

Are there regional differences?

Yes. Australia has both nationwide holidays and regional observances in specific areas or communities.

Geographic & cultural context

Location
  • Country: Australia (AU)
  • Continent: Oceania
  • Coordinates: -25.2744, 133.7751
  • Time zone: Multiple (AEST, ACST, AWST)
Holiday mix
  • National, regional, religious, and cultural
  • Gregorian calendar
  • Official days often close government offices
2026
Calendar year
100%
Free access
Updated
Maintained
Calendar

Holidays by month

All observances for 2026, grouped by month.

January 2025

2 holidays

New Year's Day

National
Wednesday, January 1, 2025

New Year's Day marks the start of the year in the Gregorian calendar. It is a day for celebrations and resolutions for the year ahead.

Australia Day

National
Monday, January 27, 2025

Australia Day commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. It is a day to celebrate Australian history, culture, and achievements.

March 2025

5 holidays

Labour Day

Regional
Monday, March 3, 2025

Labour Day celebrates the economic and social achievements of workers. It is a public holiday in many countries, including parts of Australia.

Canberra Day

Regional
Monday, March 10, 2025

Canberra Day celebrates the official naming of Canberra as the capital of Australia in 1913. It is a public holiday observed in the Australian Capital Territory.

Adelaide Cup Day

Regional
Monday, March 10, 2025

Adelaide Cup Day is a horse racing event and public holiday in South Australia. It is traditionally held in March.

Eight Hours Day

Regional
Monday, March 10, 2025

Eight Hours Day commemorates the achievement of an eight-hour working day. It is a public holiday in Tasmania.

Labour Day

Regional
Monday, March 10, 2025

Labour Day celebrates the economic and social achievements of workers. It is a public holiday in many countries, including parts of Australia.

April 2025

5 holidays

Good Friday

National
Friday, April 18, 2025

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a Christian holiday observed during Holy Week.

Easter Eve

Regional
Saturday, April 19, 2025

Holy Saturday is the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It is observed as the day that Jesus Christ was in the tomb.

Easter Sunday

Regional
Sunday, April 20, 2025

Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is the most important festival in the Christian calendar.

Easter Monday

National
Monday, April 21, 2025

Easter Monday follows Easter Sunday and is part of the Easter holiday period. It is a public holiday in many countries.

Anzac Day

National
Friday, April 25, 2025

Anzac Day commemorates the landing of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) at Gallipoli in 1915. It is a day to remember and honor those who have served in wars and peacekeeping operations.

May 2025

2 holidays

May Day

Regional
Monday, May 5, 2025

May Day is a celebration of the coming of spring and a traditional holiday in many cultures. It is also associated with labor movements in some regions.

Labour Day

Regional
Monday, May 5, 2025

Labour Day celebrates the economic and social achievements of workers. It is a public holiday in many countries, including parts of Australia.

June 2025

3 holidays

Reconciliation Day

Regional
Monday, June 2, 2025

Reconciliation Day in the Australian Capital Territory focuses on promoting reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the wider Australian community. It is a time for reflection and understanding.

Western Australia Day

Regional
Monday, June 2, 2025

Western Australia Day celebrates the founding of the Swan River Colony in 1829. It is a day to recognize the history and culture of Western Australia.

King's Birthday

Regional
Monday, June 9, 2025

The King's Birthday is the official birthday of the monarch. It is a public holiday in many Commonwealth countries, including parts of Australia.

August 2025

1 holiday

Picnic Day

Regional
Monday, August 4, 2025

Picnic Day is a public holiday in the Northern Territory. The origins of the holiday are unclear, but it is a day for outdoor activities and relaxation.

September 2025

2 holidays

Friday before AFL Grand Final

Regional
Saturday, September 27, 2025

The Friday before the AFL Grand Final is a public holiday in Victoria. It allows fans to celebrate and prepare for the Australian Rules Football Grand Final.

King's Birthday

Regional
Monday, September 29, 2025

The King's Birthday is the official birthday of the monarch. It is a public holiday in many Commonwealth countries, including parts of Australia.

October 2025

2 holidays

Labour Day

Regional
Monday, October 6, 2025

Labour Day celebrates the economic and social achievements of workers. It is a public holiday in many countries, including parts of Australia.

King's Birthday

Regional
Monday, October 6, 2025

The King's Birthday is the official birthday of the monarch. It is a public holiday in many Commonwealth countries, including parts of Australia.

November 2025

1 holiday

Melbourne Cup

Regional
Tuesday, November 4, 2025

The Melbourne Cup is a famous horse race held annually in Melbourne, Victoria. It is a major cultural and sporting event in Australia.

December 2025

2 holidays

Christmas Day

National
Thursday, December 25, 2025

Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a major Christian holiday celebrated around the world.

Boxing Day

National
Friday, December 26, 2025

St. Stephen's Day, also known as Boxing Day, is traditionally a day to give gifts to service workers and the less fortunate. It is celebrated the day after Christmas Day.

Frequently asked questions

How many public holidays are there in Australia?

Australia has 25 public holidays in 2026, including 7 national and 18 regional observances.

Are all holidays in Australia national?

No. There are 7 national holidays and 18 regional holidays that apply only in certain areas.

Which are official public holidays?

25 holidays are marked as public; these are typically the most important for closures and time off.

When do holidays occur?

Dates are spread across the year—see the monthly calendar above for each exact date in 2026.

Do all businesses close?

Government offices usually close on official public holidays; private businesses vary by sector and region.

How do I stay updated?

Bookmark this page. We refresh data from official sources as schedules are published or amended.

Data summary

Structured overview for this country and year.

25
Total
Listed holidays
7
National
Country-wide
18
Regional
Local
25
Public
Official type

Dataset details

Geography
  • Country: Australia (AU)
  • Continent: Oceania
  • Coordinates: -25.2744, 133.7751
  • Time zone: Multiple (AEST, ACST, AWST)
Time
  • Year: 2026
  • Calendar: Gregorian
  • Reference date: 2026-03-29

Australia · 2026

25 dates for planning operations, travel, and time off in Australia.

25
Total
7
National
18
Regional
25
Public

Bookmark this page for quick access all year.

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