Australia Public Holiday Planner
See public holidays by state and territory for 2025 and 2026. Includes state-specific holidays and leave maximiser tips to get the most time off.
Select Your Location
New South Wales - 2026
10 public holidays
National Public Holidays
State-Specific: Queen's Birthday
State/Territory-Specific Holidays
Bank Holiday (NSW) - Financial sector only
Leave Maximiser Tips
Here's how to get the most days off with minimal leave taken:
- +Take 3 days around Easter (Good Fri + Sat + Mon = 4 days off)
- +Take 1 day before ANZAC (Fri) if it falls on Sat: 3 days off
- +Take Christmas Eve: bridges to 4-day break
Important Notes
- *Some holidays vary by region. Confirm with your employer.
- *If a public holiday falls on a weekend, there may be a substitute day on Monday (varies by state).
- *Banking and financial sectors may have different holiday rules.
- *Emergency services and essential services may not observe all public holidays.
- *Retail may require shift penalties rather than the day off.
Australian Public Holidays Vary by State
Australia has eight federal public holidays (New Year's Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, ANZAC Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, plus Easter Saturday in some states), but states add their own. WA has Western Australia Day. Victoria has Melbourne Cup Day and AFL Grand Final Eve. NSW has Bank Holiday. Queensland has Labour Day on a different date than other states.
Approximately 11 public holidays per year in most states - one of the higher counts in OECD countries. Plus state-specific show days (Brisbane Ekka, Sydney Royal Easter Show, Adelaide Show) recognised regionally as public holidays in their hosting cities only. Always check your specific state's holiday calendar.
Long Weekend Strategy
Strategic annual leave can multiply each public holiday into 4-day weekends. Easter (Good Friday + Easter Monday) automatically creates a 4-day break. ANZAC Day (April 25) often near Easter, allowing combined breaks. Queens Birthday (June, varies by state) combined with leave creates 9-day breaks.
Pattern for Australian workers: 20 annual leave days per year, often used in 2-week summer block plus 4-5 long weekends. Strategic mid-week public holidays (when bridging with annual leave) get the most stretch. The 'Christmas-New Year shutdown' between 25 December and Australia Day (26 January) often consumes 3-4 weeks of company-wide closure.
Working on Public Holidays
Most Australian award rates pay penalty rates for working public holidays - typically 200-250% of regular hourly rate (double-time-and-a-half). Many awards specify mandatory time-off-in-lieu plus penalty rates as alternatives. Specific rates depend on the industry award - retail, hospitality, healthcare all have detailed rules.
Some industries are exempt from penalty rates (highly paid salaried positions, some professionals). Christmas Day and Easter Sunday have stricter trading hours in many states - many shops close completely. ANZAC Day morning (until noon) has limited trading in most states out of respect.
Planning Around Holidays
Holiday rosters in retail, hospitality, healthcare are typically requested 6-8 weeks in advance. Bookings: hotels, restaurants, attractions all surge for long weekends - book 4-8 weeks ahead for popular destinations. Air travel: domestic flights spike 30-50% during long weekend periods.
School holidays don't always align with public holidays in Australia (4 separate state-based school calendars). The 'right' school holiday week to travel varies by state - check before booking. Use the [Australia Pay Calculator](/australia-pay-calculator) for budget context including penalty rate income calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Australia Day?
January 26 every year. Date is fixed regardless of day of week. Many states observe a 'public holiday in lieu' on the following Monday if the 26th falls on weekend, with the actual celebration on the 26th itself.
Are public holidays paid?
For permanent employees: yes, paid at ordinary rate as if you worked. For casuals: only paid if you work the holiday (at penalty rates). Part-timers: paid for hours they would normally work that day. Award conditions matter - check specific award.
What if a public holiday falls on a weekend?
Typically a 'public holiday in lieu' observed on the following Monday. NSW, Victoria, Queensland generally observe this. Some holidays (Anzac Day) fall on a Saturday and don't always trigger a Monday observance. Check the specific year's published holidays.
Do banks open on public holidays?
No, banks close on all federal and state public holidays. Online banking and ATMs work normally. Major holidays around Christmas/New Year see banks closed for multiple consecutive days. Plan ahead for any in-person banking needs.
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