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The ‘work smarter, not harder’ motto is a good one to live by, and if it’s one you’re keen to have guide your 2026, take note. We’ve figured out how to stretch your annual leave, essentially doubling your time out of the office. Take out your diary and study this Victoria-specific public holiday cheat sheet to lock in your leave, asap – and before your colleagues beat you to it.
Australia Day – January 26
Take four days of annual leave and score nine days off between January 24 and February 1:
- January 24-25: Weekend
- January 26: Public holiday (Australia Day)
- January 27-30: Annual leave
- January 31-February 1: Weekend
Labour Day – March 9
Take five days of annual leave and score nine days off between March 7 and 15:
- March 7-8: Weekend
- March 9: Public holiday (Labour Day)
- March 10-14: Annual leave
- March 15-15: Weekend
Good Friday & Easter Monday – April 3 & 6
Take eight days of annual leave and score 16 days off between March 28 and April 12:
- March 28-29: Weekend
- March 30-April 2: Annual leave
- April 3: Public holiday (Good Friday)
- April 4-5: Weekend
- April 6: Public holiday (Easter Monday)
- April 7-10: Annual leave
- April 11-12: Weekend
King’s Birthday – June 8
Take four days of annual leave and score nine days off between June 6 and 14:
- June 6-7: Weekend
- June 8: Public holiday (King’s Birthday)
- June 9-12: Annual leave
- June 13-14: Weekend
Friday before the AFL Grand Final – September 25 (TBC subject to AFL schedule)
Take four days of annual leave and score nine days off between September 20 and 28
- September 19-20: Weekend
- September 21-24: Annual leave
- September 25: Public holiday (Friday before the AFL Grand Final)
- September 26-27: Weekend
Melbourne Cup – November 3
Take four days of annual leave and score nine days off between October 31 and November 8:
- October 31-November 1: Weekend
- November 2: Annual leave
- November 3: Public Holiday (Melbourne Cup)
- November 4-6: Annual leave
- November 7-8: Weekend
Christmas and New Year – December 25 & 28, January 1
Take seven days of annual leave and score 16 days off between December 19 and January 3:
- December 19-20: Weekend
- December 21-24: Annual leave
- December 25: Public holiday (Christmas Day)
- December 26-27: Weekend
- December 28: Public holiday (Boxing Day observed)
- December 29-31: Annual leave
- January 1: Public holiday (New Year’s Day)
- January 2-3: Weekend
Lock in these dates early and make 2026 a year of escapes – and if you need inspo, check out our guide to the best weekend getaways in Victoria.
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