Melbourne Public Holidays 2026 — Complete Calendar, Long Weekends & Trading Hours
Last updated: February 2026 | Covers all Victorian gazetted public holidays, restricted trading days, penalty rates, and strategic leave planning for 2026.
Melbourne Public Holidays 2026 — Complete Calendar, Long Weekends & Trading Hours
Last updated: February 2026 | Covers all Victorian gazetted public holidays, restricted trading days, penalty rates, and strategic leave planning for 2026.
Whether you're planning a family getaway, figuring out which shops are open, or working out your penalty rates, this is the definitive guide to every public holiday hitting Melbourne and Victoria in 2026. We've mapped out every date, every long weekend, and every restricted trading day — so you can plan your year without the guesswork.
1. Complete 2026 Public Holiday Calendar for Victoria
Victoria observes 13 gazetted public holidays in 2026 (plus one substitute day), giving Melburnians plenty of chances to recharge throughout the year. Here's the full list at a glance.
| # | Date | Day | Public Holiday | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 January | Thursday | New Year's Day | National | — |
| 2 | 26 January | Monday | Australia Day | National | Long weekend |
| 3 | 9 March | Monday | Labour Day | VIC only | Long weekend |
| 4 | 3 April | Friday | Good Friday | National | Restricted trading day |
| 5 | 4 April | Saturday | Saturday before Easter Sunday | VIC | Easter long weekend |
| 6 | 5 April | Sunday | Easter Sunday | VIC | Daylight saving ends (clocks back 1 hr) |
| 7 | 6 April | Monday | Easter Monday | National | Easter long weekend |
| 8 | 25 April | Saturday | ANZAC Day | National | Restricted trading until 1 pm. No substitute Monday in VIC |
| 9 | 8 June | Monday | King's Birthday | VIC | Long weekend |
| 10 | 25 September | Friday | Friday before the AFL Grand Final | VIC only | Probable date — subject to AFL schedule |
| 11 | 3 November | Tuesday | Melbourne Cup Day | Metro Melbourne | Some regional areas observe on an alternate date |
| 12 | 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day | National | Restricted trading day |
| 13 | 26 December | Saturday | Boxing Day | VIC | Falls on Saturday |
| 14 | 28 December | Monday | Boxing Day (substitute) | VIC | Additional public holiday as Boxing Day falls on a Saturday |
Key 2026 quirks:
- ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday. Unlike some states (e.g., ACT, WA), Victoria does not provide a substitute Monday. You won't get an extra day off.
- Boxing Day falls on a Saturday, so Monday 28 December is the official substitute public holiday.
- Easter Sunday is when daylight saving ends — clocks go back one hour at 3:00 am on 5 April, giving you an extra hour in bed.
- The AFL Grand Final Friday date is provisional (25 September) and will be confirmed once the 2026 AFL fixture is released.
2. Long Weekends at a Glance
One of the best things about living in Melbourne is the generous spread of long weekends. In 2026, you'll get six guaranteed long weekends plus a couple of bonus opportunities if you play your cards right with annual leave.
Confirmed Long Weekends
| Long Weekend | Dates Off | Days | How It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia Day | Sat 24 – Mon 26 Jan | 3 days | Monday public holiday creates a classic three-day weekend |
| Labour Day | Sat 7 – Mon 9 Mar | 3 days | Victoria's own long weekend — always the second Monday of March |
| Easter | Fri 3 – Mon 6 Apr | 4 days | Four-day weekend with Good Friday through Easter Monday |
| King's Birthday | Sat 6 – Mon 8 Jun | 3 days | Second Monday of June — reliable mid-year break |
| AFL Grand Final | Fri 25 – Sun 27 Sep | 3 days | Friday public holiday (probable date) extends the weekend |
| Christmas / Boxing Day | Thu 25 – Mon 28 Dec | 4 days | Christmas Day Friday + Boxing Day substitute Monday = four days off |
Near-Misses & Strategic Plays
| Opportunity | What to Do | Leave Needed | Total Days Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day (Thu 1 Jan) | Take Friday 2 Jan off | 1 day leave | 4-day weekend (Thu–Sun) |
| ANZAC Day (Sat 25 Apr) | Falls on a Saturday — no substitute day, so no long weekend unless you take Fri 24 Apr off | 1 day leave | 3-day weekend |
| Melbourne Cup (Tue 3 Nov) | Take Monday 2 Nov off | 1 day leave | 4-day weekend (Sat–Tue) |
3. Each Holiday Explained
New Year's Day — Thursday 1 January
New Year's Day marks the first day of the calendar year and is a national public holiday across Australia. In Melbourne, it follows the city's legendary New Year's Eve celebrations along the Yarra River and throughout the CBD.
