Australia Public Holidays 2026: Full Calendar & Travel Guide

For reference only. Check the official Australian holidays website for exact details.

Australia Holidays 2026

Drake Passage

In 2026, Easter falls in early April, Anzac Day falls on a Saturday (which affects public holiday observance in some states), and Boxing Day also falls on a Saturday, meaning Monday, December 28 is a holiday for most Australians.

National Public Holidays 2026

These dates are observed across all states and territories.

Australia State-Variable Holidays 2026

These holidays are observed by everyone, but on different dates depending on your location.

Australia Holidays | King's Birthday

• June 8 (Monday): ACT, NSW, NT, SA, TAS, VIC
• September 28 (Monday): WA
• October 5 (Monday): QLD

Australia Holidays | Labour Day

• March 2 (Monday): WA
• March 9 (Monday): VIC, TAS (called Eight Hours Day)
• May 4 (Monday): QLD, NT (called May Day)
• October 5 (Monday): ACT, NSW, SA

Australia Holiday 2026 | Attractions to Visit in Australia During Spring

Australia's spring weather forecast predicts above average ...

Australia Spring Public Holidays 2026

Plan your trip around these long weekends to maximize your leave.

• King’s Birthday: October 5 (Monday) – Observed in QLD only.
• King’s Birthday: September 28 (Monday) – Observed in WA only.
• Labour Day: October 5 (Monday) – Observed in ACT, NSW, SA.
• Melbourne Cup: November 3 (Tuesday) – Melbourne only (Not a national holiday, but a major cultural event).

Australia Holidays | Best Places to Visit in Spring (Sept – Nov)

Spring is widely considered the best time to visit Australia because the weather is mild, wildflowers are blooming, and the intense summer heat hasn't hit yet.

Canberra (ACT) – For the Flowers

Canberra is the "Spring Capital" of Australia.

• Why go: To see Floriade, the largest flower festival in the Southern Hemisphere. Millions of tulips and annuals bloom in Commonwealth Park.
• Best time: Mid-September to mid-October.
• 2026 Highlight: The city comes alive with food stalls, night markets (NightFest), and garden workshops.

Hunter Valley (NSW) or Barossa Valley (SA) – For Wine

Vineyards look their best in spring as the vines turn green and start to bud.

• Why go: Mild temperatures make it perfect for cycling between cellar doors.
• Events: Many regions hold "Spring Vine" festivals.
• Sydney Bonus: If you are in NSW in late October/early November, walk around Kirribilli or Grafton to see the purple Jacaranda trees in full bloom.

Kangaroo Island (SA) – For Wildlife

Spring is the "rebirth" season for Australian wildlife.

• Why go: Kangaroo joeys begin emerging from their mothers' pouches, and koalas are more active.
• Landscape: The island is lush and green before the summer sun dries out the grass.

Australia Holiday 2026 | Attractions to Visit in Australia During Summer

When is the Best Time to Visit Australia? | Vietjet Air

Australia's size means you have two main choices in summer: embrace the classic hot coastal holiday, or escape the heat in the south.

Australia Holidays | The Cool Zone

These southern regions offer mild temperatures that are perfect for outdoor activities.

• Tasmania (Hobart, Freycinet, Cradle Mountain): Ideal for multi-day hikes in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, visiting the stunning Wineglass Bay at Freycinet, and exploring the capital, Hobart.
• The Great Ocean Road (Victoria): The classic road trip to see the Twelve Apostles is perfect for summer. Stop in seaside towns like Lorne and Port Campbell, and hike through the cool rainforests of the Otway Ranges.
• Kangaroo Island (South Australia): Walk among sea lions at Seal Bay, explore the unique Remarkable Rocks, and spot native koalas in a pristine natural environment.

Australia Holidays | The Classic Coastal Summer

These destinations are hot, crowded, but offer the quintessential Aussie beach experience.

