New South Wales Holidays 2026 | NSW Public Holiday Calendar

New South Wales Holidays 2026

Public Holiday Calendar for New South Wales, Australia

NSW Public Holidays 2026

New Year's Day

January 1, 2026 (Wednesday)

National public holiday

Australia Day

January 26, 2026 (Sunday)

National public holiday

Australia Day (observed)

January 27, 2026 (Monday)

Additional day off

Good Friday

April 18, 2026 (Friday)

National public holiday

Easter Saturday

April 19, 2026 (Saturday)

NSW public holiday

Easter Monday

April 21, 2026 (Monday)

National public holiday

Anzac Day

April 25, 2026 (Friday)

National public holiday

Queen's Birthday

June 9, 2026 (Monday)

NSW public holiday

Bank Holiday

August 4, 2026 (Monday)

NSW public holiday

Labour Day

October 6, 2026 (Monday)

NSW public holiday

Christmas Day

December 25, 2026 (Thursday)

National public holiday

Boxing Day

December 26, 2026 (Friday)

National public holiday

NSW Holiday Information

NSW Specific Holidays

  • • Easter Saturday (unique to NSW)
  • • Bank Holiday (first Monday in August)
  • • Labour Day (first Monday in October)

Queen's Birthday

NSW celebrates Queen's Birthday on the second Monday in June, different from some other Australian states.

Bank Holidays 2026

Important Banking Information

Banks in New South Wales are typically closed on national public holidays and NSW-specific holidays including Easter Saturday and Bank Holiday. ATMs and online banking services remain available 24/7. Always check with your specific bank for their holiday schedule.

National Bank Holidays

New Year's Day
Wednesday, Jan 1, 2026
Closed
Australia Day
Monday, Jan 27, 2026
Observed
Closed
Good Friday
Friday, Apr 18, 2026
Closed
Easter Monday
Monday, Apr 21, 2026
Closed
ANZAC Day
Friday, Apr 25, 2026
Closed
Christmas Day
Thursday, Dec 25, 2026
Closed
Boxing Day
Friday, Dec 26, 2026
Closed

NSW State Bank Holidays

Easter Saturday
Saturday, Apr 19, 2026
NSW specific
Closed
Queen's Birthday
Monday, Jun 9, 2026
Closed
Bank Holiday
Monday, Aug 4, 2026
First Monday in August
Closed
Labour Day
Monday, Oct 6, 2026
First Monday in October
Closed
11
Total Bank Holidays
7
National Bank Holidays
4
NSW State Bank Holidays

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main public holidays in NSW 2026?

NSW observes all national Australian public holidays plus state-specific holidays including Easter Saturday, Bank Holiday (first Monday in August), and Labour Day (first Monday in October).

What makes NSW holidays different from other Australian states?

NSW is unique in observing Easter Saturday as a public holiday and has its own Bank Holiday in August. NSW also celebrates Labour Day on the first Monday in October, unlike some other states.

Is Easter Saturday a public holiday in NSW?

Yes, Easter Saturday is a public holiday unique to NSW and ACT. This gives NSW residents a four-day Easter long weekend from Friday to Monday inclusive.

What is the Bank Holiday in NSW?

The Bank Holiday is observed on the first Monday in August (August 4, 2026) and is specific to NSW. It provides an additional long weekend during winter months.

Are banks and schools closed on NSW public holidays?

Most banks, schools, and government offices are closed on both national and NSW-specific public holidays. Some retail businesses may remain open depending on the holiday.

When is Queen's Birthday celebrated in NSW?

NSW celebrates Queen's Birthday on the second Monday in June (June 9, 2026), which is the same as most Australian states except Western Australia and Queensland.

Do employees get penalty rates for working on NSW public holidays?

Under Australian employment law, eligible employees are generally entitled to penalty rates or time off in lieu for working on public holidays. Specific rates depend on awards and agreements.

What happens if a public holiday falls on a weekend in NSW?

If a public holiday falls on a weekend, it's usually observed on the next Monday (or Tuesday if Monday is also a holiday), ensuring workers receive the benefit of a long weekend.

How is Labour Day different in NSW compared to other states?

NSW observes Labour Day on the first Monday in October, which differs from states like Victoria and Tasmania that celebrate it in March, and Western Australia that observes it in May.

Are there any local council holidays in Sydney or NSW?

While most holidays are state or national, some local councils may have specific observances or events. Check with your local council for any additional local holidays or closures.