Are you dreaming of more getaways in 2026? Imagine transforming your standard 20 days of annual leave into almost 60 days of adventure, relaxation, and new experiences. It's not a fantasy, it's an annual leave hack, and with a little strategic planning, you can make it your reality! At Oaks, we believe in making every moment of your holiday count, and with our prime locations and comfortable accommodations, we're here to help you truly maximise your 2026 holidays.
Ready to hack your work calendar and turn your annual leave into an epic year of travel? Let's dive into the best dates to book your time off in 2026 and discover some incredible Oaks destinations along the way!
Australian 2026 Public Holiday Cheat Sheet
This table shows the core national holidays, followed by state and territory-specific dates to maximise your annual leave in 2026.
| Holiday | Date in 2026 | Day of Week | Key To Maximising Leave |
| New Year's Day | 1 January | Thursday | Crucial for the 10-day Christmas/New Year's hack (2025/2026) |
| January Public Holiday | 26 January | Monday | Forms the base of the 9-day January break |
| Good Friday | 3 April | Friday | Part of the 10-day Easter break |
| Easter Saturday | 4 April | Saturday | Part of the 10-day Easter break |
| Easter Sunday | 5 April | Sunday | Part of the 10-day Easter break |
| Easter Monday | 6 April | Monday | Part of the 10-day Easter break |
| ANZAC Day | 25 April | Saturday | Observed on the day it falls (National). WA observes an extra holiday on Mon 27 April. |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Friday | Forms the start of the 12-day Christmas/New Year's hack (2026/2027) |
| Boxing Day | 26 December | Saturday | Observed on the day it falls. Additional holiday given on Monday, 28 December, in most states/territories. |
| Christmas Holiday (Substitute) | 28 December | Monday | Additional public holiday for Boxing Day (National in most states) |
State and Territory-Specific Australian 2026 Public Holidays
| State/Territory | Holiday | Date in 2026 | Day of Week | Leave Potential |
| WA | Labour Day | 2 March | Monday | Forms a 9-day break with 4 days leave |
| ACT, SA, TAS, VIC | Labour Day / Canberra Day / Eight Hours Day / Adelaide Cup Day | 9 March | Monday | Forms a 9-day break with 4 days leave |
| TAS | Easter Tuesday | 7 April | Tuesday | Public Service only, but key for a 12-day break with just 3 days leave |
| WA | ANZAC Day Holiday | 27 April | Monday | An additional long weekend for WA residents |
| NT, QLD | May Day / Labour Day | 4 May | Monday | Forms a 9-day break with 4 days leave |
| ACT, WA | Reconciliation Day / WA Day | 1 June | Monday | Creates extra-long weekends in these regions |
| ACT, NSW, NT, SA, TAS, VIC | King's Birthday | 8 June | Monday | Forms a 9-day break with 4 days leave |
| NT | Picnic Day | 3 August | Monday | Creates another long weekend for the Territory |
| NSW (Banks Only) | Bank Holiday | 3 August | Monday | Extra day for bank employees |
| QLD (Brisbane Area) | Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) | 12 August | Wednesday | Key for a 5-day winter break with 2 days leave |
| WA | King's Birthday | 28 September | Monday | Forms a 9-day break with 4 days leave in WA |
| ACT, NSW, SA | Labour Day | 5 October | Monday | Forms a 9-day break with 4 days leave |
| QLD | King's Birthday | 5 October | Monday | Forms a 9-day break with 4 days leave in QLD |
| VIC | AFL Grand Final Friday | TBA (Late Sept/Early Oct) | Friday | Date TBC (Typically the last Friday in September) |
| TAS | Recreation Day | 2 November | Monday | Creates an extra-long weekend |
| VIC | Melbourne Cup Day | 3 November | Tuesday | Key for a 4-day mini-break with 1 day leave |
Strategic Dates to Maximise Your Annual Leave in 2026
This comprehensive plan uses your full 20 days of annual leave for 2026, plus three carry-over days from 2025 (if that’s the case for you). In return, you’ll enjoy six meaningful breaks that together total nearly 60 days, including weekends. This makes for plenty of time to rest, travel, or simply reset.
1. Christmas 2025 & New Year 2026: Book 4 Days, Get 10 Days Off
- Public Holidays: Thursday 25 December 2025, Friday 26 December 2025, Thursday 1 January 2026
- Book Annual Leave: Monday 29, Tuesday 30, Wednesday 31 December 2025, and Friday 2 January 2026
- Your 10-Day Break: Wednesday 24 December 2025 – Sunday 4 January 2026
Kick off the new year with an extended summer break in Queensland! Imagine sailing through the Whitsundays or exploring the vibrant culture of a new city.
- Travel Inspiration: Escape the ordinary and soak up the sun in the stunning Whitsundays. With 10 days, you can truly unwind.
- Oaks Recommendation: Stay at Oaks Mackay Rivermarque Hotel for a perfect blend of comfort and convenience, offering a fantastic base to explore the region's natural beauty and a gateway to the Whitsundays. Alternatively, discover the magic of the Gold Coast with a stay at Oaks Gold Coast Hotel, enjoying pristine beaches and thrilling theme parks.
