Victoria Holidays 2026 | VIC Public Holiday Calendar | Melbourne Holidays

Victoria Holidays 2026

Public Holiday Calendar for Victoria, Australia

Victoria 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

Labour Day

March 10, 2026 (Monday)

Victoria public holiday

Good Friday

April 18, 2026 (Friday)

National public holiday

Easter Saturday

April 19, 2026 (Saturday)

Victoria 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)

Victoria public holiday

AFL Grand Final Friday

September 26, 2026 (Friday)

Victoria public holiday

Melbourne Cup Day

November 4, 2026 (Tuesday)

Victoria public holiday

Christmas Day

December 25, 2026 (Thursday)

National public holiday

Boxing Day

December 26, 2026 (Friday)

National public holiday

Victoria Holiday Information

Victoria Specific Holidays

  • • Melbourne Cup Day (first Tuesday in November)
  • • AFL Grand Final Friday (day before AFL Grand Final)
  • • Labour Day (second Monday in March)

Cultural Significance

Victoria is famous for Melbourne Cup Day - "the race that stops a nation" - and AFL Grand Final Friday, reflecting the state's sporting culture.

Bank Holidays 2026

Important Banking Information

Banks in Victoria are typically closed on national public holidays and Victoria-specific holidays including Melbourne Cup Day and AFL Grand Final Friday. 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
Boxing Day
Friday, Dec 26, 2026
Closed

Victoria State Bank Holidays

Labour Day
Monday, Mar 10, 2026
Second Monday in March
Closed
AFL Grand Final Friday
Friday, Sep 26, 2026
Day before AFL Grand Final
Closed
Melbourne Cup Day
Tuesday, Nov 4, 2026
First Tuesday in November
Closed
11
Total Bank Holidays
8
National Bank Holidays
3
Victoria State Bank Holidays

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main public holidays in Victoria 2026?

Victoria observes all national Australian public holidays plus unique state holidays including Labour Day (second Monday in March), AFL Grand Final Friday, and Melbourne Cup Day - "the race that stops a nation".

What is Melbourne Cup Day?

Melbourne Cup Day (November 4, 2026) is a public holiday in Victoria for the famous horse race known as "the race that stops a nation." It's held on the first Tuesday in November and is unique to Victoria.

What is AFL Grand Final Friday?

AFL Grand Final Friday (September 26, 2026) is a public holiday in Victoria held on the day before the AFL Grand Final. It was introduced to create a long weekend and celebrate Victoria's sporting culture.

How is Labour Day different in Victoria?

Victoria observes Labour Day on the second Monday in March (March 10, 2026), which is earlier than most other Australian states that observe it in October or May.

Are banks and schools closed on Victoria public holidays?

Most banks, schools, and government offices are closed on both national and Victoria-specific public holidays, including Melbourne Cup Day and AFL Grand Final Friday.

Do employees get penalty rates for working on Victoria 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 Victoria's unique sporting holidays.

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

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.

Is Melbourne Cup Day observed outside Victoria?

Melbourne Cup Day is primarily a Victorian public holiday, though the race itself is celebrated nationwide. Some businesses in other states may give employees time off, but it's not an official public holiday elsewhere.

Are there any regional public holidays in Victoria?

The main state holidays apply across Victoria. Some local areas may have additional local events or show days, but these are typically not official public holidays with penalty rates.

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

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