What's open: Most cafés and restaurants in the CBD and inner suburbs trade (often with reduced hours). Major shopping centres typically open from late morning. Supermarkets generally open with reduced hours.
What's closed: Government offices, banks, and many smaller independent retailers remain closed.
Australia Day — Monday 26 January
Australia Day commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788. It's a day of community events, citizenship ceremonies, concerts, and fireworks. In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the day's complex significance for Indigenous Australians, with many communities also marking it as a day of mourning or reflection.
Melbourne hosts numerous events around the city including live music at Sidney Myer Music Bowl, family activities at the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the Australia Day parade through the CBD.
What's open: Most cafés, restaurants, and larger retail stores open with public holiday hours. Shopping centres generally open (reduced hours). Coles and Woolworths typically open.
What's closed: Banks, government services, and most offices. Some smaller independent shops may close.
Labour Day — Monday 9 March
Labour Day in Victoria celebrates the achievement of the eight-hour working day, a milestone won by Melbourne stonemasons in 1856. Victoria was one of the first places in the world to achieve this landmark workers' right, and the holiday has been observed in the state for over 160 years.
The Labour Day long weekend is traditionally a popular time for camping trips, as it falls during the tail end of summer — warm enough for the beach but without the peak-season crowds.
What's open: Shopping centres, supermarkets, and most retail outlets trade with public holiday hours. Restaurants and cafés operate normally.
What's closed: Government offices, banks, post offices, and many office-based businesses.
Good Friday — Friday 3 April
Good Friday is one of the most sacred days in the Christian calendar, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It's also one of Victoria's restricted trading days, meaning strict rules govern which shops can open.
This is the quietest public holiday of the year in terms of retail activity. The CBD can feel eerily empty compared to a normal Friday.
What's open: Petrol stations, pharmacies, restaurants, cafés, takeaway outlets, and small exempt shops (20 or fewer employees on the day). Convenience stores and milk bars.
What's closed: Major shopping centres (Chadstone, Highpoint, Eastland, etc.), supermarkets (Coles, Woolworths, Aldi), Kmart, Target, Big W, Bunnings, and virtually all large-format retail. This is the most restricted trading day of the year.
Saturday Before Easter Sunday — Saturday 4 April
This is a gazetted public holiday in Victoria (not all states observe it). For most Melburnians, it simply forms part of the four-day Easter long weekend. Many families use this day for travel — heading to the Great Ocean Road, the Mornington Peninsula, or regional Victoria.
What's open: Most retail operates normally with public holiday penalty rates in effect. Shopping centres open. Supermarkets open.
What's closed: The same closures as a typical weekend, though penalty rates apply for employees.
Easter Sunday — Sunday 5 April
Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is observed as a public holiday in Victoria. In 2026, this is also the day daylight saving ends — clocks go back one hour at 3:00 am AEDT (becoming 2:00 am AEST), so you get an extra hour of sleep.
What's open: Many shops open, though with reduced hours. Cafés and restaurants trade normally. Some shopping centres may open later or close earlier.
What's closed: Similar to a typical Sunday but with public holiday conditions for workers.
Easter Monday — Monday 6 April
The final day of the Easter long weekend. For many Melburnians, this is recovery day — or the day to beat the traffic home from a regional escape.
What's open: Retail opens similarly to a normal Monday, though some stores trade reduced hours. Supermarkets open.
What's closed: Government offices, banks, and post offices.
