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Australia 2020 Public Holidays and Long Weekend Calendar

Trip.com
Trip.com
Jun 1, 2020

Catalogue

  • Australia 2020 Long Weekend Guide
  • May/June public holidays 2020
  • August public holidays 2020
  • September public holidays 2020
  • October public holidays 2020
  • November public holidays 2020
  • December public holidays 2020
  • Show More

With regional travel restrictions beginning to ease in states across Australia, we are being encouraged to explore our own backyard and 'holiday here'. It is now the perfect time to start planning your domestic holidays for the rest of 2020, especially with a number of public holidays coming up such as the June long weekend in most states. To help you, we have put together an Australia 2020 Long Weekend Guide to assist you in organising your trip around long weekends and Australian public holidays, as well as offering suggestions of popular long weekend destinations in Australia. When should you take annual leave to get the most out of your public holiday break and where should you go? Keep reading to find out!



Australia 2020 Public Holidays and Long Weekend Calendar


Public Holiday: Western Australia Day* (Monday, June 1)
Long weekend: Friday, May 28 – Tuesday, June 2)
Tip: Apply 2 Days Annual Leave on 28th May & 2nd June

*Western Australia only



Public Holiday: Queen's Birthday* (Monday, June 8)
Long weekend: Friday, June 5 – Tuesday, June 9
Tip: Apply 2 Days Annual Leave on 5th June and 9th June

*national except QLD & WA



Port Macquarie, New South Wales



Australia 2020 Public Holidays and Long Weekend Calendar

There is so much to do in the north coastal town Port Macquarie that it is the perfect long weekend spot, just over 4-hour drive from Sydney or 6 hours south from Brisbane. If you’re a nature lover you can go on the Sea Acres Rainforest Walk or visit one of the many beaches in the area. Visitors can also take their pick of 17 beautiful beaches in the area that offer the opportunity for dolphin watching. If it’s views you’re after, spend half a day enjoying the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. Port Macquarie is also well-known for having the highest koala population on the east coast of Australia and is home to the famous Koala Hospital. Foodies can also rejoice with numerous craft beer breweries, local markets and fresh seafood restaurants.



Barossa Valley, South Australia



Australia 2020 Public Holidays and Long Weekend Calendar

Say hello to a long weekend in the Barossa and you won't regret it. The Barossa Valley is a gem of South Australia and one of the most popular wine regions in the world. Setlled in 1842 by English and Germans, only five years later the first vineyards were planted producing some of the biggest names in Australian wine that we know today, such as the likes of Jacobs and Penfolds. The Barossa is practically synonymous with the word 'shiraz' thanks to the many awards it has won for its high quality drop.




Public Holiday: Picnic Day* (Monday, August 3)
Long weekend: Saturday, August 1 – Tuesday, August 4
Tip: Apply 1 Day Annual Leave on 4th August

*Northern Territory only


Uluru, Northern Territory



Australia 2020 Public Holidays and Long Weekend Calendar

Image credit: Tourism NT


Uluru is a magnificent icon of Australia and on the bucket list for many. A long weekend at least is required to travel to Uluru, or Ayers Rock as it's also known, due to its remote location in the Northern Territory however it is serviced from most major airports in Australia, via Alice Springs or if you're really up for it the Red Centre drive is a wonderful way to see more of the Top End. You can choose to stay near Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the town called Yulara or stay in Alice Springs, which is a good base as there a numerous scneic attractions you can arrange to see including the West MacDonnell Ranges and the Kings Canyon, or activities such as outback cycling tours or hot air ballooning. Booking early is recommended as limited accommodation options do fill up quickly and tours book out.





Public Holiday: Queen's Birthday* (Monday, September 28)
Long weekend: Friday, September 25 – Monday, September 28

Tip: Apply 1 Day Annual Leave on 25th September

*WA only


Margaret River, Western Australia



Australia 2020 Public Holidays and Long Weekend Calendar

Voted the top Asia Pacific destination by Lonely Planet in 2019, Margaret River in WA is a pleasant surprise for any long weekend break. The Margaret River region boasts national parks and award-winning wine country that will suit nature lovers and foodies alike. For a small coastal town it really packs a punch with an energetic art scene, hiking trails, and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities thanks to its waters that are home to migratory whales from June to November every year. For surf enthusiasts, it has world-class waves and for families sheltered coves for safe swimming and water activities. It’s the perfect time to explore this beautiful part of Western Australia.




