Public holidays in Australia in 2026 include nationwide dates as well as holidays set by individual states and territories. The calendar below covers the dates common across the country; state, territory and regional calendars may include additional holidays or different arrangements.
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Next Public Holiday in Australia
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Public Holidays in Australia 2026
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Why Australian Public Holidays Vary by State and Territory
Each Australian state and territory sets its own public holidays. As a result, a date may be a public holiday in one part of Australia but not another. State and territory calendars can also include city or regional holidays. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s 2026 calendar provides separate lists for each jurisdiction.
For example, Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday are public holidays in several jurisdictions, but not everywhere. The additional Anzac Day public holiday on Monday 27 April applies in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and Western Australia; other jurisdictions observe Anzac Day on Saturday 25 April without that additional Monday holiday.
Boxing Day and the Additional Holiday
Boxing Day falls on Saturday 26 December in 2026. Monday 28 December is also a public holiday across the states and territories, although the official calendar may describe it as an additional or observed holiday. Check the relevant jurisdiction’s calendar for its local listing.
Public Holiday Work Entitlements
Under Australia’s National Employment Standards, employees have a right to be absent from work on a public holiday, subject to workplace rules about reasonable requests to work. Full-time and part-time employees who are absent on a public holiday are generally paid their base rate for their ordinary hours that day. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s public holidays fact sheet explains the rules and possible substitutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many nationwide public holiday dates are listed for Australia in 2026?
The database table lists eight dates common across Australia, counting 28 December as the additional Boxing Day public holiday. State and territory calendars may include further dates.
Are public holidays the same across Australia?
No. Each state and territory sets its own public holidays, and some calendars include regional or capital-city holidays.
Is Easter Saturday a public holiday throughout Australia?
No. Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday are public holidays in several Australian jurisdictions, but the dates do not apply uniformly across all states and territories.
Does Australia observe an additional Anzac Day holiday in 2026?
The Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and Western Australia have an additional public holiday on Monday 27 April 2026. Other states and territories list Anzac Day on Saturday 25 April without that additional Monday holiday.
Where can I check the public holidays for my location?
Use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s state and territory lists, then check the relevant government authority for local or regional holidays.
Official Sources for Public Holidays in Australia
- Fair Work Ombudsman: 2026 public holidays — state and territory holiday lists, including additional and observed dates.
- Fair Work Ombudsman: Public holidays fact sheet — National Employment Standards and workplace entitlements.
- ACT Government: 2026 public holidays — official Australian Capital Territory calendar.
- NSW Government: Public holidays — New South Wales holiday information.
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