ANZAC Day — Saturday 25 April
ANZAC Day honours the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who served at Gallipoli in 1915, and by extension all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in military operations. The day begins with dawn services across Melbourne, followed by the main march through the CBD.
⚠️ Important for 2026: ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday. Unlike some other states (the ACT and WA provide a substitute Monday), Victoria does not give a replacement public holiday when ANZAC Day falls on a weekend. This means there is no additional day off for workers.
Restricted trading: ANZAC Day is a restricted trading day until 1:00 pm. Before 1 pm, only exempt shops may open. After 1 pm, normal trading resumes. Additionally, cinemas, entertainment venues, and real estate auctions must not operate before 1 pm.
What's open (after 1 pm): Shopping centres, supermarkets, Kmart, Bunnings, and most retail open after 1 pm. RSL clubs and pubs typically open for two-up and ANZAC Day events from late morning.
What's closed (before 1 pm): Major retail, shopping centres, cinemas, and entertainment venues. Factories and warehouses must remain closed all day under the Anzac Day Act 1958.
King's Birthday — Monday 8 June
The King's Birthday public holiday celebrates the official birthday of the reigning monarch (currently King Charles III). It's observed on the second Monday of June in Victoria — a date that doesn't correspond to the King's actual birthday (14 November) but provides a convenient long weekend.
The King's Birthday weekend marks the unofficial start of the ski season, with many Melburnians heading to Mount Buller, Falls Creek, or Mount Hotham for opening weekend.
What's open: Normal public holiday trading. Shopping centres open (reduced hours), supermarkets trade, and hospitality operates as usual.
What's closed: Government offices, banks, and post offices.
Friday Before the AFL Grand Final — Friday 25 September (Probable)
Introduced in 2015 and unique to Victoria, the AFL Grand Final Eve public holiday gives footy-mad Melburnians a day to prepare for the biggest game of the year. The exact date depends on the AFL fixture, but it typically falls on the last Friday in September.
Note: The 2026 date is provisional and will be confirmed once the AFL releases its 2026 season schedule. This guide assumes 25 September based on the traditional scheduling pattern.
What's open: Normal public holiday trading. Retail and hospitality open as usual (with penalty rates). The city buzzes with Grand Final week activities, parades, and events.
What's closed: Government offices, banks, and post offices.
Melbourne Cup Day — Tuesday 3 November
"The race that stops a nation" is a full public holiday in metropolitan Melbourne and many parts of regional Victoria. Some regional councils substitute a different day (often a local show day), so check with your local council if you're outside metro Melbourne.
Melbourne Cup Day is unique among Australian public holidays — it's the only one based on a horse race. The Cup is run at Flemington Racecourse at 3 pm, and the entire city adjusts its schedule around it.
What's open: Most retail operates normally. Supermarkets, shopping centres, and hospitality all trade (with penalty rates). Pubs and clubs are packed for Cup viewing.
What's closed: Government offices, banks, and many corporate offices. Schools are closed in the metro area.
Christmas Day — Friday 25 December
Christmas Day is both a national public holiday and a restricted trading day in Victoria. It's the most universally observed shutdown day on the calendar.
What's open: Petrol stations, pharmacies, restaurants and cafés (though many choose to close), takeaway outlets, and small exempt shops. Some convenience stores, milk bars, and 7-Eleven stores remain open.
What's closed: All major shopping centres, supermarkets (Coles, Woolworths, Aldi), Kmart, Target, Big W, Bunnings, JB Hi-Fi, and virtually all large-format retail. Public transport runs on a heavily reduced timetable (if at all).
Boxing Day — Saturday 26 December / Substitute Monday 28 December
Boxing Day is traditionally the biggest retail day of the year, with massive sales drawing crowds to shopping centres across Melbourne. In 2026, Boxing Day falls on a Saturday, so an additional public holiday is observed on Monday 28 December.
This creates a four-day weekend from Christmas Day (Friday 25 Dec) through to Monday 28 December — an excellent end-of-year break without using any annual leave.
What's open (Saturday 26 Dec): Shopping centres open for Boxing Day sales. Coles, Woolworths, Kmart, and all major retailers trade. Boxing Day is NOT a restricted trading day — it's a normal public holiday with full retail trading.
