WA public holidays 2026
Western Australia recognises 13 public holidays in 2026, including Foundation Day (or Western Australia Day) on the first Monday in June and the King's Birthday in late September — different from the eastern states.
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 2 March 2026 | Mon | Labour Day | WA-only |
| Friday 3 April 2026 | Fri | Good Friday | National |
| 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 | Western Australia Day | WA-only |
| Monday 28 September 2026 | Mon | King's Birthday | WA-only |
| 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 Public and Bank Holidays Act 1972 (WA) 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.
WA quirks worth knowing
Western Australia Day (formerly Foundation Day) on the first Monday in June replaces what other states call the Queen's / King's Birthday — different month entirely.
King's Birthday in WA is the last Monday in September, not June. This is one of the most common payroll errors for businesses operating across multiple states.
Easter Sunday IS a public holiday in WA, but Easter Saturday is not — the reverse of most eastern states. Employers who assume the eastern-state pattern underpay Easter Sunday and overpay Easter Saturday.
Working a public holiday in WA?
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.