With the right planning, you can maximise your time off in 2025 by strategically booking holidays around public holidays. By doing this, Australian workers can turn just 20 days of annual leave into as many as 53 days off, depending on your state. Here's a breakdown of how to make the most of your leave, with key dates and suggestions for all states and territories.
Public Holidays To Maximise Your Annual Leave in 2025
Christmas Break 2024-2025: Get 16 Days Off with 7 Days of Leave
Public Holidays:Â December 25 (Christmas Day), December 26 (Boxing Day), January 1 (New Year's Day)
Dates to Book Off:Â December 21, 2024, to January 6, 2025
Total Break: 16 days Start the year right by combining Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day with just seven days of annual leave, giving you a solid 16-day break to ease into 2025.
Adventure Idea: Head to New Zealand for a summer hike along the Milford Track or Routeburn Track to start the year with an epic adventure.
Australia Day: Enjoy a 9-Day Break with 4 Days of Leave
Public Holiday:Â January 27 (Australia Day observed)
Dates to Book Off:Â January 28 to January 31
Total Break:Â 9 days Australia Day in 2025 falls on Monday, January 27, creating the perfect opportunity for a nine-day break. Book four days of leave from January 28 to January 31 to enjoy a long summer holiday.
Adventure Idea: Travel to Tasmania and tackle the Overland Track, or stay local and run a coastal marathon along the Great Ocean Road.
Easter and Anzac Day Combo: 16 Days Off with 7 Days of Leave
Public Holidays:Â April 18 (Good Friday), April 21 (Easter Monday), April 25 (Anzac Day)
Dates to Book Off:Â April 14 to April 17, April 22 to April 24
Total Break:Â 16 days April offers a prime opportunity to score a 16-day break using just seven days of leave. The combination of Easter and Anzac Day creates a unique chance to double your time off.
Adventure Idea: Hike the famous Bibbulmun Track in Western Australia for a multi-day trek, or join a local trail race during this long break.
King's Birthday: Take 9 Days Off with 4 Days of Leave
Public Holidays: June 9 (King’s Birthday in most states), June 2 (WA)
Dates to Book Off:Â June 10 to June 13
Total Break: 9 days Celebrate the King’s Birthday with a nine-day getaway by booking four days off around the June 9 holiday. In Western Australia, the King’s Birthday is observed on June 2, offering a similar opportunity.
Adventure Idea: Trek the Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory for stunning winter hikes, or enjoy a tropical trail run in North Queensland.
Labour Day: 9-Day Break with 4 Days of Leave
Public Holidays:Â March 3 (WA), March 10 (VIC), May 5 (QLD), October 6 (NSW, ACT, SA)
Dates to Book Off:Â The Tuesday to Friday following Labour Day in your state
Total Break:Â 9 days Labour Day is observed on different dates across Australia, but it provides a chance for a nine-day holiday. Book four days off surrounding the public holiday for an extended break.
Adventure Idea: Use this time to explore local hikes like the Grampians Peaks Trail in Victoria or take on Lamington National Park trails in Queensland.
Christmas 2025: Another 16-Day Break with 7 Days of Leave
Public Holidays: December 25 (Christmas Day), December 26 (Boxing Day), January 1, 2026 (New Year’s Day)
Dates to Book Off:Â December 22 to December 24, December 29 to December 31, January 2, 2026
Total Break: 16 days End the year with another long holiday. Book seven days off between Christmas and New Year’s to secure a 16-day break, perfect for relaxation or travel.
Adventure Idea: Finish the year with a multi-day hike through Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area or run a marathon in New Zealand to kick off 2026.
State-Specific Leave Maximisation in 2025
Different states have additional public holidays that can help boost your leave further. Here’s how you can make the most of them:
Victoria: 57 Days Off with 21 Days of Leave
Key Dates:Â Melbourne Cup (November 4), AFL Grand Final Holiday (October) In Victoria, public holidays like Melbourne Cup and AFL Grand Final can extend your time off. By booking just 21 days of leave, you can secure 57 days off throughout the year.
New South Wales: 50 Days Off with 20 Days of Leave
Key Date:Â Labour Day (October 6) While NSW has fewer public holidays compared to other states, you can still turn 20 days of leave into 50 days off by carefully planning around holidays like Australia Day, Easter, and Labour Day.
Queensland: 55 Days Off with 22 Days of Leave
Key Date:Â Ekka Public Holiday (August 13) In Queensland, workers can use the Ekka Public Holiday to take a five-day break by booking just two days of leave. Combine this with other public holidays, and you can turn 22 days of leave into 55 days off.
Western Australia: 59 Days Off with 24 Days of Leave
Key Dates:Â WA Day (June 2) Western Australians can make the most of WA Day by booking four days of leave to enjoy a nine-day break. This, combined with other public holidays, gives workers up to 59 days off with just 24 days of annual leave.
ACT: 56 Days Off with 20 Days of Leave
Key Dates:Â Canberra Day (March 10), Reconciliation Day (June 2) ACT workers can enjoy two extra long weekends with public holidays like Canberra Day and Reconciliation Day, helping them secure 56 days off using only 20 days of leave.
Tasmania: 53 Days Off with 20 Days of Leave
Key Dates:Â Eight Hours Day (March 10), Royal Hobart Regatta (February 10) Tasmanian workers can use public holidays like Eight Hours Day and the Royal Hobart Regatta to maximise their time off, securing 53 days off with 20 days of leave.
Northern Territory: 53 Days Off with 20 Days of Leave
Key Dates:Â May Day (May 5), Picnic Day (August 4) NT workers can use May Day and Picnic Day for two long weekends, turning 20 days of leave into 53 days off throughout the year.
South Australia: 53 Days Off with 20 Days of Leave
Key Date:Â Adelaide Cup Day (March 10) In South Australia, Adelaide Cup Day in March provides an extra long weekend, allowing workers to maximise their annual leave for a total of 53 days off in 2025.
Whether you’re planning to run an international marathon (don't forget the Blister Wool!), explore Australia’s famous multi-day hikes (read about the most famous multi-day hikes in Australia here), or simply take some time to recharge at home, 2025 presents plenty of opportunities to maximise your annual leave. By booking around public holidays, you can turn 20 days of leave into as many as 53 days off. Use these strategic dates to get the most bang for your buck, and make the most of your time off.
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