What's open (Monday 28 Dec): Most retail continues trading with public holiday hours. Shopping centres remain open for post-Christmas sales.
What's closed: Government offices and banks remain closed for the substitute holiday on Monday 28 December.
4. Restricted Trading Days in Victoria
Victoria has two-and-a-half restricted trading days per year under the Shop Trading Reform Act 1996. These are the strictest retail shutdown days on the calendar:
| Restricted Trading Day | Date in 2026 | Restriction |
|---|---|---|
| Good Friday | Friday 3 April | Full day — only exempt shops may open |
| Christmas Day | Friday 25 December | Full day — only exempt shops may open |
| ANZAC Day | Saturday 25 April | Half day — shops closed from 12:01 am to 1:00 pm only |
Which Shops Are Exempt?
Under Victorian law, two categories of shops can open on restricted trading days:
1. Exempt shop types (can always open):
- Pharmacies / chemists
- Petrol stations
- Restaurants, cafés, and takeaway outlets
- Convenience stores and milk bars that meet the size criteria
2. Shops meeting size criteria:
- 20 or fewer employees working in the shop on the restricted trading day
- No more than 100 total employees across the business and related entities in the 7 days before the restricted trading day
Additional ANZAC Day Restrictions
ANZAC Day carries extra restrictions beyond normal restricted trading rules. Before 1:00 pm on 25 April, the following must also remain closed:
- Cinemas (indoor and outdoor)
- Entertainment venues — live music, dance, concerts, plays
- Real estate auctions
- Factories and warehouses — must remain closed all day under the Anzac Day Act 1958
Late-Night Trading & Liquor
Restaurants, cafés, bars, clubs, and bottle shops may face additional restrictions on restricted trading days regarding late-night trading and alcohol service. Check with the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission for current rules.
Penalty for non-compliance: Businesses that trade illegally on restricted trading days can face significant fines under the Shop Trading Reform Act 1996.
5. What Shops Are Open on Public Holidays in Melbourne?
One of the most common questions Melburnians ask is: "Are the shops open today?" Here's a comprehensive breakdown for 2026.
Supermarkets
| Store | Regular Public Holidays | Good Friday | Christmas Day | ANZAC Day (before 1 pm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coles | Open (reduced hours, typically 9 am – 6 pm) | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Woolworths | Open (reduced hours, typically 9 am – 6 pm) | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Aldi | Open (reduced hours, typically 9:30 am – 5 pm) | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| IGA | Varies by store — many independents open | Some open (if exempt) | Some open (if exempt) | Some open after 1 pm |
Department Stores & Discount Stores
| Store | Regular Public Holidays | Good Friday | Christmas Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kmart | Open (reduced hours) | Closed | Closed |
| Target | Open (reduced hours) | Closed | Closed |
| Big W | Open (reduced hours) | Closed | Closed |
| Myer | Open (reduced hours) | Closed | Closed |
| David Jones | Open (reduced hours) | Closed | Closed |
Hardware & Home
| Store | Regular Public Holidays | Good Friday | Christmas Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bunnings | Open (reduced hours, typically 9 am – 5 pm) | Closed | Closed |
| Officeworks | Open (reduced hours) | Closed | Closed |
| IKEA | Open (may have reduced hours) | Closed | Closed |
Shopping Centres
Major Melbourne shopping centres — Chadstone, Highpoint, Eastland, Southland, The Glen, Northland, Doncaster (Westfield), Fountain Gate, and Melbourne Central — generally follow this pattern:
- Regular public holidays: Open with reduced hours (typically 10 am – 5 pm or 10 am – 6 pm)
- Good Friday: Closed
- Christmas Day: Closed
- ANZAC Day morning (before 1 pm): Closed; open after 1 pm
- Boxing Day: Open for Boxing Day sales (often with extended hours)
Always Open (or Nearly Always)
These types of businesses typically remain open on all public holidays, including restricted trading days:
- 7-Eleven and other 24-hour convenience stores
- Petrol stations (BP, Shell, Ampol, United)
- Pharmacies (check individual opening hours)
- McDonald's, KFC, Hungry Jack's and fast-food chains
- Uber Eats, DoorDash, Menulog continue to deliver
- Hospitals, medical centres, emergency services
Pro tip: Always check individual store hours before heading out on a public holiday. Hours can vary significantly between locations, and retailers often update their Google listings with public holiday hours in the days leading up.