• Sydney (New South Wales): Attraction: See the iconic fireworks, spend Christmas on Bondi Beach, and take the coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee. Escape the city heat with a day trip to the cooler elevations of the Blue Mountains.
• Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast (Queensland): Surfing lessons at Surfers Paradise, thrilling rides at the theme parks (Dreamworld, Sea World), and relaxing in the more laid-back town of Noosa.
• Margaret River (Western Australia): Spend the morning surfing or relaxing on pristine beaches like Prevelly, and the afternoon sampling premium Cabernet Sauvignon and local produce at one of the many cellar doors.

Australia Holiday 2026 | Attractions to Visit in Australia During Autumn

Best Places in Australia to Visit in Autumn – Xtend Outdoors

Australia Holidays | Nature & Wildlife Spectacles

• The "Turning of the Fagus" (Tasmania): Australia has only one native deciduous tree, the Nothofagus gunnii (Fagus). In late autumn, the hillsides of Cradle Mountain turn brilliant gold and rust red. It is a unique botanical event found nowhere else in the world.
• Swim with Whale Sharks (Western Australia): Autumn marks the beginning of the whale shark season. The water is calm, and you can swim alongside these gentle giants.
• Turtle Hatching (Queensland): If you visit in early March, you can catch the tail end of the turtle hatching season, where baby turtles emerge from the sand and dash to the ocean.

Australia Holidays | Wine & Harvest Regions

Autumn is harvest season (vintage) in Australia's wine regions. The vines are lush green turning to gold, and the cellar doors are buzzing with activity.

• Barossa Valley (SA): Famous for bold Shiraz. The bi-annual Barossa Vintage Festival (if confirmed for 2026) usually happens in April.
• Yarra Valley (VIC): Perfect for cool-climate Pinot Noir and early morning hot air balloon rides over the misty autumn vineyards.
• Margaret River (WA): Great for combining premium Cabernet Sauvignon tasting with surfing or coastal hikes, as the weather is still warm enough for the beach.

Australia Holidays | The Outback (Red Centre)

• Uluru & Kata Tjuta (Northern Territory: Summer (Dec-Feb) is dangerously hot in the desert (often 40°C+). Autumn brings manageable daytime temperatures (20°C–30°C), allowing you to do the Base Walk around Uluru or the Valley of the Winds walk at Kata Tjuta safely.

Australia Holiday 2026 | Attractions to Visit in Australia During Winter

Winter in Australia - Econlib

Australia Holidays | Tropical Escape: The Dry Season (The North)

Winter is the Dry Season in the Northern Territory and Far North Queensland. This means low humidity, no rain, and perfect temperatures for exploring.

• Kakadu & Litchfield National Parks (NT): The national parks near Darwin are fully open, and the risk of flooding or extreme heat is non-existent. You can swim in stunning waterfalls like Wangi Falls and Florence Falls in Litchfield.
• The Kimberley (WA): Take a spectacular 4WD adventure along the Gibb River Road or cruise the magnificent Horizontal Falls near Broome.
• Great Barrier Reef (QLD): Visibility is often at its best in winter, and the air temperature is ideal for boating, diving, and sailing the Whitsunday Islands.

Australia Holidays | Snow Sports & Alpine Regions (The South)

Head to the high country for Australia's famous alpine resorts. The ski season typically runs from mid-June to early-October.

• The Snowy Mountains (NSW): Ski or snowboard at Australia's largest resort, Perisher, or enjoy the runs at Thredbo.
• Victorian Alps (VIC): Visit Falls Creek or Mount Hotham for downhill skiing, or try cross-country skiing at Mount Buffalo National Park.

Australia Holidays | Wildlife Spectacles: Whale Migration

Winter is the prime viewing period as Humpback and Southern Right whales migrate north from Antarctica to warmer waters.

• East Coast: Humpbacks travel up the coast toward Queensland's breeding grounds. Spots like Hervey Bay (QLD) and the coast around Sydney offer excellent viewing opportunities.
• West Coast: Margaret River (WA) and Augusta are known for viewing the interactions between Southern Right and Humpback Whales, particularly in June and July.
• Phillip Island (VIC): Spot Southern Right and Humpback Whales from May to October, often right off the coast.

Australia Hotels Recommendation