Planning Annual Leave Around Australia Day
Australia Day is a national public holiday on 26 January. Sitting at the tail of summer and the school holidays, it is a natural anchor for an early-year break, and a mid-week 26 January is well worth bridging.
When 26 January falls on a weekend, a substitute public holiday is observed on the following Monday in every state and territory.
When Australia Day falls, by state
| State / Territory | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | Mon 26 Jan 2026 (Australia Day) | Tue 26 Jan 2027 (Australia Day) |
| Victoria | Mon 26 Jan 2026 (Australia Day) | Tue 26 Jan 2027 (Australia Day) |
| Queensland | Mon 26 Jan 2026 (Australia Day) | Tue 26 Jan 2027 (Australia Day) |
| Western Australia | Mon 26 Jan 2026 (Australia Day) Mon 1 Jun 2026 (Western Australia Day) | Tue 26 Jan 2027 (Australia Day) Mon 7 Jun 2027 (Western Australia Day) |
| South Australia | Mon 26 Jan 2026 (Australia Day) | Tue 26 Jan 2027 (Australia Day) |
| Tasmania | Mon 26 Jan 2026 (Australia Day) | Tue 26 Jan 2027 (Australia Day) |
| Australian Capital Territory | Mon 26 Jan 2026 (Australia Day) | Tue 26 Jan 2027 (Australia Day) |
| Northern Territory | Mon 26 Jan 2026 (Australia Day) | Tue 26 Jan 2027 (Australia Day) |
Dates verified Sun 28 Jun 2026 against the Fair Work Ombudsman and state/territory sources.
How to bridge Australia Day (2026)
- New South Wales: Australia Day (Mon 26 Jan 2026) already anchors a 3-day run off (Sat 24 Jan 2026 to Mon 26 Jan 2026) — bridge the working days on either side to extend it.
- Victoria: Australia Day (Mon 26 Jan 2026) already anchors a 3-day run off (Sat 24 Jan 2026 to Mon 26 Jan 2026) — bridge the working days on either side to extend it.
- Queensland: Australia Day (Mon 26 Jan 2026) already anchors a 3-day run off (Sat 24 Jan 2026 to Mon 26 Jan 2026) — bridge the working days on either side to extend it.
- Western Australia: Western Australia Day (Mon 1 Jun 2026) already anchors a 3-day run off (Sat 30 May 2026 to Mon 1 Jun 2026) — bridge the working days on either side to extend it.
- South Australia: Australia Day (Mon 26 Jan 2026) already anchors a 3-day run off (Sat 24 Jan 2026 to Mon 26 Jan 2026) — bridge the working days on either side to extend it.
- Tasmania: Australia Day (Mon 26 Jan 2026) already anchors a 3-day run off (Sat 24 Jan 2026 to Mon 26 Jan 2026) — bridge the working days on either side to extend it.
- Australian Capital Territory: Australia Day (Mon 26 Jan 2026) already anchors a 3-day run off (Sat 24 Jan 2026 to Mon 26 Jan 2026) — bridge the working days on either side to extend it.
- Northern Territory: Australia Day (Mon 26 Jan 2026) already anchors a 3-day run off (Sat 24 Jan 2026 to Mon 26 Jan 2026) — bridge the working days on either side to extend it.
Related guides
Other holidays: Easter · Christmas & New Year · King's Birthday · Anzac Day · Labour Day.
By state: New South Wales · Victoria · Queensland · Western Australia · South Australia · Tasmania · Australian Capital Territory · Northern Territory.
Or read the complete strategy guide.