6. Penalty Rates & Employment Information
Public holidays come with specific entitlements for employees. If you're working on a public holiday in Victoria — or wondering whether you can be asked to — here's what you need to know.
Your Right to a Day Off
Under the Fair Work Act 2009 (sections 114–116), all employees have a right to be absent from work on a public holiday. Your employer can request you to work, but you can refuse if the request is unreasonable — or if your refusal is reasonable. Factors considered include:
- The nature of your workplace (e.g., hospitality, healthcare, retail)
- Your personal circumstances (family commitments, religious observance)
- How much notice you were given
- Whether you'll receive penalty rates or other compensation
Common Penalty Rates for Public Holidays
Penalty rates vary by award and employment type. Here are some common examples:
| Award / Industry | Full-Time & Part-Time | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| General Retail Industry Award | 225% of base rate | 250% of base rate |
| Hospitality Industry (General) Award | 225% of base rate | 250% of base rate |
| Fast Food Industry Award | 225% of base rate | 250% of base rate |
| Clerks — Private Sector Award | 250% of base rate | 275% of base rate |
Note: These are indicative rates based on common modern awards. Your actual rate depends on your specific award or enterprise agreement. Always verify using the Fair Work Pay Calculator.
If a Public Holiday Falls on Your Day Off
If a public holiday falls on a day you wouldn't normally work (for example, ANZAC Day on a Saturday for a Monday-to-Friday worker), your entitlements depend on your award or agreement. Some provide a substitute day; others don't. Check your specific award.
Key Resources
- Fair Work Pay and Conditions Tool: fairwork.gov.au/pay-and-wages/pay-calculator — Enter your award, classification, and hours to calculate exact public holiday pay.
- Fair Work Public Holidays page: fairwork.gov.au/employment-conditions/public-holidays
- Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94 (Monday to Friday, 8 am – 5:30 pm)
Working Interstate on a Public Holiday
Your public holiday entitlements are based on where you are based for work, not where you physically are on the day. If you're based in Melbourne but working in Sydney on Melbourne Cup Day, you're still entitled to public holiday conditions.
7. Best Things to Do on Each Long Weekend
Australia Day Weekend (Sat 24 – Mon 26 January)
- Australia Day events at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl — free live music and entertainment
- Hit the beach — head to St Kilda, Brighton, or the Mornington Peninsula for a classic Aussie summer day
- Great Ocean Road road trip — three days is perfect for the drive from Torquay to the Twelve Apostles and back
- Yarra Valley wineries — beat the heat with tastings and long lunches
- Neighbourhood street parties and community BBQs across Melbourne's suburbs
Labour Day Weekend (Sat 7 – Mon 9 March)
- End-of-summer camping — Wilson's Promontory, the Grampians, or the Murray River before the weather turns
- Mornington Peninsula — enjoy the hot springs, wineries, and coastal walks while it's still warm
- Melbourne food festivals — check what's on as March is a busy events month
- Phillip Island — catch the penguin parade and enjoy quieter crowds than peak summer
- Mountain biking at Lysterfield, You Yangs, or Buxton — ideal riding weather
Easter (Fri 3 – Mon 6 April)
- Daylesford and Hepburn Springs — the quintessential Melbourne Easter getaway for spa weekends
- Royal Melbourne Show alternative — many community markets and craft fairs pop up
- Easter egg hunts — organised events at parks, gardens, and farms across Victoria
- Great Ocean Road without the summer traffic — autumn colours and fewer crowds
- Bendigo — regional Victoria comes alive at Easter with festivals, markets, and heritage events
- Stay home and enjoy the footy — AFL is in full swing by Easter
King's Birthday Weekend (Sat 6 – Mon 8 June)
- Ski season opening — Mount Buller, Falls Creek, and Mount Hotham typically open around this weekend
- Winter wineries — the Yarra Valley and Macedon Ranges are beautiful in early winter (think fireplaces and pinot noir)
- Melbourne arts and culture — galleries, museums, and theatre are at their best in the cooler months
- Regional Victoria cosy escapes — rent a cabin in the Dandenong Ranges or Daylesford
- Long lunches — Melbourne's restaurant scene thrives in winter. Book ahead.
