Public Holidays 2026: How Australian Businesses Can Plan Ahead

In this article, we’ll take a look at Australia’s 2026 public holidays, including all the state and territory-specific ones, and explore how businesses can plan ahead to keep things running smoothly — and profitably.

Public holidays are more than just days off — they shape how we live, shop, and do business in Australia. For employers, they can be both a blessing and a logistical headache. Between penalty rates, staff rosters, public holiday surcharges, and fluctuating customer demand, getting your public holiday strategy right can make a real difference to your bottom line.

🇦🇺 National Public Holidays in 2026

Australia has several public holidays that are recognised nationwide, meaning most states and territories will close businesses or operate under special trading conditions.

Here’s the full list of national public holidays for 2026:

Most of these holidays are fairly straightforward, but the way they affect operations varies from industry to industry — especially for hospitality, retail, logistics, and healthcare.

🗓️ State and Territory Public Holidays in 2026

While the above are national holidays, each state and territory also has its own extra public holidays. Here’s what’s coming up in 2026 across Australia.

New South Wales (NSW)

Planning Tip:
For Sydney and regional NSW businesses, the October long weekend can bring a tourism rush. Hospitality and retail operators often extend trading hours or add extra shifts to manage increased foot traffic.

Victoria (VIC)

Planning Tip:
Victorian businesses need to prepare for two major shutdowns: Labour Day and the Grand Final Friday weekend. If you’re in hospitality or events, expect a surge in demand. For offices and corporate settings, plan project timelines around these extended weekends.

Queensland (QLD)

Planning Tip:
In Brisbane, the Ekka week is a mix of excitement and disruption — transport and office attendance often dip. Many businesses allow flexible work or short trading hours.

South Australia (SA)

Planning Tip:
Adelaide Cup Day is big locally — hospitality and retail demand spike, so roster early. Boxing Day is officially called Proclamation Day, but trading patterns are similar to the rest of Australia.

Western Australia (WA)

Planning Tip:
WA’s King’s Birthday varies by region. Check your local government website for confirmation — especially if you’re in Pilbara or Kimberley, where dates can differ.

Tasmania (TAS)

Planning Tip:
Southern Tasmania enjoys Hobart Show Day (24 October 2026) while the north gets Recreation Day. Make sure you know which applies to your area.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Planning Tip:
Canberra Day is big for local tourism. Plan for events and community celebrations — and expect short staffing if employees want the long weekend.

Northern Territory (NT)

Planning Tip:
In NT, the dry season (around May to August) sees higher visitor traffic. Hospitality and tour operators should finalise rosters early to accommodate the flow.

🎉 Key Long Weekends in 2026

Long weekends are golden opportunities — not just for leisure, but for business. For retail, travel, and food industries, these weekends can mean higher sales, while offices might see slower productivity.

Major long weekends in 2026:

• New Year’s: 1–4 January (Thursday to Sunday)
• Easter: 3–6 April
• Anzac Day weekend: 25–27 April
• King’s Birthday (varies by state): June long weekend
• AFL Grand Final weekend (VIC): 2–4 October
• Christmas & Boxing Day: 25–28 December

Bonus Content: Next Big Sales in Australia

💼 How Australian Businesses Can Plan Ahead

Public holidays are predictable — which makes them powerful for planning. Here’s how businesses can make the most out of them.

1. Review Rosters and Staffing Early

• Plan your staffing at least 4–6 weeks before major holidays.
• Ask employees early about their holiday availability.
• For hospitality, retail, and healthcare, use a digital scheduling tool or POS system to manage shifts efficiently.

2. Budget for Penalty Rates

Public holiday rates in Australia are no joke — some awards pay up to 250% of the base rate. Include these costs in your annual budget, especially if you operate across multiple states.

3. Set Holiday Trading Hours

Retail and hospitality businesses must follow state trading laws.

For example, some states restrict trading on Good Friday or Christmas Day, while others allow limited hours. Always double-check local regulations to avoid fines.

4. Communicate with Customers Early

Update your:

• Google Business Profile
• Website hours
• Social media pages

Let customers know your holiday hours, closures, or special events at least two weeks in advance.

5. Take Advantage of Seasonal Demand

Public holidays often mean a surge in consumer spending — especially during:

• Easter
• Christmas and Boxing Day
• Australia Day
• State event days (e.g. Melbourne Cup, Ekka)

Prepare promotions, special menus, or limited-time offers to attract more customers.

