Australia Day is one of Australia's most important national dates. Each year, people ask whether January 26 is always a day off, how it affects work, and how to make the most of the long weekend. Many Australians use this time to finally tackle home projects, including setting up or upgrading their home office workspace.
Is Australia Day a Public Holiday?
Yes. Australia Day is officially a public holiday across all of Australia. In 2026, Australia Day falls on Monday, January 26, giving many workers a long weekend.
This is protected under the Fair Work Act 2009, which sets the rules for public holidays in Australia. Each state and territory also formally declares Australia Day as a public holiday under their own legislation.
When Is the Public Holiday Observed?
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If January 26 is a weekday: The public holiday is observed on that day
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If January 26 falls on a weekend: Most states and territories observe the public holiday on the following Monday
In 2026, since January 26 is already a Monday, there's no substitution needed. You get the day off on the actual date.
What It Means for Workers
For employees, Australia Day typically means:
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A paid public holiday if it falls on a normal working day
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Extra pay or a substitute day off if you must work
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Protection under National Employment Standards
The exact rules depend on your award or employment agreement.
How Australians Spend the Australia Day Long Weekend
The Australia Day long weekend has become a popular time for:
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Home improvements and organization – finally tackling projects you've been putting off
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Workspace upgrades – setting up or refreshing your home office with proper furniture
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Health and wellness planning – investing in ergonomic solutions for better posture and comfort
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Taking advantage of seasonal sales – many retailers offer Australia Day promotions on home and office essentials
Why This Is the Perfect Time for Workspace Upgrades
With a guaranteed long weekend, you have time to:
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Properly research ergonomic office solutions
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Measure your workspace and plan the layout
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Assemble and adjust new furniture without rushing
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Test your new setup before the work week starts
Many working from home use this opportunity to invest in proper ergonomic furniture, especially ergonomic chairs in Australia that support long-term health and productivity.
Australia Day Public Holiday: Detailed Guide
Why January 26?
Australia Day marks the historical event on January 26, 1788, when the First Fleet arrived at Port Jackson and established the first British colony in New South Wales. Over time, this date became a national symbol of Australia's history and identity.
Who Decides the Public Holiday?
Public holidays in Australia are managed through both federal and state authority:
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The Fair Work Act 2009 sets the rules for how public holidays apply to workers
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The Fair Work Ombudsman provides guidance on these rules
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Each state and territory formally declares Australia Day as a public holiday under their own laws
State-by-State Weekend Substitution
When Australia Day falls on a weekend, states and territories typically declare the following Monday as a substitute public holiday:
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New South Wales (NSW): Substitute holiday applies
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Victoria (VIC): Substitute holiday applies
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Queensland (QLD): Substitute holiday applies
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South Australia (SA): Substitute holiday applies
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Western Australia (WA): Substitute holiday applies
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Tasmania (TAS): Substitute holiday applies
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Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Substitute holiday applies
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Northern Territory (NT): Substitute holiday applies
Important: When a substitute public holiday is declared, the substitute day becomes the official public holiday, while January 26 (if it falls on a weekend) is treated as a normal working day.
Australia Day Sale: Upgrade Your Home Office
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Why Choose Our Ergonomic Chairs?
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Lumbar Support: Designed for all-day comfort
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Australian Standards: Built for local workspaces
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Long-term Value: Durable materials and construction
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Health Benefits: Proper posture and reduced back pain
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Final Thoughts
Australia Day is a nationally recognised public holiday that many Australians use as a chance to rest, celebrate, and plan for the year ahead. For workers, it means clear public holiday rules under the Fair Work Act 2009 and state public holiday laws. For those planning home improvements, the long weekend provides the perfect opportunity to upgrade your workspace and invest in better ergonomic support.
For the most current public holiday information for your state or territory, always verify with your jurisdiction's official public holiday declaration or visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Australia Day is officially recognised as a public holiday across all Australian states and territories. The Fair Work Act 2009 sets the national rules for public holidays, and each state and territory has its own legislation that formally declares Australia Day as a public holiday. This means workers and businesses must follow both federal and local rules depending on where they operate.
Australia Day is always on January 26. In 2026, it falls on Monday, January 26, meaning the public holiday is observed on the same day. If January 26 falls on a weekend, many states and territories declare a substitute public holiday on the following Monday, but the official date remains January 26.
When January 26 lands on a weekend, most states and territories declare a substitute public holiday on the following Monday. This is to ensure workers don’t lose their entitlement to a public holiday just because the date falls on a non-working day. The substitute day becomes the official public holiday, and the original date is treated as a normal working day.
Generally, yes — most states and territories provide a substitute public holiday when January 26 falls on a weekend. However, the specific rules and legal mechanisms vary by jurisdiction, so it’s always best to check your state or territory’s official public holiday declaration each year.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always check your state or territory’s official public holiday declaration. You can also visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website for guidance on public holiday rules and worker entitlements.
