Unlock the full potential of your leave in Australia in 2026

Published date: November 21, 2025

Turn 17 days of annual leave into 45 days on holiday

Taking regular breaks from work is essential to maintain productivity and well-being, and with some smart planning, you can stretch your annual leave for the end of 2025 and entering 2026, for optimal downtime. By combining your paid time off with weekends and public holidays, you’ll multiply your vacation days and return to work feeling recharged and ready to perform at your best.

Why taking your annual leave matters

Annual leave is a standard benefit for full-time employees in Australia, providing a dedicated time to step back, unwind, and recover. When used strategically, it not only enhances personal well-being but also boosts productivity, enabling you to return with a fresh perspective. Let’s explore how to use your leave effectively to get the most out of each break.

How to maximise your annual leave in 2026

Aligning annual leave days with public holidays is a fantastic way to extend your vacations without needing additional days off. Here’s a guide to taking strategic breaks across the year to stretch your leave and enjoy more time off.

Christmas 2025 and New Year’s 2026 – Book seven days, get 16 days off

With Christmas Day falling on Thursday 25 December 2025 and New Year’s Day on Thursday 1 January 2026, a strategic combination of annual leave and public holidays can provide a generous break.

Book seven days: Take leave on 22–24 December 2025, 29–31 December 2025, and 2 January 2026.

Your break: This will give you a total of 16 days off, from Saturday, 20 December, until Sunday, 4 January.

Australia Day 2026 – Book one day, get 4 days off

Australia Day in 2026 falls on Monday, 26 January 2026. Taking one additional day off provides an extended weekend.

Book one day: Take Friday, 23 January as annual leave.

Your break: Enjoy a long weekend from Friday, 23 January, to Monday, 26 January.

Easter 2025 – Book four days, get 10 days off

In 2026, Easter falls in early April, with Good Friday on 3 April and Easter Monday on 6 April. By taking a few days off, you can enjoy an extended break.

Book four days: Take leave on 7-10 April.

Your break: You’ll enjoy a 10-day holiday from Friday 3 April to Sunday 12 April 2026.

King’s Birthday 2026 – Book one day, get four days off

ACT, NSW, NT, SA, TAS, & VIC only

For these states, the King’s Birthday public holiday falls on Monday, 8 June. By taking off the preceding Friday, you create a long weekend.

Book one day: Take leave on Friday, 5 June.

Your break: You’ll have a four-day weekend from Friday 5 June to Monday 8 June 2026.

Labour Day 2026 – Book one day, get 4 days off

Labour Day dates vary by state in Australia. For example, in Queensland, it falls on Monday, 4 May, while in New South Wales, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory, it’s on Monday, 5 October. Taking an additional day off allows you to maximize this break.

Book one day (example in NSW/ACT/SA): Take Friday, 2 October.

Your break: Create a long weekend from Friday, 2 October, to Monday, 5 October.

Christmas and New Year 2026-27 – Book seven days, get 16 days off

With both Christmas Day and New Year falling on a Friday, a few extra days off can turn your holidays into a much longer break.

Book seven days: Take leave on 21-24 and 29-31 December 2026.

Your break: This results in 16 days off from Saturday, 19 December, through Sunday, 3 January 2027.

Additional tips for your annual leave in 2026

Plan ahead: Locking in dates early ensures you’ll get your desired days off and can even help your workplace prepare for your absence.

Consider regional holidays: Australia has various regional holidays, depending on location. These can add to your break potential, so check the specific holidays for your area.

