Bank Holidays in Australia

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bank holidays does Australia have in 2026?

Australia has 27 bank holidays in 2026.

Are bank holidays the same as public holidays?

In most English-speaking countries, bank holidays and public holidays refer to the same days — official days off legislated by the government. The term 'bank holiday' originated in the UK when banks were required to close on certain days, and the name stuck even as the concept expanded to all workers.

Are bank holidays the same in all Australian states?

No. While nationwide holidays like New Year's Day, Australia Day, Easter, and Christmas apply to all states and territories, each state also has its own unique holidays. For example, Queensland has Royal Queensland Show (Brisbane), Victoria has Melbourne Cup Day, and Western Australia has its own Queen's Birthday date.

What happens if an Australian bank holiday falls on a weekend?

In most Australian states, if a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday (or in some cases Tuesday) is declared a substitute public holiday so workers still receive the benefit of the day off.