Public Holiday: Labour Day*, Queen's Birthday (Monday, October 5)
Long weekend: Friday, October 2 – Monday, October 5

Tip: Apply 1 Day Annual Leave on 2nd October

*ACT, NSW, VIC & QLD


Jervis Bay, New South Wales



Australia 2020 Public Holidays and Long Weekend Calendar

If you’re looking for a South Coast escape in New South Wales look no further than Jervis Bay in the Shoalhaven region. Perfectly located close to surrounding seaside towns, it’s easy to visit Huskisson, Vincentia and the famous Hyams Beach, known internationally for its white sand beach. Spend a day at Booderee National Park as you get back to nature, go fishing in one of the bays, or go on a dolphin or whale-watching cruise. Get there by car in about 3 hours from Sydney or catch a train from Nowra or other South Coast destinations.


Byron Bay



Australia 2020 Public Holidays and Long Weekend Calendar

Incredibly popular Byron Bay may be a busy tourist spot, but it’s not for good reason. Known for its stunning beaches, music festivals, shopping, dining, nightlife and general community spirit and uplifting vibe, it continues being at the top of desired long weekend destinations for groups and couples alike. It is also a popular Schoolies destination (thanks to nightclubs like Cheeky Monkeys where you can dance on tables) so before booking make sure to check your dates to avoid the crowds! Enjoy luxury accommodation or a more laidback vibe at campgrounds or hostels, Byron caters to all tastes and travellers. If you like adventure there are options to go skydiving or scuba diving. It takes approximately 8 hours to get there by car from Sydney, but that's not including pitstops so you have the option to take your time and enjoy other spots on the Pacific Coast as you go up. Coming from the Gold Coast in Queensland it is about a one hour drive without traffic.




Public Holiday: Melbourne Cup*, (Tuesday, November 2)
Long weekend: Saturday, 31 October – Tueaday, November 2)

Tip: Apply 1 Day Annual Leave on 1st November


Mornington Peninsula, Victoria



Australia 2020 Public Holidays and Long Weekend Calendar

You’d never know Mornington Peninsula is only 1 hour drive from Melbourne. A long weekend stay here will delight your senses as you admire the beautiful coastline and take in the tastes of the abundance of wineries and restaurants in the area, with over 50 cellar doors. One of the best things to do is go on a tour that combines a visit to the hot spings and a wine tour. Once you've spent a day at Mornington beach and indulged in the food and wine,don't forget to vist the local markets or one of the numerous art galleries such as Manyung Gallery Sorrento, Manyung Gallery Mornington or EVERYWHEN art space.




Public Holiday: Christnas Day (Friday, December 25), Boxing Day Holiday (Monday, December 28)
Long weekend: Friday, December 25 – Sunday, January 3 2021)

Tip: Apply 3 Days Annual Leave on 29th, 30th & 31st December to get 10 days leave as 1 January is New Year's Day and a public holiday


Gold Coast, Queensland



Australia 2020 Public Holidays and Long Weekend Calendar

When in doubt for an Australian holiday destination you can always go to the Gold Coast. It's an oldie but a goodie for families, couples and groups. In December the Gold Coast weather is ideal, ranging from approximately 19 to 27 degrees celsius, although it is said that the Gold Coast enjoys warm weather all-year around. There are so many things to do on the Goldie starting with the theme parks - Sea World, Movie World and Dreamworld are really must-dos for any family trip. It will be school holidays in December but that means there will be a focus on kid activities for families. Spend a day at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the most popular attractions for tourists, or go to the Skypoint Observation Deck for a view of the city.



This is just a selection of popular long weekend destinations. There are so many to choose from! If you're from NSW, there a number of country and north/south coastal destinations to explore including Bowral, the Blue Mountains, Coffs Harbour, Port Stephens.. this is not to mention the winter destinations such as Jindabyne and the ski resorts of Thredbo and Perisher, which also warrant a trip to the nation's capital of Canberra.


Victoria offers the Yarra Valley, Daylesford, Phillip Island, the Great Ocean Road and Mount Buller for skiing and snowboarding. Tasmania itself is an incredible destination for a self-drive long weekend, where you have the option of starting at either Hobart or Launceston.


Queensland is a nature lovers playground. Head to Cairns and take a trip to the Daintree Rainforest. Hamilton Island, the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef are all wonderful destinations to go if you have an extended long weekend!


The Northern Territory is an entire outback adventure and you could spend weeks there exploring the national parks and Aboriginal culture and history if you had the time. Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks really give you a sense of Australia. On the other end is South Australia's offerings of Kangaroo Island, Flinders Ranges and the Clare Valley. The famous Pinnacles Desert and Swan Valley are both up there in long weekend destinations from Perth, Western Australia.


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