South Australia Holidays 2026 | SA Public Holiday Calendar | Adelaide Holidays

South Australia Holidays 2026

Public Holiday Calendar for South Australia

South Australia 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

Adelaide Cup Day

March 10, 2026 (Monday)

SA public holiday

Good Friday

April 18, 2026 (Friday)

National public holiday

Easter Saturday

April 19, 2026 (Saturday)

SA 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)

SA public holiday

Christmas Day

December 25, 2026 (Thursday)

National public holiday

Proclamation Day

December 26, 2026 (Friday)

SA replaces Boxing Day

SA Holiday Information

SA Specific Holidays

  • • Adelaide Cup Day (second Monday in March)
  • • Easter Saturday (day before Easter Sunday)
  • • Proclamation Day (replaces Boxing Day)

Proclamation Day

South Australia celebrates Proclamation Day instead of Boxing Day, commemorating the proclamation of the state in 1836.

Bank Holidays 2026

Important Banking Information

Banks in South Australia are typically closed on national public holidays and SA-specific holidays including Adelaide Cup Day and Proclamation Day. 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 26, 2026
Closed
Good Friday
Friday, Apr 18, 2026
Closed
Easter Monday
Monday, Apr 21, 2026
Closed
ANZAC Day
Friday, Apr 25, 2026
Closed
Queen's Birthday
Monday, Jun 9, 2026
Closed
Christmas Day
Thursday, Dec 25, 2026
Closed

SA State Bank Holidays

Adelaide Cup Day
Monday, Mar 10, 2026
Second Monday in March
Closed
Labour Day
Monday, Oct 6, 2026
First Monday in October
Closed
Proclamation Day
Friday, Dec 26, 2026
Instead of Boxing Day
Closed
10
Total Bank Holidays
7
National Bank Holidays
3
SA State Bank Holidays

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main public holidays in South Australia 2026?

South Australia observes national Australian public holidays plus unique state holidays including Adelaide Cup Day and Proclamation Day (which replaces Boxing Day). SA follows the standard Queen's Birthday in June.

What is Proclamation Day in South Australia?

Proclamation Day (December 26) commemorates the proclamation of South Australia as a British province in 1836. It's unique to SA and replaces Boxing Day as a public holiday.

What is Adelaide Cup Day?

Adelaide Cup Day is observed on the second Monday in March (March 10, 2026) and is a public holiday unique to South Australia. It coincides with the Adelaide Cup horse race.

Does South Australia observe Boxing Day?

No, South Australia observes Proclamation Day instead of Boxing Day on December 26. This makes SA unique among Australian states in not celebrating Boxing Day as a public holiday.

When is Labour Day in South Australia?

South Australia observes Labour Day on the first Monday in October (October 6, 2026), which is the same as most other Australian states except for Victoria, Tasmania, and Western Australia.

Are banks and schools closed on SA public holidays?

Most banks, schools, and government offices are closed on both national and South Australia-specific public holidays, including Adelaide Cup Day and Proclamation Day.

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

Under Australian employment law, eligible employees are generally entitled to penalty rates or time off in lieu for working on public holidays, including SA-specific holidays like Adelaide Cup Day.

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

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.

Are there any regional public holidays in South Australia?

Adelaide Cup Day applies statewide, but some regional areas may have additional local holidays or events. Check with your local council for any specific regional observances.

How do I know if I'm entitled to public holiday pay in SA?

Under the Fair Work Act, employees who meet certain criteria are entitled to public holiday pay for both national and SA state holidays. Check with Fair Work Australia for specific details.