How Many National Public Holidays Does Australia Have in 2026

Australia’s holiday system can be confusing because there is no single nationwide count. Instead, Australia follows a combined model. Ten public holidays are recognised nationally, while each state and territory adds its own regional days. As a result, the total number of public holidays in 2026 depends on where you live.

Below is a full breakdown of Australia’s 2026 public holiday totals, how each state compares, and why these variations matter for workers, businesses, travellers and families.

Read more: 2026 Australia Calendar: All Public Holidays, Long Weekends, Observances and Key Events by State

How Many National Public Holidays Does Australia Have in 2026?

Australia has 10 national public holidays in 2026. These apply across all states and territories:

1. New Year’s Day

2. Australia Day

3. Good Friday

4. Holy Saturday

5. Easter Sunday* (not in every state)

6. Easter Monday

7. Anzac Day

8. King’s Birthday* (date differs in QLD and WA)

9. Christmas Day

10. Boxing Day

Because Easter Sunday varies by state, some regions count it as a public holiday while others do not. This creates minor differences in the national total depending on local regulations.

Total Public Holidays by State in 2026

Each state and territory adds its own set of regional holidays, from labour celebrations to community events and historical anniversaries. Here are the accurate totals for 2026, including national and state holidays combined.

**New South Wales (NSW)

Total public holidays in 2026: 11**
NSW has one main additional holiday: Labour Day in October.

**Victoria (VIC)

Total public holidays in 2026: 13**
Victoria’s higher number comes from Labour Day and the high profile Melbourne Cup Day.

**Queensland (QLD)

Total public holidays in 2026: 12**
Queensland shifts the King’s Birthday to October and includes Labour Day in May.

**Western Australia (WA)

Total public holidays in 2026: 12**
WA keeps unique dates for both Labour Day and the King’s Birthday and observes Western Australia Day in June.

**South Australia (SA)

Total public holidays in 2026: 13**
SA has several region specific holidays including Adelaide Cup Day, Volunteer Day and Proclamation Day.

**Tasmania (TAS)

Total public holidays in 2026: 12 to 13 depending on the region**
Tasmania splits holiday entitlements between the north and south.
South: Royal Hobart Regatta.
North: Recreation Day.

**Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Total public holidays in 2026: 13**
ACT’s additional holidays include Canberra Day and Reconciliation Day.

**Northern Territory (NT)

Total public holidays in 2026: 12**
Unique NT holidays include May Day and Picnic Day.

Which Australian State Has the Most Public Holidays in 2026?

In 2026, the states and territories with the highest number of public holidays are:

• Victoria: 13
• South Australia: 13
• Australian Capital Territory: 13

Tasmania’s total can also reach 13 depending on the region.

These areas benefit from rich cultural calendars and long standing local events that have been elevated to public holiday status over time.

States With the Fewest Public Holidays in 2026

New South Wales and the Northern Territory sit at the lower end with:

• NSW: 11 holidays
• NT: 12 holidays

While still offering a balanced year, these states have fewer region specific observances compared with Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.

Why Holiday Counts Differ Across Australia

Several factors shape the number of holidays in each state:

Historical events

Federation anniversaries, regatta traditions and regional race days influence local calendars.

Cultural identity

ACT has Reconciliation Day. Tasmania has unique north south splits. SA honours volunteers.

Climate and tourism timing

WA places the King’s Birthday in September to align with major events and better weather.

Economic and sporting significance

The Melbourne Cup, Adelaide Cup and Royal Hobart Regatta hold cultural and commercial weight.

These differences create a holiday landscape that reflects Australia’s regional diversity.

Do Substitute Holidays Affect the 2026 Totals?

Yes, substitute or “in lieu” holidays can adjust the final count. In 2026:

• Boxing Day falls on a Saturday, so many states will activate a substitute Monday.
• Anzac Day falls on a Saturday, and only some states offer a Monday replacement.

This means actual days off for workers may be slightly higher than the baseline total.

What Does This Mean for Workers and Businesses in 2026?

For workers

More holidays mean more long weekends, improved work life balance and additional travel opportunities.

For businesses

Holiday timing affects staffing, payroll, trading hours and seasonal demand planning. Industries like tourism, retail and hospitality must prepare for peak periods around Easter, Christmas and unique regional events.

For travellers

Understanding which states observe which holidays helps with planning flights, accommodation and crowd heavy events. Easter, Melbourne Cup Week and Christmas remain the most intense travel windows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many public holidays does Australia have nationally in 2026?

Australia has 10 national public holidays, though Easter Sunday varies by state.

2. Which state has the most public holidays in 2026?

Victoria, South Australia and the ACT lead with 13 public holidays each.

3. Which state has the fewest public holidays?

New South Wales has the fewest in 2026 with 11.

4. Does Anzac Day have a substitute day in 2026?

Only some states provide a substitute Monday. Others do not.

5. Why does the number of holidays differ by state?

Local traditions, historical events, cultural observances and legislative choices all play a role.

6. Do substitute holidays count as extra days off?

Yes. When holidays fall on weekends, many states assign a Monday substitute, effectively increasing the holiday count.

7. Are public holidays a good time to travel in Australia?

Yes, but expect higher prices and heavier crowds during Easter, Christmas and major state events.

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