Australia Day
Nationwide public holiday in Australia
Dates
| Year | Date | Weekday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 January | Monday | Nationwide |
| 2027 | 26 January | Tuesday | Nationwide |
Where it applies
Everywhere in Australia.
Is it a day off?
Yes. It is an official public holiday, so most employees have the day off. Government offices, schools and many businesses are usually closed; shops, restaurants and public transport may keep reduced hours. Check local announcements for opening times.
Make it longer
Take Monday 25 January off and get 4 days in a row (Sat 23 Jan – Tue 26 Jan).
Plan more breaks with the leave planner.
Typical weather in Canberra around 26 January: high 28°C (83°F), low 15°C (59°F), rain on 46% of days.
Averages for 2015–2024, 3 days either side of the date, for the area around Canberra. Past averages, not a forecast.
Forecast for Tuesday 26 January in Canberra: (MET Norway)
Where to go for Australia Day
Australia Day on 26 January falls in the middle of summer. When it lands on a Monday or Friday, or a weekday holiday is substituted, it creates a long weekend that suits a beach or cool-climate escape.
Budget-friendly
Victor Harbor · South Australia
A seaside town on the Fleurieu Peninsula, where a causeway leads to Granite Island. The beaches of the south coast are nearby, and the McLaren Vale wine region sits on the drive from Adelaide.
Typically around 26 January: high 25°C (78°F), low 18°C (64°F), rain on 13% of days.
Forecast for 26 January:
beachfamilywinenature
Mid-range
Hobart · Tasmania
Milder summer weather than the mainland, the Museum of Old and New Art, the Saturday market at Salamanca Place, fresh seafood on the waterfront and the summit views from kunanyi / Mount Wellington.
Typically around 26 January: high 22°C (72°F), low 13°C (56°F), rain on 29% of days.
Forecast for 26 January:
foodcultureattractionsnaturecity
Busselton · Western Australia
Calm swimming beaches on Geographe Bay, the long timber Busselton Jetty with its underwater observatory, and easy access to the wineries, caves and surf of the Margaret River region.
Typically around 26 January: high 31°C (88°F), low 16°C (61°F), rain on 4% of days.
Forecast for 26 January:
beachattractionswinefamily
Sunshine Coast · Queensland
Surf beaches, the coastal walks of Noosa National Park, the volcanic peaks of the Glass House Mountains and Australia Zoo give plenty of variety for families in summer.
Typically around 26 January: high 28°C (82°F), low 24°C (75°F), rain on 50% of days.
Forecast for 26 January:
beachfamilynatureattractions
Splurge
Byron Bay · New South Wales
Surf beaches, the coastal walking track up to Cape Byron Lighthouse with its ocean views, and cafes and markets in the green hinterland behind the coast.
Typically around 26 January: high 27°C (80°F), low 24°C (76°F), rain on 53% of days.
Forecast for 26 January:
beachnatureoutdoorsfood
Trip ideas chosen by Public Holidays World, not sponsored. “Typically” lines are past averages, not forecasts; when the date is within about 9 days, a forecast is shown too.
About Australia Day
Australia Day, on 26 January, is the official national day of Australia. It marks the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at Sydney Cove in 1788 and the raising of the British flag there by Captain Arthur Phillip. Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people mark the date as a day of mourning, sometimes called Invasion Day or Survival Day, and the choice of date is the subject of ongoing public debate.
Traditions
Citizenship ceremonies are held across the country, and the Australian of the Year is announced on the eve of the holiday. Many people attend community events, concerts and fireworks, or hold barbecues and beach outings. Marches and gatherings recognising First Nations history and survival also take place in many cities.
Editorial summary by Public Holidays World. Dates on this page come from the data source; customs vary by region and family.
Coming up next in Australia
Friday, 26 March 2027
Australia Day in other countries
More for Australia
Holiday dates are for general information and can change. Official government announcements take precedence.