How to get the most out of public holidays in 2025

Looking for that extra time off in 2025? With a little smart planning, you can stretch around 20 days annual leave into over 50 days off to maximise your holidays and some well-deserved downtime. To get you on your way, we’ve put together all the public holidays across both Australia and the states and territories for an extended stay in the destination of your choice - with some suggested getaways added for good measure.

2025 public holidays in Australia

Australia has around nine public holidays around the country each year - here’s all the major national public holidays in 2025, with a breakdown of how to hack your annual leave and get the maximum number of days off for each.

• New Year’s Day: Wednesday 1 January
• Australia Day: Sunday 26 January (Monday 27 January is the public holiday in lieu)
• Good Friday: Friday 18 April Easter Sunday: Sunday 20 April
• Easter Monday: Monday 21 April
• ANZAC Day: Friday 25 April
• King’s Birthday: Monday 9 June (except for Western Australia and Queensland)
• Christmas Day: Thursday 25 December
• Boxing Day: Friday 26 December

How to maximise annual leave

• Public Holiday: Wednesday 1 January
• Suggested Leave: Take 2 days off (Thursday 2 January and Friday 3 January)
• Break Period: 30 December 2024 to 5 January 2025
• Total Days Off: 7 days (with 2 days of annual leave)

New Year’s Day falls in the middle of the week, so make the most of this by booking leave for the two days after New Year's. This turns the one-day public holiday into a seven-day break if you include the previous weekend (28-29 December 2024) and the weekend after New Year’s Day (4-5 January 2025). A great way to recover from the festive season - or kick start the year with a quick getaway.

• Public Holiday: Monday 27 January (in lieu of Sunday 26 January)
• Suggested Leave: Monday 27 January (in lieu of Sunday 26 January)
• Break Period: 25 January to 2 February 
• Total Days Off: 9 days (with 4 days of annual leave)

Get ready for an extended BBQ and an extra dip in the ocean. Australia Day in 2025 falls on a Sunday, meaning you’ll have Monday off as the public holiday. By booking the remaining four days of that week off, you can extend this into a nine-day break. Perfect for a summer holiday while the weather is still warm.

• Public Holiday: Friday 18 April (Good Friday) and Monday 21 April (Easter Monday)
• Suggested Leave: Take 4 days off (Tuesday 22 April to Friday 25 April)
• Break Period: 18 - 27 April
• Total Days Off: 10 days (with 4 days of annual leave)

In 2025 the Easter Bunny gives us one of the best opportunities for a long break. By taking just four days off after Easter Monday, you’ll get a irresistable 10 day holiday, from Good Friday (18 April) to Sunday 27 April. This extended break is ideal for discovering a new destination in Australia or enjoying that getaway you’ve been longing for.

 

ANZAC Day

• Public Holiday: Friday 25 April
• Suggested Leave: No additional leave required
• Break Period: 25 - 27 April
• Total Days Off: 3 days (no annual leave required)

ANZAC Day falls on a Friday in 2025, giving you a simple three day weekend without the need for additional leave. This can be a short recharge period. Perfect for a local getaway.

 

King’s Birthday

• Public Holiday: Monday 9 June (for most states and territories)
• Suggested Leave: Take 4 days off (Tuesday 10 June to Friday 13 June)
• Break Period: 7 - 15 June
• Total Days Off: 9 days (with 4 days of annual leave)

With the King’s Birthday holiday landing on a Monday, you can easily turn this into a nine day winter escape by taking the remaining week off. Plan a mid-year break to escape the winter chill or embrace it with a trip to the snowfields, this is a prime time for a getaway.

• Public Holiday: Thursday 25 December (Christmas) and Friday 26 December (Boxing Day)
• Suggested Leave: Take 3 days off (Monday 29 December to Wednesday 31 December)
• Break Period: 25 December 2025 to 4 January 4 2026
• Total Days Off: 11 days (with 3 days of annual leave)

Christmas and New Year’s holidays are always prime time for a long break. In 2025, Christmas falls on a Thursday, which means you can take advantage of Boxing Day (Friday 26 December) and book just three additional days (29-31 December) to enjoy an 11-day break. This is perfect for a longer holiday to see family, enjoy a beachside retreat, or celebrate the New Year in style.

State public holidays - and some top holiday ideas

Each state and territory also observe their own set of public holidays, which means you wrap some extra leave around the dates and long weekends. We’ve also added some suggested activities to go with your time out.

 

NSW

• Bank Holiday - Monday 4 August 2025 (this only applies if you work at a bank or other financial institution!)
• Labour Day - Monday 6 October 2025

Getaway ideas

Take some time out to recharge on an unforgettable Murray River road trip, where iconic waterways and riverside towns are matched with outstanding food and wine, rich history and incredible cultural heritage.

• Labour Day - Monday 10 March
• Friday before AFL Grand Final - Friday 26 September
• Melbourne Cup Day - Tuesday 4 November

Getaway ideas

You don’t have to travel far to have fun. Enjoy a memorable stay in the heart of Melbourne and discover underwater adventures, incredible museums and cultural wonders - these leading indoor activities with kids are perfect all year round.

 

Queensland

• Labour Day - Monday 5 May
• Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) People's Day - Wednesday 13 August 2025 (Brisbane only)

Getaway ideas

Enjoy a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure away from the busy tourist hotspots on the stunning Sunshine Coast with an escape to Bokarina. This is the perfect place to enjoy pristine beaches, gorgeous scenery and great dining.

• Adelaide Cup Day - Monday 10 March
• King's Birthday / Volunteers' Day - Monday 12 June (celebrated together in South Australia)
• Labour Day - Monday 6 October

Getaway ideas

Adelaide is not only a vibrant and exciting city - it’s also close to charming villages, awe-inspiring sights and thrilling adventures. Find out about some of the best short breaks from South Australia’s capital city.

 

Western Australia

• Labour Day - Monday 3 March
• Western Australia Day - Monday 2 June
• King's Birthday - Monday 29 September (date can vary in different regions within WA)

Getaway ideas

Explore some of Australia’s most majestic and dramatic scenery. Western Australia is rich with incredible wilderness experiences, from the historic national parks around Perth to the coastal hikes, horse trails and mountain tracks.

• Eight Hours Day - Monday 10 March
• Recreation Day - Monday 3 November (Northern Tasmania only)
• King Island Show - Tuesday 4 March (King Island only)
• Royal Hobart Regatta - Monday 10 February (Hobart area only)
• Launceston Cup Day - Wednesday 26 February (Launceston area only)
• King's Birthday - Monday 9 June

Getaway ideas

Explore some of Australia’s best vineyards - and best scenery - on a tour of some must-visit Tamar Valley wineries. Since the mid-1800s this fertile and breathtaking region has been producing award-winning vino.

 

ACT

• Canberra Day - Monday 10 March
• Reconciliation Day - Monday 2 June
• Labour Day - Monday 6 October

Getaway ideas

Canberra is packed with cultural experiences, historical attractions and innovative dining around the tranquil waters of Lake Burley Griffin. Find out more about some of the capital city’s best attractions.

 

Northern Territory

• May Day - Monday 10 March
• Picnic Day - Monday 2 June
• Alice Springs Show Day - Monday 6 October
• Tennant Creek Show Day - Monday 10 March
• Katherine Show Day - Monday 2 June
• Darwin Show Day - Monday 6 October

Getaway ideas

Darwin never ceases to surprise. From giant crocs in the CBD, to exotic markets and fire-breathing sunsets, get ready for plenty of surprises as you explore the gateway to the Top End.