National Australian public holidays in 2026:

Thursday, 1 January: New Year's Day

Monday, 26 January: Australia Day

Friday, 3 April: Good Friday

Saturday, 4 April: Day following Good Friday

Sunday, 5 April: Easter Sunday

Monday, 6 April: Easter Monday

Saturday, 25 April: Anzac Day

Friday, 25 December: Christmas Day

Saturday, 26 December: Boxing Day

Monday, 28 December: Additional public holiday for Boxing Day

Other public holidays in Australia, declared by the state and territory governments:

Australian Capital Territory

Monday, 9 March: Canberra Day

Monday, 1 June: Reconciliation Day

Monday, 8 June: King's Birthday

Monday, 5 October: Labour Day

New South Wales

Monday, 8 June: King's Birthday

Monday, 5 October: Labour Day

Northern Territory

Monday, 4 May: May Day

Monday, 8 June: King's Birthday

Friday, 3 July: Alice Springs Show Day*

Friday, 10 July: Tennant Creek Show Day*

Friday, 17 July: Katherine Show Day*

Friday, 24 July: Darwin Show Day*

Monday, 3 August: Picnic Day

Friday, 14 August: Borroloola Show Day*

*Regional observance only

Queensland

Monday, 4 May: Labour Day

Wednesday, 12 August: Royal Queensland Show –Brisbane area only

Monday, 5 October: King's Birthday

South Australia

Monday, 9 March: Adelaide Cup Day

Monday, 8 June: King's Birthday

Monday, 5 October: Labour Day

Friday, 26 December: Proclamation Day

Tasmania

Wednesday, 7 January: Devonport Cup*

Monday, 9 February: Royal Hobart Regatta*

Wednesday, 25 February: Launceston Cup*

Tuesday, 3 March: King Island Show*

Monday, 9 March: Eight Hours Day

Friday, 1 May: AGFEST*

Monday, 8 June: King's Birthday

Friday, 2 October: Burnie Show*

Thursday, 8 October: Royal Launceston Show*

Friday, 16 October: Flinders Island Show*

Thursday, 22 October: Royal Hobart Show*

Monday, 2 November: Recreation Day*

Friday, 27 November: Devonport Show*

*Regional observance

Victoria

Monday, 9 March: Labour Day

Saturday, 4 April: Saturday before Easter Sunday

Monday, 8 June: King's Birthday

Friday, 25 September: AFL Grand Final

Tuesday, 3 November: Melbourne Cup Day

Western Australia

Monday, 2 March: Labour Day

Monday, 1 June: Western Australia Day

Monday, 28 September: King's Birthday*

In regional areas of Western Australia, the King's Birthday Public Holiday may be observed on a different date.

Summary: Your annual leave plan for 2026

Here’s a quick overview of the recommended dates to maximise your time off in 2026:

Public Holiday	Book leave on these dates	Total days off
Christmas, Boxing Day & New Year’s 25/26	22-24 Dec, 29-31 Dec, 2 Jan - 7 days of leave	16
Australia Day	23 January - 1 day of leave	4
Easter & ANZAC Day	7-10 April - 4 days of leave	10
King’s Birthday	5 June - 1 day of leave	4
Christmas, Boxing Day & New Year’s 26/27	21-24 Dec, 29-31 Dec - 7 days of leave	16

Plus, remember to check out the public holidays celebrated in your home state to find any further opportunities for you to extend your holiday and enjoy a 4-day weekend.

With this guide, you’ll make the most of your annual leave in 2026, giving yourself the time you need to rest, recharge, and make the most of the year ahead.

Want more career advice? Read more insights on our Career Advice page to help you plan your next move and make the most of your professional journey.

FAQs

How can I make the most of my annual leave in 2026?

To maximise your annual leave, align your time off with weekends and public holidays. Strategic planning, which includes taking a few extra days around long weekends, can stretch your leave further and give you extended breaks throughout the year.
Do public holidays vary between Australian states and territories?

Yes. While national holidays like Christmas, New Year’s Day, and ANZAC Day are celebrated across Australia, each state and territory also observes additional local holidays. Always check your state’s official calendar before booking your leave.
How many days of annual leave do full-time employees in Australia get?

Most full-time employees in Australia are entitled to four weeks (20 days) of paid annual leave per year, as set out by the National Employment Standards. Some industries or employers may offer additional entitlements.
When is the best time to plan my holidays for 2026?

The best times to plan are around Christmas and New Year, Easter, and the King’s Birthday weekend. These periods combine multiple public holidays with weekends, allowing you to enjoy up to 16 consecutive days off with minimal annual leave days used.