Australia’s national calendar includes 7 public holidays, but each state and territory adds its own, bringing the total to 10–13 days depending on where your employees work. The differences range from Melbourne Cup Day in Victoria to Picnic Day in the Northern Territory, and they directly affect payroll and scheduling. An employer who assumes all Australian employees share the same calendar will underpay workers and miss compliance obligations.
This guide maps the state-by-state variations for 2026 so you can manage your Australian workforce accurately.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult an employment lawyer for guidance specific to your organization.
Key Takeaways
- Australia has 7 national public holidays observed in all states
- Each state and territory adds 2–6 additional holidays
- Queen’s Birthday, Canberra Day, and Picnic Day vary by jurisdiction
- Some states substitute holidays when they fall on weekends
- Employers must track per-state holiday calendars for compliance
National Public Holidays (All States)
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Thursday |
| Australia Day | 26 January | Monday |
| Good Friday | 14 April | Friday |
| Easter Saturday | 15 April | Saturday |
| Easter Monday | 17 April | Monday |
| ANZAC Day | 25 April | Saturday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Friday |
| Boxing Day | 26 December | Saturday |
State-Specific Holidays
New South Wales (NSW)
| Additional Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Bank Holiday | First Monday in August |
| No additional state holidays | — |
NSW primarily observes national holidays. The Bank Holiday applies to banking and financial sector employees.
Victoria (VIC)
| Additional Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Melbourne Cup Day | First Tuesday in November |
| Labour Day | Second Monday in March |
Melbourne Cup Day is a public holiday in the Melbourne metropolitan area, making Victoria unique. The race stops a nation — literally.
Queensland (QLD)
| Additional Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) | Second Wednesday in August (varies by region) |
| Labour Day | First Monday in October |
Queensland’s Ekka holiday varies by region — Brisbane observes it but regional areas may not.
South Australia (SA)
| Additional Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Adelaide Cup Day | Second Monday in March |
| Proclamation Day | 26 December (if Boxing Day shifts) |
SA observes Adelaide Cup Day and has unique rules about Boxing Day substitution.
Western Australia (WA)
| Additional Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Western Australia Day | First Monday in June |
| Queen’s Birthday | Last Monday in September |
WA is the only state that moves the Queen’s Birthday to September, rather than June.
Tasmania (TAS)
| Additional Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Tasmanian Day | Second Monday in March |
| Eight Hours Day | Second Monday in March |
Tasmania celebrates the eight-hour workday movement with its own holiday.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
| Additional Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Canberra Day | Second Monday in March |
| Family & Community Day | First Monday in September |
ACT has two unique holidays reflecting its role as the national capital.
Northern Territory (NT)
| Additional Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Picnic Day | First Monday in August |
| Queen’s Birthday | Second Monday in June |
Picnic Day is a unique NT holiday that predates Federation.
Substitute Holidays in 2026
When public holidays fall on weekends in 2026:
| Holiday | Date | Falls On | Substitute |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANZAC Day | 25 April | Saturday | Check state rules |
| Boxing Day | 26 December | Saturday | Check state rules |
Different states handle substitutes differently. Some provide a Monday substitute automatically; others don’t. Check your state’s specific rules.
Payroll Implications
Public Holiday on an Ordinary Working Day
Employees are entitled to:
- Paid leave (day off at ordinary pay), OR
- Ordinary pay plus penalty rates (if required to work)
Penalty Rates by Industry
| Industry | Typical Penalty |
|---|---|
| Retail | 150% of ordinary rate |
| Hospitality | 150–200% |
| Healthcare | 150% |
| Construction | 200% |
| Public sector | 150–200% |
Casual Employees
Casual employees are entitled to paid leave on public holidays that fall on their ordinary working day, at their ordinary rate (not the casual loading).
What This Means for Employers
Build Per-State Calendars
Map each employee to their state’s specific holidays. A Melbourne employee gets Melbourne Cup Day; a Sydney employee does not.
Handle Substitute Holidays
When holidays fall on weekends, check your state for substitute day rules. Communicate clearly with employees.
Track Penalty Rates
If employees work on public holidays, ensure they receive the correct penalty rate per their award.
Update Annually
State holidays can change. Set a calendar reminder to review each January.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many holidays does each state have?
Most states have 10–13 public holidays per year. The total depends on national holidays plus state-specific additions.
Do all states observe Melbourne Cup Day?
No. Melbourne Cup Day is only a public holiday in the Melbourne metropolitan area of Victoria.
What happens when a public holiday falls on a weekend?
Different states handle this differently. Some provide a substitute Monday; others don’t. Check your state’s specific rules.
Are casual employees entitled to public holidays?
Yes. Casual employees are entitled to paid leave on public holidays that fall on their ordinary working day, at their ordinary rate.
How do penalty rates work?
Penalty rates vary by industry and award. Check your industry award for the exact rate. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes rates by award.