2. January Public Holiday 2026: Book 4 Days, Get 9 Days Off
- Public Holiday: Monday 26 January 2026
- Book Annual Leave: Tuesday 27 – Friday 30 January 2026
- Your 9-Day Break: Saturday 24 January – Sunday 1 February 2026
Start the year with a bang! A nine-day break in January is perfect for a refreshing trip.
- Travel Inspiration: Why not head north and explore the lush Daintree Rainforest or relax by the stunning beaches of Port Douglas?
- Oaks Recommendation: Immerse yourself in tropical paradise at Oaks Port Douglas Resort. With sprawling lagoon pools and close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree, it’s an ideal spot for a rejuvenating escape. Or perhaps a city escape to Perth, staying at Oaks Perth Hotel, to explore its vibrant urban scene and nearby Rottnest Island.
3. Easter & ANZAC Day 2026 Combined: Book 4 Days, Get 10 Days Off
- Public Holidays: Good Friday 3 April, Easter Monday 6 April, ANZAC Day (observed) Monday 27 April
- Book Annual Leave: Tuesday 7 – Friday 10 April 2026
- Your 10-Day Break: Friday 3 April – Sunday 12 April 2026
This is a fantastic opportunity for an early-year escape. Ten days gives you ample time to venture further afield or explore your own backyard in depth.
- Travel Inspiration: With 10 days, New Zealand is calling! Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Queenstown or the vibrant city life of Auckland.
- Oaks Recommendation: Discover the Land of the Long White Cloud with a stay at Oaks Auckland Harbour Suites. Positioned perfectly in the heart of the city, you're steps away from dining, shopping, and the beautiful harbour. For a serene Australian coastal escape, consider Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort for a luxurious stay with incredible resort amenities.
4. King's Birthday 2026: Book 4 Days, Get 9 Days Off
- Public Holiday: Monday 8 June 2026 (most states/territories, excludes QLD and WA)
- Book Annual Leave: Tuesday 9 – Friday 12 June 2026
- Your 9-Day Break: Saturday 6 June – Sunday 14 June 2026
A mid-year nine-day break is perfect for a winter warmer or an adventure to cooler climates.
- Travel Inspiration: Escape the winter chill with a trip to the Sunshine State's beautiful beaches or explore the cultural heart of Melbourne.
- Oaks Recommendation: Head to the iconic Sunshine Coast and relax at Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort in Caloundra. Enjoy stunning ocean views, family-friendly activities, and the relaxed coastal atmosphere. Alternatively, for a sophisticated city break, Oaks Melbourne on Market Hotel offers stylish accommodation in the heart of Melbourne's bustling CBD.
5. Labour Day 2026: Book 4 Days, Get 9 Days Off
- Public Holiday: Monday 5 October 2026 (NSW, SA, ACT)
- Book Annual Leave: Tuesday 6 – Friday 9 October 2026
- Your 9-Day Break: Saturday 3 October – Sunday 11 October 2026
Enjoy a glorious nine-day break in spring, perfect for enjoying warmer weather and blooming landscapes.
- Travel Inspiration: Embrace the beauty of regional Australia with a road trip through the wine regions of South Australia, or explore the vibrant city of Adelaide.
- Oaks Recommendation: Discover the charm of Adelaide with a stay at Oaks Adelaide Embassy Suites. Centrally located, it’s ideal for exploring the city's culinary scene, cultural attractions, and the nearby Barossa Valley. For those in Queensland, a nine-day break is perfect for exploring the natural wonders around Cairns from Oaks Cairns Hotel.
6. Christmas 2026 & New Year 2027: Book 3 Days, Get 12 Days Off
- Public Holidays: Friday 25 December 2026, Monday 28 December 2026, Friday 1 January 2027
- Book Annual Leave: Tuesday 29, Wednesday 30, Thursday 31 December 2026
- Your 12-Day Break: Thursday 24 December 2026 – Sunday 3 January 2027
End 2026 and welcome 2027 with an incredible 12-day celebration! This extended break is perfect for a truly memorable holiday experience.
- Travel Inspiration: Imagine celebrating Christmas and New Year in a bustling city like Sydney, enjoying world-famous fireworks, or indulging in a tranquil island escape.
- Oaks Recommendation: Experience the magic of Sydney's festive season with a stay at Oaks Sydney Goldsbrough Suites, offering spacious apartments close to Darling Harbour and iconic city attractions.
Why Maximise Your 2026 Annual Leave?
Four weeks of annual leave often feels barely enough, especially if you're planning a two-week break over Christmas and New Year. This leaves you with only a fortnight for another decent holiday during the year. However, with strategic planning, you can more than double your paid time off and unlock invaluable opportunities to recharge.
By cleverly positioning your annual leave dates adjacent to public holidays, you’ll expand your breaks significantly without having to resort to taking unpaid leave. These annual leave hacks for 2026 help you genuinely extend your holidays, giving you more time to recharge properly and return to work refreshed and invigorated.
Get planning with Oaks Hotels, the perfect stay for every getaway.