6. Manage Cash Flow

If your business closes for a few days, income dips temporarily — plan for this.

Keep enough cash flow or credit buffer to cover wages and overheads during quieter periods.

7. Offer Flexible Work Arrangements

During long weekends, some staff may prefer to take extra days off. 

Encourage early leave requests, and balance shifts fairly. It helps maintain morale and reduces burnout.

8. Use Technology to Simplify Operations

A cloud POS system can help you manage holiday surcharges, update opening hours, and track sales patterns during peak periods.

By analysing previous years’ data, you can forecast which holidays bring in the most revenue and plan stock levels accordingly.

🛍️ Marketing, E-Commerce, and Visual Merchandising for Public Holidays

Public holidays can be goldmines for businesses that plan ahead. Shoppers are in a buying mood — whether they’re hunting for deals online or browsing in-store after a long weekend brunch. Here’s how you can turn those opportunities into sales.

1. Build a Seasonal Marketing Calendar

Map out the year’s public holidays and link each to potential campaigns. For example:

• Australia Day – “Proudly Aussie” local product promotions
• Easter – “Hop into savings” or limited-edition seasonal treats
• Mother’s Day – Gift bundles and free wrapping
• Boxing Day – Clearance and mega sales

Plan ad spend and email campaigns at least 4–6 weeks before the event. It gives you enough time to test messaging, design assets, and schedule social content.

2. Optimise Your E-Commerce for Peak Periods

Nothing frustrates customers more than a slow or glitchy checkout — especially during sales. 

Before a big public holiday:

• Check your website speed and mobile usability.
• Offer guest checkout for faster conversions.
• Set clear delivery cut-offs and highlight them on your homepage.
• Add a holiday banner or countdown timer to create urgency.

If you’re running a Boxing Day or Easter sale, ensure your POS system and website inventory are synced in real time to avoid overselling.

3. Refresh Your Visual Merchandising

In-store visuals set the tone for your promotions. Implementing proper visual merchandising techniques can improve your sales drastically. 

• Use seasonal themes — Australian colours for Australia Day, bright florals for Easter, and festive tones for Christmas.
• Position impulse items near the counter or high-traffic areas.
• Update signage with clear offers (e.g. “Buy 2, Get 1 Free”, “25% Off Long Weekend Sale”).

Good window displays aren’t just pretty — they drive foot traffic. A creative, well-lit display can make casual passers-by stop and step inside.

4. Harness the Power of Social Media

Social platforms thrive on seasonal energy.

• Run short video promos on Instagram Reels or TikTok with catchy, holiday-themed music.
• Use trending hashtags like #BoxingDaySale or #AussieSummerDeals.
• Highlight staff, behind-the-scenes prep, or your community involvement.
  People love authenticity — especially during festive times.

5. Reward Loyal Customers

Holiday sales attract new customers, but don’t forget the regulars. It is the perfect time to reward your loyal customers by providing promotions and exclusive discounts. 

• Offer exclusive early access to sales for loyalty members.
• Send a thank-you discount via email for returning shoppers.
• Use data from your POS or CRM to personalise offers (e.g. “We noticed you bought homewares last Easter — they’re 30% off again this week!”).

Loyalty programs can boost repeat business even after the holidays end.

6. Collaborate Locally

Partner with nearby businesses to create cross-promotions — for example:

• A café could team up with a local florist for a Mother’s Day combo offer.
• A boutique and a hair salon could share an Australia Day long-weekend giveaway.

It strengthens community ties and gives your marketing a human touch.

7. Analyse and Improve After Each Holiday

After the rush, take time to review:

• What products sold fastest
• Which promotions got the best engagement
• How staffing and logistics held up

Use your POS and website analytics to guide next year’s planning. Public holidays are annual — each one teaches you something for the next round.

💳 EFTPOS Systems and Payment Planning for Public Holidays

Public holidays can cause massive spikes in transactions — especially in hospitality, retail, and service-based businesses. Setting up a reliable EFTPOS system is crucial for smooth, fast payments.

Here’s how EFTPOS systems help your business stay on top during busy holiday periods:

1. Handle Peak Trading Smoothly

Nothing kills the vibe faster than a long queue or slow payment terminal.

Modern EFTPOS systems process transactions quickly and support contactless payments — essential when you’re serving more customers than usual.

2. Manage Public Holiday Surcharges Easily

If your business adds a public holiday surcharge (typically 10–15%), a good EFTPOS system integrates directly with your POS so the surcharge applies automatically.