AFL Grand Final Weekend (Fri 25 – Sun 27 September)
- Grand Final Day BBQ — the classic Melbourne tradition whether you're a footy fan or not
- Grand Final Friday parade — the traditional pre-game parade through the CBD
- Spring garden festivals — Melbourne's parks and gardens are coming into bloom
- Head to the Bellarine or Surf Coast — spring weather makes for stunning coastal walks
- Tesselaar Tulip Festival — typically running in the Dandenong Ranges around this time
Christmas / Boxing Day Weekend (Thu 25 – Mon 28 December)
- Boxing Day sales — Chadstone, Melbourne Central, and DFO South Wharf are ground zero for bargain hunters
- Boxing Day Test cricket — the iconic MCG Test Match (if scheduled)
- Beach days — the week between Christmas and New Year is peak beach season
- Yarra River walks and picnics — enjoy the long evenings with family in Melbourne's parks
- Regional escapes — many Melburnians head to Lorne, Portsea, or Lakes Entrance for the end-of-year break
8. School Holiday Alignment
Knowing when school holidays overlap with public holidays is essential for family planning — and for anticipating traffic, accommodation availability, and crowd levels. Here are the 2026 Victorian government school term dates:
| Period | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Summer holidays (2025/2026) | Mon 22 December 2025 | Tue 27 January 2026 |
| Term 1 | Wed 28 January | Thu 2 April |
| Autumn holidays | Fri 3 April | Sun 19 April |
| Term 2 | Mon 20 April | Fri 26 June |
| Winter holidays | Sat 27 June | Sun 12 July |
| Term 3 | Mon 13 July | Fri 18 September |
| Spring holidays | Sat 19 September | Sun 4 October |
| Term 4 | Mon 5 October | Fri 18 December |
| Summer holidays (2026/2027) | Sat 19 December onwards |
Key Overlaps in 2026
Easter falls perfectly within autumn school holidays. Term 1 ends on Thursday 2 April, meaning Good Friday (3 April) is the first day of the autumn break. Students get the entire Easter long weekend without missing school, and families have the full two-week holiday period to travel.
ANZAC Day (Sat 25 April) falls during Term 2, which starts on 20 April. Since it's a Saturday, school-age children won't miss a school day either way.
AFL Grand Final Friday (25 September, probable) falls within the spring school holiday break (19 September – 4 October), so it won't disrupt the school calendar.
Melbourne Cup Day (Tue 3 November) falls during Term 4. Schools in the metro area are closed, and it's a popular day for families to enjoy a mid-week break.
Christmas Day and Boxing Day fall after Term 4 ends (18 December), so the entire Christmas period aligns with summer holidays.
Planning tip for parents: The biggest "crunch" period is Easter/autumn holidays. Accommodation along the Great Ocean Road, Mornington Peninsula, and in regional Victoria books out fast for the Easter long weekend. Book by January if you want a good spot.
9. Planning Your 2026 Leave — Maximise Your Time Off
With some strategic annual leave, you can turn Melbourne's public holidays into extended breaks. Here are the best opportunities in 2026, ranked by efficiency (days of leave spent versus total days off gained).
The Best Leave Hacks of 2026
🏆 #1: Easter + ANZAC Day Mega-Break
Take: Mon 7 – Fri 24 April off (14 days leave) Get: Sat 3 April – Sun 26 April = 24 consecutive days off Efficiency: This combines Easter (4 days), the two weeks of autumn school holidays, and ANZAC Day weekend into one enormous break. Perfect for an overseas trip or extended road trip.
