Introduction to Australian Bank Holidays 2026
Planning a trip to Australia from the UK in 2026? Understanding local bank holidays – more commonly called ‘public holidays’ in Australia – is essential. These are days when banks, government offices, and many businesses close, impacting travel, shopping, and events. Unlike the UK’s fixed bank holidays, Australia’s vary by state and territory, with some national dates observed everywhere.
This guide lists all key 2026 dates, explains substitutes for weekend falls, and compares them to UK bank holidays. With Easter in early April 2026 – a busy travel period – now’s the time to book flights and hotels. All dates align with the Gregorian calendar; always verify with official sources like Fair Work Australia or state government websites for local variations.
National Public Holidays in Australia 2026
These apply across all states and territories:
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January 2026
- Australia Day: Monday, 26 January 2026 (no substitute needed)
- Good Friday: Friday, 3 April 2026
- Easter Monday: Monday, 6 April 2026
- ANZAC Day: Saturday, 25 April 2026 (substitute Monday, 27 April 2026 in all jurisdictions)
- Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December 2026
- Boxing Day: Saturday, 26 December 2026 (substitute Monday, 28 December 2026)
Note: Easter Saturday (4 April) and Easter Sunday (5 April) are holidays in some states only. Substitute days shift holidays falling on weekends to the next Monday (or Tuesday if consecutive).
State and Territory-Specific Public Holidays 2026
Australia’s eight states and territories have unique additions. Here’s a breakdown:
New South Wales (NSW) and Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- New Year’s Day: 1 Jan
- Australia Day: 26 Jan
- Good Friday: 3 Apr
- Easter Saturday: 4 Apr
- Easter Monday: 6 Apr
- ANZAC Day: 27 Apr
- King’s Birthday: 8 Jun (second Monday in June)
- Labour Day: 5 Oct (first Monday in October)
- Christmas Day: 25 Dec
- Boxing Day substitute: 28 Dec
NSW and ACT share similar lists; ACT may add local days.
Victoria (VIC)
- New Year’s Day: 1 Jan
- Australia Day: 26 Jan
- Labour Day: 9 Mar (second Monday in March)
- Good Friday: 3 Apr
- Easter Sunday: 5 Apr
- Easter Monday: 6 Apr
- ANZAC Day: 27 Apr
- King’s Birthday: 8 Jun
- AFL Grand Final Day (if applicable): Around late Sep/early Oct
- Melbourne Cup Day: 3 Nov (first Tuesday in November)
- Christmas Day: 25 Dec
- Boxing Day substitute: 28 Dec
Victoria treats Easter Sunday as a full public holiday.
Queensland (QLD)
- New Year’s Day: 1 Jan
- Australia Day: 26 Jan
- Labour Day: 2 Mar (first Monday in March)
- Good Friday: 3 Apr
- Easter Monday: 6 Apr
- ANZAC Day: 27 Apr
- King’s Birthday: 5 Oct (first Monday in October)
- Christmas Day: 25 Dec
- Boxing Day substitute: 28 Dec
Southern Queensland may observe extra dates; confirm locally.
South Australia (SA)
- New Year’s Day: 1 Jan
- Australia Day: 26 Jan
- Good Friday: 3 Apr
- Easter Saturday: 4 Apr (in some areas)
- Easter Monday: 6 Apr
- ANZAC Day: 27 Apr
- King’s Birthday: Expected 8 Jun (second Monday June; confirm as dates vary)
- Adelaide Cup Day: Around 13 Apr (regional)
- Christmas Day: 25 Dec
- Boxing Day/Proclamation Day substitute: 28 Dec
SA often proclaims additional days.
Western Australia (WA)
- New Year’s Day: 1 Jan
- Australia Day: 26 Jan
- Labour Day: 2 Mar (first Monday March)
- Good Friday: 3 Apr
- Easter Monday: 6 Apr
- ANZAC Day: 27 Apr
- King’s Birthday: 28 Sep (last Monday September)
- Christmas Day: 25 Dec
- Boxing Day substitute: 28 Dec
WA has fewer mid-year holidays.
Tasmania (TAS)
- New Year’s Day: 1 Jan
- Australia Day: 26 Jan
- Eight Hours Day (Labour Day): 9 Mar (second Monday March)
- Good Friday: 3 Apr
- Easter Monday: 6 Apr
- ANZAC Day: 27 Apr
- King’s Birthday: 8 Jun
- Christmas Day: 25 Dec
- Boxing Day substitute: 28 Dec
Regional shows add August dates.
Northern Territory (NT)
- New Year’s Day: 1 Jan
- Australia Day: 26 Jan
- Good Friday: 3 Apr
- Easter Monday: 6 Apr
- ANZAC Day: 27 Apr
- May Day: 4 May
- King’s Birthday: 8 Jun
- Picnic Day: 3 Aug (first Monday August)
- Christmas Day: 25 Dec
- Boxing Day substitute: 28 Dec
NT includes unique May Day.
Comparing Australian and UK Bank Holidays 2026
As a UK-focused guide, here’s how Australia’s stack up against 2026 UK bank holidays (sourced from official references):
UK-wide:
- New Year’s Day: Thursday 1 January 2026
- Good Friday: Friday 3 April 2026
- Easter Monday: Monday 6 April 2026 (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)
- Early May: Monday 4 May 2026
- Spring: Monday 25 May 2026
- Summer: England/Wales/NI Monday 31 August 2026; Scotland Monday 3 August 2026
- Christmas Day: Friday 25 December 2026
- Boxing Day substitute: Monday 28 December 2026
Scotland extras: 2 January (Friday), St Andrew’s Day (Monday 30 November).
Similarities: Shared New Year’s, Easter, and Christmas timing. Both shift weekend Boxing Days.
Differences: Australia celebrates Australia Day (no UK equivalent) and ANZAC instead of UK’s May/Spring/Summer banks. No UK-wide August holiday like Australia’s state summers. Scotland’s 2 January beats Australia’s lack of it.
UK has more even spread; Australia’s cluster around Easter and Christmas.
Travel Tips for UK Visitors in 2026
- Easter April 2026: Expect crowds 3-6 April. Book Sydney Harbour or Great Barrier Reef early – flights from Heathrow via Qantas or BA fill fast.
- Avoid Peak Closures: Skip Sydney NYD fireworks or Melbourne Cup if you need services open.
- Business Travel: Banks shut on publics; plan meetings around them.
- Visas & Flights: Brits get ETA visas easily. Time differences: 8-10 hours ahead.
- Best Times: Visit post-Easter or June-July for fewer closures.
- Currency: AUD; ATMs work on holidays but shops may not.
Check gov.uk for FCDO advice and business.gov.au for holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Australian bank holidays the same nationwide? No, states differ – e.g. VIC’s Melbourne Cup vs WA’s September King’s Birthday.
Do substitutes apply everywhere? Yes for national days like ANZAC and Boxing.
How do they compare to UK for family trips? UK’s extra May holidays suit staycations; Australia’s suit beach breaks but watch Easter.
Verify Dates: Laws change; use state sites (e.g. nsw.gov.au, vic.gov.au).
This 2026 guide helps UK travellers organise seamlessly. Safe journeys Down Under! (Word count: 1058)