That means fewer errors and clearer receipts for customers — keeping everything transparent and compliant.

3. Accept All Major Payment Types

On holidays, you’ll see a mix of tourists, casual shoppers, and families — everyone pays differently.

Your EFTPOS should accept:

• Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
• Digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)
• Tap-and-go payments

The more flexible your payment options, the fewer sales you lose.

4. Track Real-Time Sales and Reporting

Integrated EFTPOS systems can sync directly with your POS to provide real-time sales data.

You can monitor performance during the day, see which products are selling best, and forecast what to restock.

5. Reduce Admin and Errors

Manual reconciliation after busy holidays can be a nightmare.

Integrated EFTPOS eliminates double entry — payments automatically match to transactions in your POS, saving hours of admin time.

6. Improve Customer Experience

Smooth, quick payments create positive impressions. During hectic holidays like Boxing Day or Easter, happy customers are more likely to return or recommend your business.

📈 How Public Holidays Impact Different Industries

Retail and Hospitality

These sectors experience huge fluctuations. Boxing Day and Easter are peak trading times, while days like Good Friday may require closures.

Plan your marketing and inventory well before each major date.

Tourism and Travel

Long weekends bring domestic travel surges. Tour operators, hotels, and event planners should advertise early and prepare for cancellations due to weather or flight changes.

Corporate and Office-Based Businesses

For offices, holidays mean reduced availability. Plan major deadlines around these dates, and avoid scheduling big client meetings on short weeks.

🍽️ Holiday Menus & Special Event Offerings

Public holidays aren’t just about trading hours — they’re a golden opportunity to boost revenue with themed menus and special offerings. Whether you run a café, bistro, or full-service restaurant, curating your menu around public holidays can attract more customers and encourage higher spend.

1. Australia Day (26 January)

• Menu Ideas: Aussie classics like lamb chops, meat pies, seafood platters, and pavlova desserts.
• Drinks: Local craft beers, Australian wines, and summer-inspired cocktails.
• Tip: Highlight “limited-time” dishes and seasonal produce to create excitement.

2. Easter Weekend (3–6 April)

• Menu Ideas: Hot cross buns, chocolate-inspired desserts, Easter brunch specials, roast lamb or ham dinners.
• Family Focus: Include smaller kids’ meal options or shareable platters.
• Tip: Offer a themed takeaway menu for families celebrating at home.

3. Anzac Day (25 April)

• Menu Ideas: Offer breakfast specials or brunch items with a twist — for example, Anzac biscuit desserts or commemorative platters.
• Tip: Promote early openings for dawn services or special breakfast events.

4. Mother’s Day (10 May 2026)

• Menu Ideas: Brunch buffets, set menus, and dessert platters. Flowers or complimentary chocolates can be a nice touch.
• Tip: Encourage reservations and pre-orders for gift packages.

5. AFL Grand Final / Melbourne Cup (VIC only)

• Menu Ideas: Finger food, grazing platters, themed cocktails, and shareable meals.
• Tip: Host viewing events or competitions to draw crowds. Promote packages in advance via social media and email campaigns.

6. Christmas & Boxing Day (25–26 December)

• Menu Ideas: Festive lunches or dinners, seafood, roast specials, and indulgent desserts.
• Takeaway Options: Holiday feasts for families who want to celebrate at home.
• Tip: Include clear booking information and set menus for efficiency during peak periods.

7. Regional & Local Holidays

• Example: Queensland’s Ekka Show Day or Adelaide Cup Day.
• Menu Ideas: Quick grab-and-go options for visitors, themed snacks, and beverages.
• Tip: Highlight convenience for event-goers while maintaining premium options for dine-in customers.

By using smart menu pricing techniques to craft menus around public holidays and events, your business can attract more customers, enhance their dining experience, and boost sales — all while keeping your team organised and prepared.

💬 Wrapping Up

Public holidays in Australia are more than calendar dates — they’re built into the rhythm of life and business.

Whether you’re running a café in Melbourne, a hotel in Brisbane, or a retail shop in Perth, planning around these holidays is key to staying profitable and keeping your team happy.

By reviewing your rosters, budgeting for penalty rates, and scheduling smartly, you can turn every public holiday into a well-managed opportunity rather than a disruption.

So, grab your 2026 calendar, mark those key dates, and start planning now. Your future self (and your team) will thank you for it.