🥈 #2: Christmas to New Year's Shutdown
Take: Tue 29 – Wed 31 December off (3 days leave) Get: Thu 25 December – Sun 4 January 2027 = 11 days off Efficiency: Combine Christmas Day (Fri), Boxing Day substitute (Mon), and just 3 leave days to get nearly two full weeks. Many workplaces shut down anyway.
🥉 #3: New Year's Day Long Weekend
Take: Fri 2 January off (1 day leave) Get: Thu 1 – Sun 4 January = 4 days off Efficiency: Just one day of leave gets you a four-day weekend to recover from NYE celebrations.
#4: Melbourne Cup to Remembrance Day
Take: Wed 4 – Fri 6 November off (3 days leave) Get: Sat 31 October – Sun 8 November = 9 days off Efficiency: Melbourne Cup falls on Tuesday, so taking three days after it gives you a nice long break.
#5: King's Birthday Winter Escape
Take: Tue 9 – Fri 12 June off (4 days leave) Get: Sat 6 – Sun 14 June = 9 days off Efficiency: Four days of leave gets you nine days off. Perfect for a ski trip or interstate winter getaway.
#6: Grand Final Friday to October
Take: Mon 28 – Fri 2 October off (5 days leave) Get: Fri 25 September – Sun 4 October = 10 days off Efficiency: Combine Grand Final Friday with the following week (which aligns with spring school holidays) for a 10-day break.
#7: Labour Day Beach Extension
Take: Tue 10 – Fri 13 March off (4 days leave) Get: Sat 7 – Sun 15 March = 9 days off Efficiency: Four days of leave, nine days of freedom. Last hurrah of summer.
Annual Leave Cheat Sheet
| Strategy | Leave Days Used | Total Days Off | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's extension | 1 | 4 | Quick reset |
| Labour Day extension | 4 | 9 | Late-summer trip |
| Easter mega-break | 14 | 24 | Overseas holiday |
| King's Birthday extension | 4 | 9 | Ski trip |
| Grand Final + school hols | 5 | 10 | Spring road trip |
| Melbourne Cup extension | 3 | 9 | Mid-November escape |
| Christmas shutdown | 3 | 11 | End-of-year recovery |
| Total | 34 | 76 | A very good year |
Reality check: Most Australians get 20 days of annual leave per year. The table above uses 34 days, so you'll need to pick your battles. Our top picks for maximum bang-per-leave-day: the Christmas shutdown (3 days → 11 off) and the New Year's extension (1 day → 4 off).
10. Frequently Asked Questions
How many public holidays does Victoria have in 2026?
Victoria has 13 gazetted public holidays in 2026, plus one additional substitute day (Monday 28 December for Boxing Day), bringing the total to 14 public holiday days.
Is ANZAC Day a day off in 2026?
ANZAC Day falls on Saturday 25 April in 2026. Victoria does not provide a substitute public holiday when ANZAC Day falls on a weekend, so most Monday-to-Friday workers won't receive an additional day off. However, if you normally work Saturdays, public holiday conditions (including penalty rates) still apply.
What's a restricted trading day?
Victoria has two-and-a-half restricted trading days per year: Good Friday (full day), Christmas Day (full day), and ANZAC Day (12:01 am to 1:00 pm). On these days, only exempt shops — pharmacies, petrol stations, restaurants/cafés, takeaway outlets, and small businesses meeting size criteria — can trade.
Are Coles and Woolworths open on public holidays?
Yes, on most public holidays, Coles and Woolworths open with reduced hours (typically 9 am – 6 pm). The exceptions are the restricted trading days: Good Friday, Christmas Day, and ANZAC Day morning (before 1 pm), when they are closed.
Do I get penalty rates on public holidays?
Yes. Under most modern awards, full-time and part-time employees receive 225% of their base rate (or higher) for hours worked on a public holiday. Casual employees typically receive 250% (or higher). Check your specific award or enterprise agreement, or use the Fair Work Pay Calculator.
Can my boss make me work on a public holiday?
Your employer can request you to work on a public holiday, but you can refuse if the request is unreasonable or your refusal is reasonable. The Fair Work Act considers factors like the nature of your work, your personal circumstances, the notice given, and your compensation. Industries like healthcare, hospitality, and retail commonly require public holiday work.
