We all love a long weekend. Whether it’s a barbecue for Australia Day or a family trip over Easter, public holidays are a chance to reset and relax. But while we are busy unwinding, the banking system often takes a break too.
For business owners, payroll officers, or anyone waiting on a payment, these dates are about more than just time off. They impact when wages land in accounts, when bills get paid, and when stock markets trade.
To help you plan your year with confidence, we have compiled a complete guide to the 2026 Australian bank holidays. We cover the national dates, state-specific long weekends, and exactly how these breaks affect your money.
Understanding Bank Holidays in Australia
In Australia, the terms “public holiday” and “bank holiday” are often used interchangeably. Technically, a public holiday is a day legislated by the state or territory government where most businesses close or pay penalty rates. A bank holiday specifically refers to days when financial institutions are closed.
For most Australians, the result is the same: physical bank branches close their doors, and traditional payment processing systems slow down.
This can lead to:
- Delays in transfers: Money sent between different banks may not clear until the next business day.
- Payroll shifts: Businesses often need to process wages a day or two early.
- Agency downtime: Government bodies like the ATO and Centrelink are typically closed.
Knowing these dates in advance helps you avoid late fees on bills or the stress of a delayed paycheck.
2026 National Public Holidays
These are the key dates observed across all states and territories in Australia. Mark these in your calendar now to stay ahead of your financial planning.
|
Date |
Day |
Holiday |
Financial Impact Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Jan 1 |
Thursday |
New Year’s Day |
Banks closed. No standard settlement. |
|
Jan 26 |
Monday |
Australia Day |
Long weekend. Payroll usually shifted to previous week. |
|
Apr 3 |
Friday |
Good Friday |
Major closure. Restricted trading for many retailers. |
|
Apr 4 |
Saturday |
Easter Saturday |
Banks closed (standard weekend). |
|
Apr 5 |
Sunday |
Easter Sunday |
Banks closed (standard weekend). |
|
Apr 6 |
Monday |
Easter Monday |
Banks closed. Payment processing resumes Tuesday. |
|
Apr 25 |
Saturday |
Anzac Day |
Falls on a weekend. Some states observe a substitute, others do not. |
|
Dec 25 |
Friday |
Christmas Day |
Major closure. All banking settlements paused. |
|
Dec 26 |
Saturday |
Boxing Day |
Weekend closure. |
|
Dec 28 |
Monday |
Boxing Day (Additional) |
Substitute day. Banks closed. Processing resumes Tuesday. |
State and Territory Specific Holidays
Australia is a big place, and different regions celebrate different events. Here is a breakdown of the specific holidays that might affect you depending on where you live or do business.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- Canberra Day: Monday, March 9
- Reconciliation Day: Monday, June 1
- King’s Birthday: Monday, June 8
- Labour Day: Monday, October 5
New South Wales (NSW)
- King’s Birthday: Monday, June 8
- Labour Day: Monday, October 5
- Note: NSW also has a specific ‘Bank Holiday’ in August, but this applies primarily to bank employees and not the general public.
Northern Territory (NT)
- May Day: Monday, May 4
- King’s Birthday: Monday, June 8
- Picnic Day: Monday, August 3
Queensland (QLD)
- Labour Day: Monday, May 4
- Royal Queensland Show (Brisbane only): Wednesday, August 12
- King’s Birthday: Monday, October 5
South Australia (SA)
- Adelaide Cup Day: Monday, March 9
- King’s Birthday: Monday, June 8
- Labour Day: Monday, October 5
- Proclamation Day: Monday, December 28 (Observed as the Boxing Day holiday)
Tasmania (TAS)
- Eight Hours Day: Monday, March 9
- King’s Birthday: Monday, June 8
- Regional holidays exist for events like the Royal Hobart Regatta and Recreation Day.
