Bank holidays in Australia 2026, known locally as public holidays, are days when banks, government offices, and many businesses close. Unlike the UK’s more uniform bank holidays, Australia’s vary by state and territory, with some national observances. This guide covers all dates for 2026, helping UK visitors, expats, and businesses plan trips or operations. Dates are based on official projections, with Easter confirmed as Good Friday 3 April and Easter Monday 6 April.
National Public Holidays in Australia 2026
These apply across all states and territories:
New Year’s Day
Thursday, 1 January 2026. A nationwide celebration marking the new year. Similar to the UK, where it’s also a bank holiday on the same date. Expect fireworks and parties in cities like Sydney.
Australia Day
Monday, 26 January 2026. Commemorates the First Fleet’s arrival. Falls perfectly on a Monday—no substitute needed. UK travellers note this has no direct equivalent, unlike St George’s Day.
Good Friday
Friday, 3 April 2026. Part of Easter, a solemn day with services. Matches the UK date exactly.
Easter Monday
Monday, 6 April 2026. Follows Easter Sunday (5 April). Observed nationwide, aligning with England, Wales, and Northern Ireland’s bank holiday—but not Scotland.
ANZAC Day
Saturday, 25 April 2026. Honours war veterans. In most states (NSW, VIC, QLD, TAS, NT, ACT), if on a weekend, it’s observed on Monday 27 April for employees. Western Australia and South Australia typically hold services on the 25th without a substitute day off.
Christmas Day
Friday, 25 December 2026. Family gatherings and barbecues. Same as UK.
Boxing Day
Saturday, 26 December 2026. Sports and sales day. Substitute holiday on Monday, 28 December 2026 in most states, mirroring UK rules where applicable.
State-Specific Bank Holidays in Australia 2026
Australia’s eight states and territories add unique holidays. Here’s the full breakdown:
New South Wales (NSW)
- All nationals above.
- King’s Birthday: Monday, 8 June 2026 (second Monday in June).
- Labour Day: Monday, 5 October 2026 (first Monday in October).
- Total: 11 holidays. Sydney’s beaches are packed on Australia Day.
Victoria (VIC)
- Nationals.
- King’s Birthday: Monday, 8 June 2026.
- Labour Day: Monday, 9 March 2026 (second Monday in March).
- AFL Grand Final: Friday, 26 September 2026 (subject to confirmation; typically late September long weekend Friday).
- Total: 11-12. Melbourne’s trams run reduced services.
Queensland (QLD)
- Nationals (Easter Sunday also public in Brisbane/Gold Coast/SE region: Sunday, 5 April 2026).
- Labour Day: Monday, 4 May 2026 (first Monday in May).
- No statewide King’s Birthday; local ‘show days’ vary (e.g., Brisbane Royal Queensland Show ~August).
- Total: 10+. Queensland’s tropical north sees fewer closures.
South Australia (SA)
- Nationals.
- King’s Birthday: Monday, 8 June 2026 (second Monday June).
- Proclamation Day (Adelaide Cup Day link): Monday, 28 December 2026 (substitute if needed).
- Total: 10. Adelaide Festival vibes in March may extend festivities.
Western Australia (WA)
- Nationals.
- Labour Day: Monday, 2 March 2026 (first Monday March).
- King’s Birthday: Monday, 28 September 2026 (last Monday September).
- WA Day: Monday, 6 June 2026 (first Monday June).
- Total: 11. Perth’s Indian Ocean beaches ideal for UK escapees.
Tasmania (TAS)
- Nationals.
- King’s Birthday: Monday, 8 June 2026.
- Eight Hours Day (Labour Day): Monday, 9 March 2026 (second Monday March).
- Recreation Day: Monday, 2 February 2026 (first Monday February, northern TAS).
- Total: 11-12. Hobart’s cool climate suits UK visitors.
Northern Territory (NT)
- Nationals.
- King’s Birthday: Monday, 8 June 2026.
- May Day: Monday, 4 May 2026 (first Monday May).
- Picnic Day: Monday, 16 March 2026 (tenth Monday? Wait, usually first Mon August; confirm as Monday, 3 August 2026).
- Total: 11. Darwin’s wet season peaks around holidays.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- Same as NSW: King’s Birthday 8 June, no extra Labour Day.
- Total: 10. Canberra’s memorials quiet on ANZAC.
Impacts on Travel and Business
Bank holidays mean closed shops, banks, and transport changes. Flights operate but book early for Australia Day or Easter. Ferries and trains reduce; Sydney Harbour Bridge climbs sell out. Businesses: payroll must account for public holidays—double pay often applies. For UK firms trading with Australia, note time zones (8-10 hours ahead) and align with 28 December substitute.
Comparing Australian Bank Holidays to UK 2026
For UK readers, here’s how they stack up (UK dates from gov.uk):
| Date | Australia | UK (England/Wales/NI unless noted) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | New Year’s Day (Thu) | New Year’s Day (Thu) |
| 26 Jan | Australia Day (Mon) | - |
| 3 Apr | Good Friday (Fri) | Good Friday (Fri) |
| 6 Apr | Easter Monday (Mon) | Easter Monday (Mon) |
| 25/27 Apr | ANZAC Day (Sat/Mon sub) | - |
| 4 May | Some states Labour (Mon) | Early May (Mon) |
| 8 Jun | King’s Birthday many states (Mon) | - |
| 25 May | - | Spring bank (Mon) |
| 3 Aug | NT Picnic (Mon) | Scotland Summer (Mon) |
| 31 Aug | - | England/Wales/NI Summer (Mon) |
| 25-28 Dec | Christmas/Boxing/sub (Fri/Sat/Mon) | Christmas (Fri), Boxing (Sat→Mon 28 sub) |
Scotland extras: 2 Jan (Fri), no Easter Mon, St Andrew’s 30 Nov (Mon). Australia’s state variations echo UK’s nations. No UK equivalent for ANZAC, but Remembrance Sunday similar in spirit.
Tips for UK Travellers Planning 2026 Trips to Australia
- Easter (April 2026): Peak family travel; book Sydney Opera House tours early. Matches UK school hols.
- Winter Escape: King’s Birthday June long weekends—mild Sydney weather vs UK rain.
- Summer (Dec): Christmas barbecues on beaches; avoid 28 Dec closures.
- Visas: UK citizens get eVisitor for 90 days. Check state websites (e.g., nsw.gov.au) for updates.
- Driving: Left side like UK, but watch for road rules on holidays.
- Costs: Expect 20-30% hotel hikes on long weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bank holidays paid in Australia? Yes, penalty rates apply. Do shops open on holidays? Supermarkets often do; CBDs busier. 2026 Easter dates? Confirmed 3-6 April. Differences by state? Yes—QLD skips King’s Birthday statewide.
This 2026 guide (updated April context) ensures you’re prepared. For official confirmation, visit fairwork.gov.au or state sites. Safe travels Down Under! (Word count: 1058)