By strategically adjusting your vacations around public holidays, you can maximise the benefits of your annual leave!
To ensure you don’t miss out on anything important, our guide puts together a list of QLD public holidays 2026 and important dates for your calendar.
QLD Public Holidays 2026
| Date | Day | Public Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 26 Jan | Monday | Australia Day |
| 3 Apr | Friday | Good Friday |
| 4 Apr | Saturday | Day following Good Friday |
| 5 Apr | Sunday | Easter Sunday |
| 6 Apr | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 25 Apr | Saturday | Anzac Day |
| 4 May | Monday | Labour Day |
| 12 Aug | Wednesday | Ekka Wednesday * |
| 5 Oct | Monday | King’s Birthday |
| 24 Dec | Thursday | Christmas Eve * |
| 25 Dec | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 26 Dec | Saturday | Boxing Day |
| 28 Dec | Monday | Boxing Day Holiday |
Best Time to Take Leave in Queensland in 2026
| Leave Period | Public Holidays | Days to Take Off | Total Time Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan – 4 Jan | New Year’s Day (Thu, 1 Jan) | 1 day (Fri, 2 Jan) | 4 days (Thu–Sun) |
| 24 Jan – 1 Feb | Australia Day (Mon, 26 Jan) | 4 days (27–30 Jan) | 9 days (Sat–Sun) |
| 3 Apr – 12 Apr | Easter (3–6 Apr), Anzac Day (Sat, 25 Apr) | 4 days (7–10 Apr) | 10 days (Fri–Sun) |
| 2 May – 4 May | Labour Day (Mon, 4 May) | No leave needed | 3 days (Sat–Mon) |
| 8 Aug – 16 Aug | Ekka Wednesday (Wed, 12 Aug) | 4 days (10, 11, 13, 14 Aug) | 9 days (Sat–Sun) |
| 3 Oct – 11 Oct | King’s Birthday (Mon, 5 Oct) | 4 days (6–9 Oct) | 9 days (Sat–Sun) |
| 19 Dec – 28 Dec | Christmas (Fri, 25 Dec), Boxing Day (Sat, 26 Dec) | 4 days (21–24 Dec) | 10 days (Sat–Mon) |
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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