Australia’s public holidays can be simple at the national level, but change dramatically once you look state by state. That’s why searches like 'public holiday NSW', 'public holiday Victoria', or 'public holiday WA' often show different results. Before we get into state differences, here are the national public holidays that apply across Australia.
National Public Holidays 2026
Australia’s national 2026 public holidays include the major dates shared across all states, such as New Year’s Day, Australia Day, Easter, ANZAC Day, Christmas and Boxing Day. With Easter falling early in April and Boxing Day landing on a Saturday, 2026 includes additional substitute holidays in most states.
State-by-State Public Holidays 2026
Below are all eight states and territories with their confirmed or pattern-based 2026 public holiday dates.
New South Wales (NSW) Public Holidays 2026
NSW follows the national holiday calendar with no major regional extras. Good Friday and Easter Sunday remain strict closure days, and 2026 includes a Monday substitute holiday on 28 December.
Victoria (VIC) Public Holidays 2026
Victoria includes national holidays plus state-specific ones like Labour Day, AFL Grand Final Friday, and Melbourne Cup Day. Boxing Day falls on a Saturday, giving VIC an extra holiday on 28 December.
Queensland (QLD) Public Holidays 2026
Queensland adds state holidays like Labour Day in May and the Royal Queensland Show (Brisbane only). It also observes the Day After Good Friday. A Monday substitute holiday applies on 28 December.
Western Australia (WA) Public Holidays 2026
WA follows its own schedule with holidays like Labour Day in March and WA Day in June. ANZAC Day falling on a Saturday gives WA an extra holiday on 27 April, and 28 December is a substitute for Boxing Day.
South Australia (SA) Public Holidays 2026
South Australia features unique holidays like Adelaide Cup Day, Proclamation Day and part-day holidays on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Boxing Day and Proclamation Day overlap in 2026, with Monday 28 December as the substitute.
Tasmania (TAS) Public Holidays 2026
Tasmania’s holidays vary by region, with events like Royal Hobart Regatta, Hobart Show and Recreation Day. Easter lands early April, and a Monday substitute holiday applies on 28 December.
Northern Territory (NT) Public Holidays 2026
The NT includes national holidays along with May Day and Picnic Day. It also keeps its unique part-day holidays for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Boxing Day’s Saturday timing means an extra holiday on 28 December.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Public Holidays 2026
The ACT has the national holidays plus Canberra Day and Reconciliation Day. Easter falls in early April, and because Boxing Day is on a Saturday in 2026, the ACT gets a substitute holiday on Monday, 28 December.
What’s Open on Public Holidays in Australia (Useful Version)
If you're trying to work out “are shops open tomorrow public holiday”, here's what typically happens across Australia:
Shops
- NSW, Victoria, ACT, Tasmania
Most shopping centres and supermarkets open, though smaller shops may reduce hours. - Queensland
Open in most areas, but hours depend on local council rules. - Western Australia
Strictest trading laws. Large retailers often require approval to open. - South Australia
Adelaide CBD usually opens; suburbs often remain closed or restricted.
Transport
- Trains (national)
Most states switch to a weekend or public holiday timetable, meaning fewer trains and slightly longer waiting times. - Buses
Also, follow a reduced or Sunday-style schedule. Some routes stop earlier than usual at night. - Ferries (Sydney, Brisbane, Perth)
Run less frequently and mainly follow a holiday timetable. Great for tourists, but peak-hour services are usually removed.
In short: transport still runs, but it’s slower and less frequent, perfect for sightseeing, not ideal for tight schedules.
Others
- Beaches & Parks
Always open. Public holidays are some of the busiest days at Bondi, St Kilda, Cottesloe, and Surfers Paradise. - Zoos, Aquariums & Museums
Most remain open, sometimes with extended hours or special events (especially during Easter or Australia Day weekends). - Government Services
Closed nationwide, this includes post offices, Medicare centres, and most local council offices. - Schools
Closed on all public holidays.
This gives travellers and locals clear expectations, without sending them into a planning blackout.
Is ANZAC Day a Public Holiday in 2026?
Yes, ANZAC Day is a public holiday on Saturday, 25 April 2026.
How each state treats the Monday varies:
- NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, NT, ACT
Only the Saturday is a public holiday. - Queensland & South Australia
Some workplaces observe Monday as a substitute, depending on the sector. - Western Australia
WA usually provides an additional Monday public holiday.
This variation is why ANZAC Day often triggers high search volume, people want to know whether they get a long weekend or not.
Making Holiday Trips Easier with Eskimo
Public holidays are some of the busiest travel days of the year, airport queues grow, domestic flights fill fast, and events draw crowds across the country. If you're planning a trip across Australia or heading overseas during one of these breaks, having fast and reliable data makes planning much easier.
Eskimo offers simple, immediate eSIM options you can activate right from your phone:
Staying within Australia? Choose the Australia eSIM for seamless coverage across all states and territories.
Visiting nearby destinations like New Zealand, Japan, or Southeast Asia? The APAC eSIM covers popular regional destinations under one plan.
Travelling further, Europe, the US, or multiple continents? Use the Global eSIM for stress-free data in 100+ countries.
FAQs
How many public holidays does Australia have in 2026?
Nationally, there are 10, but states add their own, NSW, VIC, QLD, and WA can have 11–13, depending on regional days.
Is ANZAC Day a public holiday?
Yes, it’s nationally observed on 25 April, with some states offering a Monday holiday.
Are shops open on public holidays?
Usually yes, but WA and SA have stricter laws.
Do trains run on public holidays?
Yes, but on reduced timetables.
Is there a public holiday on Monday?
Yes, many holidays fall on Mondays, including Labour Day, King’s Birthday, and substitute days.
