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Feeling like you need a holiday? It’s time to get excited and start packing your bags! We’ve scoured the 2026 calendar to uncover the ultimate way to make the most of your annual leave.
We’ve done the hard work so you can sit back, relax and start planning your time off. Discover how 22 days of annual leave can stretch into a huge 53 days of holidays in 2026. More time to explore, unwind and make memories!
A quick note before we dive in: this careful analysis is based on Brisbane public holidays and assumes a standard Monday-to-Friday work schedule. Part-timers and shift workers – you'll have to work out how to best hack your own leave.
Summer holidays
Public holidays: Monday 26 January (Australia Day) 2026
Days to take annual leave: Wednesday 21 – Friday 23 January
Using three days of annual leave days earns you a six-day long weekend, what a way to start the new year. There’s a lot you can squeeze into six days, especially when the summer sun is shining brightly!
Where to go: With delicious food, colourful temples, great shopping and bar hopping, Kuala Lumpur is a buzzing place to explore for a mini-vacay.
Easter adventure
Public holidays: Friday 3 April (Good Friday), Monday 6 April (Easter Monday) 2026
Days to take annual leave: Tuesday 7 – Friday 10 April
You only need four annual leave days to take a 10-day holiday this year.
Where to go: If you're looking to escape overseas for your 10-day adventure, consider heading to a dream destination in the South Pacific for beautiful beaches, lush mountain ranges and warm hospitality.
Post-Easter getaway
Public holidays: Monday 4 May (Labour Day) 2026 (Queensland only)
Days to take annual leave: Tuesday 5 – Friday 8 May
If you were left craving another nine-day break from work, then you're in luck. Thanks to Labour Day you can turn four days of annual leave into another nine-day holiday.
Where to go: Who said that you need to head overseas to enjoy your holiday when there is so much in our own backyard to see. Why not book an island escape in Australia and uncover stunning scenery, epic walks, beaches and gourmet food trails.
The People’s Day Week
Public holiday: Wednesday 12 August (Royal Queensland Show) 2026 (Brisbane only)
Days to take annual leave: Monday 10 & Tuesday 11 August, Thursday 13 & Friday 14 August
There are public holiday show days throughout the year in different regions of Queensland, the most famous being the Ekka People’s Day public holiday in Brisbane. In 2026, this day falls on Wednesday 12 August, meaning you could turn four days of annual leave into nine days of holidays.
Where to go: If you're looking for a mid-year trip to the snow then it's the perfect time of the year to visit New Zealand. We've already done some of the long weekend in New Zealand planning for you, leaving you with five-six days to fill the gaps with your nine days of holidays.
Spring fling
Public holiday: Monday 5 October (King's Birthday) 2026 (Queensland only)
Days to take annual leave: Tuesday 6 – Friday 9 October
In Queensland, the King’s Birthday falls on 5 October, and marks the end of the school holidays. Turn four days of annual leave into a nine-day spring fling.
Where to go: Spring wildflowers are in bloom in Uluru, making it an ideal time to explore the heartland of our beautiful land. From ancient Aboriginal culture to star gazing under pitch black skies, this is one unmissable destination.
Festive escape
Public holiday: Friday 25 December (Christmas Day), Monday 28 December (Boxing Day deferred holiday) 2026 and Friday 1 January (New Year's Day) 2027
Days to take annual leave: Tuesday 29 – Thursday 31 December
This is your chance to turn three days of annual leave into an 10-day getaway. You may decide to visit family or loved ones… or you might get as far away from them as you can. Either way – you will have a fabulous time!
Where to go: Looking for a getaway where you need to dust off the passport? Why not escape to Los Angeles for a Hollywood-worthy city getaway? Or if you’re up for more adventure, check out our guide to the beautiful islands of Palau.