ACT public holidays 2026
The ACT recognises 15 public holidays in 2026, including Canberra Day (second Monday in March) and Reconciliation Day (Monday closest to 27 May).
Every public holiday in 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday 1 January 2026 | Thu | New Year's Day | National |
| Monday 26 January 2026 | Mon | Australia Day | National |
| Monday 9 March 2026 | Mon | Canberra Day | ACT-only |
| Friday 3 April 2026 | Fri | Good Friday | National |
| Saturday 4 April 2026 | Sat | Saturday before Easter Sunday | 6 of 8 |
| Sunday 5 April 2026 | Sun | Easter Sunday | 7 of 8 |
| Monday 6 April 2026 | Mon | Easter Monday | National |
| Saturday 25 April 2026 | Sat | Anzac Day | National |
| Monday 27 April 2026 | Mon | Anzac Day (additional) | 3 of 8 |
| Monday 1 June 2026 | Mon | Reconciliation Day | ACT-only |
| Monday 8 June 2026 | Mon | King's Birthday | 6 of 8 |
| Monday 5 October 2026 | Mon | Labour Day | 3 of 8 |
| Friday 25 December 2026 | Fri | Christmas Day | National |
| Saturday 26 December 2026 | Sat | Boxing Day | 6 of 8 |
| Monday 28 December 2026 | Mon | Boxing Day (additional) | 6 of 8 |
Sources: The Holidays Act 1958 (ACT) sets the public holiday list. Penalty rates come from modern awards under the Fair Work Act 2009. Always cross-check with the current state gazette for any year-of substitutions when a holiday falls on a weekend.
ACT quirks worth knowing
Canberra Day on the second Monday in March is a unique ACT holiday.
Reconciliation Day on the Monday nearest to 27 May was introduced in 2018 — Australia's first state or territory to gazette a Reconciliation Day public holiday.
The ACT has NO Christmas Eve part-day public holiday. That is a South Australian, Northern Territory and Queensland arrangement — 24 December is an ordinary working day in the ACT.
Working a public holiday in ACT?
The penalty rate that applies depends on your modern award and employment type. Use our calculator to see the exact rate for your award + classification + state combination.