NSW public holidays 2026
New South Wales recognises 11 public holidays in 2026 — all 7 national holidays plus Queen's Birthday, Bank Holiday (NSW only), and a half-day Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday treatment under the NSW Public Holidays Act 2010.
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 |
| Friday 3 April 2026 | Fri | Good Friday | National |
| Saturday 4 April 2026 | Sat | Saturday before Easter Sunday | National |
| Monday 6 April 2026 | Mon | Easter Monday | National |
| Saturday 25 April 2026 | Sat | Anzac Day | National |
| Monday 8 June 2026 | Mon | Queen's Birthday | NSW-only |
| Friday 25 December 2026 | Fri | Christmas Day | National |
| Saturday 26 December 2026 | Sat | Boxing Day | National |
Sources: Modern awards and the Fair Work Act 2009 set most of the penalty-rate entitlements, but NSW state legislation defines which days are public holidays. Always cross-check with the current state gazette for any year-of substitutions when a holiday falls on a weekend.
NSW quirks worth knowing
Bank Holiday on the first Monday of August is a NSW-specific holiday — and is a substituted holiday only for some industries (banks, insurers).
If 25 April (Anzac Day) falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the Public Holidays Act 2010 (NSW) does not provide for a substitute day. The day itself remains the holiday.
If Christmas Day or Boxing Day fall on a weekend, additional public holidays are added on the following Monday and/or Tuesday — these vary year to year.
Working a public holiday in NSW?
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.