By strategically adjusting your vacations around public holidays, you can maximise the benefits of your annual leave!
Public holidays are peak travel periods, so we typically advise those with plans to submit their annual leave requests as early as possible.
NSW Public Holidays in 2026
| Holiday | 2026 Date |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Thursday, 1 January 2026 |
| Australia Day | Monday, 26 January 2026 |
| Good Friday | Friday, 3 April 2026 |
| Easter Saturday | Saturday, 4 April 2026 |
| Easter Sunday | Sunday, 5 April 2026 |
| Easter Monday | Monday, 6 April 2026 |
| Anzac Day | Saturday, 25 April 2026 |
| King’s Birthday | Monday, 8 June 2026 |
| Bank Holiday | Monday, 3 August 2026 |
| Labour Day | Monday, 5 October 2026 |
| Christmas Day | Friday, 25 December 2026 |
| Boxing Day | Saturday, 26 December 2026 |
| Additional Day | Monday, 28 December 2026 |
https://www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au/public-holidays/public-holidays-in-nsw/
Best times in 2026 to take annual leave
To maximise your time off and create an extended weekend by combining annual leave with weekends and public holidays, we’ve prepared a guide to help you make the most of your annual leave allocation efficiently. Here are some smart strategies to consider.
| Holiday | Suggested Leave Dates | Total Days Off | Annual Leaves |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 – 4 January | 4 days | Take leave on Friday, 2 January to enjoy a 4-day break. |
| Australia Day | 26 – 29 January | 4 days | Take leave on Friday, 29 January after the public holiday. |
| Easter (Good Friday to Easter Monday) | 6 – 10 April | 10 days (with 4 days leave) | Take leave from 6 – 10 April, covering the public holidays from 3 to 6 April. |
| Anzac Day | 25 April – 27 April | 3 days | Take leave on Friday, 24 April to get a 3-day weekend. |
| King’s Birthday | 8 – 12 June | 5 days | Take leave from 8 – 12 June for a 9-day break (with weekends). |
| Labour Day | 5 – 9 October | 5 days | Take leave from 5 – 9 October for a 9-day break. |
| Christmas & Boxing Day | 25 December – 3 January | 10 days (with 3 days leave) | Take leave from 29 December – 1 January for a long holiday stretch. |
Our Top tips for saving money when booking a holiday
Booking in advance can often help save money when it comes to travel. Here are some general guidelines:
| Travel Type | Recommended Booking Lead Time (To Save Money) |
|---|---|
| Domestic Flights | 1-3 months |
| International Flights | 2-8 months |
| Peak Season Flights | Closer to 6-8 months |
| Midweek Travel (Flights) | Consider Tuesdays or Wednesdays |
| Hotels | 1-3 months |
| Vacation Rentals | Several months |
| Hostels/Budget Accommodations | Few weeks to a month |
| Peak Season/Special Events (Accommodations) | Book well in advance |
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