Is Melbourne Cup Day a public holiday across all of Victoria?
Melbourne Cup Day is observed as a public holiday in metropolitan Melbourne and many parts of regional Victoria. However, some non-metropolitan councils substitute a different local holiday (often a local show day). Check with your local council or employer if you're based outside metro Melbourne.
When does daylight saving end in 2026?
Daylight saving time ends at 3:00 am AEDT on Sunday 5 April 2026 (Easter Sunday). Clocks go back one hour to 2:00 am AEST. This means you gain an extra hour of sleep on Easter Sunday.
Is the Grand Final Friday date confirmed for 2026?
Not yet. The AFL Grand Final Eve public holiday is typically the last Friday in September. The 2026 date is provisionally expected to be Friday 25 September, but it will be officially confirmed once the AFL releases the 2026 season fixture. Business Victoria will publish the confirmed date on their website.
Does Boxing Day move when it falls on a Saturday?
In Victoria, when Boxing Day falls on a Saturday (as it does in 2026), an additional public holiday is observed on the following Monday (28 December 2026). Both Saturday 26 December and Monday 28 December are public holidays, but the Saturday is not a substitute — the Monday is the additional day.
What happens if a public holiday falls during my annual leave?
If a public holiday falls during a period of annual leave, that day is treated as a public holiday — not a day of annual leave. Your leave balance is not reduced for that day. This applies to all National Employment Standards-covered employees.
Are there any public holidays unique to Victoria?
Yes. Three public holidays are specific to Victoria (or observed on Victoria-specific dates):
- Labour Day (second Monday in March — other states observe on different dates)
- Friday before the AFL Grand Final (unique to Victoria)
- Melbourne Cup Day (unique to Victoria — first Tuesday in November)
Quick Reference: 2026 at a Glance
| Month | Public Holiday | Day | Long Weekend? |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | New Year's Day | Thu 1 | No (mid-week) |
| January | Australia Day | Mon 26 | ✅ 3-day weekend |
| March | Labour Day | Mon 9 | ✅ 3-day weekend |
| April | Good Friday | Fri 3 | ✅ 4-day weekend (Easter) |
| April | Easter Saturday | Sat 4 | (Part of Easter) |
| April | Easter Sunday | Sun 5 | (Part of Easter) |
| April | Easter Monday | Mon 6 | (Part of Easter) |
| April | ANZAC Day | Sat 25 | ❌ No substitute day in VIC |
| June | King's Birthday | Mon 8 | ✅ 3-day weekend |
| September | Grand Final Friday | Fri 25* | ✅ 3-day weekend |
| November | Melbourne Cup | Tue 3 | No (mid-week) |
| December | Christmas Day | Fri 25 | ✅ 4-day weekend (with Boxing Day sub) |
| December | Boxing Day | Sat 26 | (Part of Christmas break) |
| December | Boxing Day (sub) | Mon 28 | (Part of Christmas break) |
*Probable date — subject to AFL schedule confirmation.
Sources & Further Reading
- Business Victoria — Victorian Public Holidays 2026: business.vic.gov.au/business-information/public-holidays/victorian-public-holidays-2026
- Business Victoria — Restricted Trading Days: business.vic.gov.au/business-information/public-holidays/operating-on-a-restricted-trading-day
- Fair Work Ombudsman — 2026 Public Holidays: fairwork.gov.au/employment-conditions/public-holidays/2026-public-holidays
- Fair Work Ombudsman — Public Holiday Penalty Rates: fairwork.gov.au/pay-and-wages/penalty-rates-allowances-and-other-payments/penalty-rates/public-holiday-penalty-rates
- Victorian School Term Dates: vic.gov.au/school-term-dates-and-holidays-victoria
- Shop Trading Reform Act 1996 (Vic): legislation.vic.gov.au
- Anzac Day Act 1958 (Vic): legislation.vic.gov.au
This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Public holiday dates, trading restrictions, and penalty rates are subject to change. Always verify current information with official sources such as Business Victoria and the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Related reading
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