The following public holiday dates apply to Victoria in 2026, including national and state-specific holidays.
These dates are published in accordance with the Victorian Government public holiday schedule.
Contents
- 1 Victoria Public Holidays 2026 – At a Glance
- 2 Official 2026 Public Holiday Calendar (Victoria)
- 3 Key Notes for Victoria in 2026
- 4 Victoria Long Weekends in 2026
- 5 Trading Restrictions on Public Holidays
- 6 FAQs
- 7 Will there be a substitute public holiday for ANZAC Day in 2026?
- 8 Is Melbourne Cup Day a public holiday across all of Victoria?
- 9 When is the AFL Grand Final Eve public holiday in 2026?
- 10 Why is Monday, 28 December 2026, a public holiday?
- 11 Planning Around School Holidays
Victoria Public Holidays 2026 – At a Glance
Official 2026 Public Holiday Calendar (Victoria)
| Date | Day | Holiday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day | National holiday |
| 26 January | Monday | Australia Day | National holiday |
| 9 March | Monday | Labour Day | Victoria only |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday | National (restricted trading) |
| 4 April | Saturday | Saturday before Easter Sunday | Victoria only |
| 5 April | Sunday | Easter Sunday | Victoria only |
| 6 April | Monday | Easter Monday | National holiday |
| 25 April | Saturday | ANZAC Day | No substitute day in VIC |
| 8 June | Monday | King’s Birthday | Victoria only |
| 25 September | Friday | Friday before AFL Grand Final | Subject to AFL confirmation |
| 3 November | Tuesday | Melbourne Cup Day | Statewide (regional substitutions may apply) |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day | National (restricted trading) |
| 26 December | Saturday | Boxing Day | National holiday |
| 28 December | Monday | Additional Boxing Day Holiday | Observed due to the Saturday holiday |
Key Notes for Victoria in 2026
Certain public holidays in 2026 fall on weekends or have special conditions:
- ANZAC Day (25 April 2026) falls on a Saturday. In Victoria, no substitute public holiday is provided.
- Boxing Day (26 December 2026) falls on a Saturday, so Monday 28 December is observed as an additional public holiday.
- Melbourne Cup Day (3 November 2026) is observed statewide, although some regional councils may substitute another local holiday.
Victoria Long Weekends in 2026
Several 2026 public holidays create natural long weekends:
- Australia Day – Monday, 26 January
- Labour Day – Monday, 9 March
- King’s Birthday – Monday, 8 June
- Grand Final Eve – Friday, 25 September
- Christmas Weekend – 25–28 December
These periods are commonly used for short breaks and travel within Victoria.
Trading Restrictions on Public Holidays
Some public holidays in Victoria have retail trading restrictions, particularly:
- Good Friday
- ANZAC Day (morning)
- Christmas Day
Opening hours vary by retailer and location. Always check directly with individual venues for confirmation.
FAQs
Will there be a substitute public holiday for ANZAC Day in 2026?
No. ANZAC Day falls on Saturday, 25 April 2026, and Victoria does not provide a substitute day.
Is Melbourne Cup Day a public holiday across all of Victoria?
Yes, although regional councils may substitute a different local holiday.
When is the AFL Grand Final Eve public holiday in 2026?
Friday, 25 September 2026. The exact AFL Grand Final date is confirmed by the AFL.
Why is Monday, 28 December 2026, a public holiday?
Because Boxing Day falls on Saturday, 26 December 2026, Monday becomes the observed additional public holiday.
Planning Around School Holidays
Many Victorian public holidays align with school term breaks.
Easter, Labour Day, and the September AFL Grand Final weekend often overlap with Victorian school holidays, creating extended travel windows.
For full term dates, see our VIC School Holidays 2026 guide.