Maximise your leave in 2026 (and go explore more)

What if we told you that with just a little planning, you could turn 19 days of annual leave into 44 days of holidays? In 2026, the calendar is playing in our favour and with a few smart moves around Australian public holidays, you can unlock more time to relax, recharge and, of course, go explore.

Whether you're keen for long weekends or extended escapes, this guide has your back. We’ve done the homework so you can focus on the fun stuff: beaches, bushwalks, BBQs and beyond. Ready? Here’s your go-to leave planner for 2026

1. Australia Day Escape (Jan 24 – Feb 1)

Take 4 days off: Jan 27–30 (Tue–Fri)
Get 9 days off in a row

With Australia Day falling on Monday, Jan 26, taking the rest of the week off gives you a breezy 9-day break. It’s the perfect excuse for a family road trip, a beach escape or a good old-fashioned van holiday.

Where to go:

• BIG4 Happy Hallidays Holiday Park, Mid North Coast NSW – Enjoy a classic summer by the sea with a splash in the pool, lazy days on Black Head Beach, and a short drive to the walking tracks of Booti Booti National Park.
• BIG4 Nelligen Holiday Park, South Coast NSW – Paddle the Clyde River, take your mountain bikes to the Mogo trails, or day trip to Mogo Wildlife Park for animal encounters and family fun.
• Lakeside Forster Holiday Park, Mid North Coast NSW – Cast a line or go stand-up paddleboarding on Wallis Lake, Beachcombe stunning beaches nearby, and wind down with lakeside sunsets.

2. Easter & ANZAC Day Combo (Apr 3 – Apr 13)

Take 4 days off: April 7–10 (Tue–Fri)
Get 10 days off in a row

This one’s golden. Easter and ANZAC Day fall close together, which means one neat 10-day holiday if you play your cards right. It’s a brilliant time to explore the bush, soak up some autumn sun or find your new favourite fishing spot.

Where to go:

• BIG4 Big River Holiday Park, North Coast NSW – Chill out with riverside camping, water activities like wakeboarding, waterskiing and of course fishing, with direct access to the Clarence River, or head into Grafton for Jacaranda-lined streets, historic architecture and country hospitality.
• Crows Nest Tourist Park, South East QLD  – Nestled in the high country, this park offers peaceful country stays, with national park walks, birdwatching and heritage towns and markets nearby.
• Wairo Beach Holiday Park, South Coast NSW – Enjoy direct beach access, coastal walks along Wairo Beach and Lake Tabourie, on-site mini golf and nature-packed days perfect for active families or laid-back explorers.

3. King’s Birthday Getaway (Jun 6 – Jun 14)

Take 4 days off: June 9–12 (Tue–Fri)
Get 9 days off in a row

Chilly? Maybe. But June is made for slow travel and peaceful getaways. The King's Birthday gives you a Monday off in most states, so a midweek leave block turns into 9 glorious days of winter adventure.

Where to go:

• BIG4 Lucinda Wanderers Holiday Park, Far North QLD – Embrace the warmth of North Queensland with easy access to Hinchinbrook Island, fishing adventures and palm-fringed shorelines.
• BIG4 Howard Springs Holiday Park, Top End NT – High season in the Top End means perfect weather for exploring Darwin, swimming at Berry Springs, discovering giant termite mounds at Litchfield National Park or spotting crocs on a Kakadu day trip.
• BIG4 Opal Holiday Park, Outback NSW – Escape to the outback and discover winter magic at Lightning Ridge with artesian baths, quirky local art, opal fossicking and unforgettable stargazing.

4. Christmas & New Year Stretch (Dec 19, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027)

Take 7 days off: Dec 21–23 & Dec 29–31
Get 16 days off in a row

It’s the end-of-year leave dream. Christmas and New Year’s land midweek, so just 7 annual leave days gets you over two weeks of summer downtime. Perfect for long trips, family reunions or hitting the road until your GPS gives up.

Where to go:

• BIG4 Wallaga Lake Holiday Park, South Coast NSW – Kayak, swim the calm waters of Wallaga Lake, go beach fishing or walk to Camel Rock, or kick back with family or friends at the Camel Rock Brewhouse and enjoy a laid-back festive break.
• Geelong Holiday Park, Bellarine Peninsula VIC  – Stay close to family while enjoying your own space, with easy access to the Great Ocean Road, Ocean Grove beach, wineries and the Geelong Waterfront.
• Bribie Island Caravan Park, South East QLD – A coastal classic for summer, with calm swimming spots, local seafood, and beachside sunsets perfect for lazy holiday afternoons.

Bonus Tips to Maximise Your Leave in 2026

• Check your state holidays: Local days like Labour Day, Melbourne Cup Day and regional show holidays vary by state, perfect for sneaky extra breaks.
• Book early: These dates are hot property. Lock in your cabin or site early to avoid missing out.
• Mix it up: Combine national and state public holidays for even more time off without using extra leave.

Ready to lock in your best year of travel yet? Start planning your 2026 adventures now. Midweek breaks, long road trips or chill coastal stays, wherever you roam, we make it easy.

Go explore more and make every day off count.

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2026 National Public Holidays