Victoria (VIC)
- Labour Day: Monday, March 9
- King’s Birthday: Monday, June 8
- Friday before AFL Grand Final: Subject to AFL schedule (typically late September)
- Melbourne Cup: Tuesday, November 3
Western Australia (WA)
- Labour Day: Monday, March 2
- Western Australia Day: Monday, June 1
- King’s Birthday: Monday, September 28 (Some regional areas observe this on a different date)
Banking Services and Payment Delays
In the past, a public holiday meant money didn’t move. Today, technology has improved things significantly, but there are still gaps you need to watch out for.
What works 24/7 (Osko and NPP)
If you are transferring money between eligible Australian bank accounts using Osko or the New Payments Platform (NPP), these payments generally happen instantly, 24/7, 365 days a year. This means you can split a dinner bill on a public holiday Saturday and the money should arrive immediately.
What gets delayed (Direct Entry and BPAY)
Traditional transfers often pause on public holidays. This includes:
- Direct Debits: If your gym membership or utility bill is due on Good Friday, it will usually be debited on the following Tuesday.
- BPAY: While you can submit a BPAY payment on a holiday, the biller usually won’t receive the “value” of that payment until the next business day.
- Payroll: Salary payments sent via standard Direct Entry files will not process on a public holiday.
Our Tip: If you have a critical bill due on a public holiday, schedule the payment for two business days prior to ensure it arrives on time.
Payroll, Tax, and Financial Deadlines
For business owners, bank holidays require a little extra administration. Because banks don’t settle transactions on national public holidays, you cannot pay your staff on these days using standard banking files.
Payroll Strategy:
If payday falls on a holiday (like Good Friday), the standard practice is to pay staff the day before (Thursday). This ensures your team isn’t left without funds over a long weekend.
ATO Deadlines:
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is closed on national public holidays. If a deadline for a BAS (Business Activity Statement) or PAYG withholding falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday, you generally have until the next business day to lodge and pay without penalty.
Trading and Market Closures
Investors should note that the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) observes strict closures.
In 2026, the ASX will be closed on:
- New Year’s Day
- Australia Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- Anzac Day
- King’s Birthday
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
Early Closures:
On the last business day before Christmas (Dec 24) and New Year’s Eve (Dec 31), the market typically closes early (usually 2:10 PM Sydney time). Lower liquidity is common around these periods, so retail investors should take care when placing trades.
Budgeting Tips Around Holiday Spending
Public holidays often come with hidden costs. A three-day weekend can lead to extra spending on travel, dining out, or entertainment.
Here is how to keep your budget on track:
- Watch for surcharges: Many cafes and restaurants add a 10% to 15% surcharge on public holidays to cover staff penalty rates. Check the menu fine print before you order.
- Automate savings: Use the “set and forget” method. Schedule your savings transfers to occur the day after you get paid, so the money is safely put away before the long weekend begins.
- Plan for “The Big Three”: The periods around Easter, Christmas, and the school holidays are the most expensive times to travel. Booking accommodation months in advance is the best way to secure a fair price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do direct debits get processed on public holidays?
Generally, no. Most direct debits scheduled for a public holiday will be processed on the next business day. However, it is always safer to leave the funds in your account just in case your specific provider processes differently.
Can I access online banking on public holidays?
Yes. Mobile apps and online banking portals remain open 24/7. You can view balances and make transfers, but remember that non-instant transfers (like BPAY) may not clear until the banks reopen.
What happens if a public holiday falls on a weekend?
If a standard public holiday (like Boxing Day or Australia Day) falls on a weekend, a “substitute” holiday is often declared on the following Monday. In 2026, Boxing Day is on a Saturday, so Monday, December 28 is the substitute public holiday.
Conclusion
A little preparation goes a long way. By marking these 2026 bank holidays in your calendar now, you can ensure your bills are paid on time, your staff are happy, and your own finances are stress-free.
Whether you are running a business or sending money to loved ones overseas, knowing the schedule helps you stay in control. At Remitly, we know how important it is for your money to arrive when you need it to. That is why we are committed to transparent delivery times, keeping you informed every step of the way—holidays included.