Easter 2026 Australia: Complete Holiday Planning Guide

Easter 2026 Key Dates

Understanding the exact dates of Easter 2026 is essential for effective holiday planning. Unlike fixed public holidays, Easter moves each year based on lunar calculations, always falling on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the March equinox.

This four-day weekend provides Australians with a substantial break during the pleasant autumn season. The weather in early April typically features mild temperatures across southern Australia, while northern regions enjoy the end of the wet season with less humidity than summer months.

Maximising Your Easter Break

While the standard Easter weekend provides four days off, strategic annual leave can extend this significantly. The week before Easter offers exceptional value for leave investment.

By taking Monday 30th March through Thursday 2nd April off (four leave days), you create a ten-day break stretching from Saturday 28th March to Monday 6th April. This represents the best value annual leave opportunity of the entire year, giving you more than double the time off compared to leave taken at other times.

Even more ambitious planners might take the entire fortnight surrounding Easter. Using eight leave days (the week before and the few days after), you could enjoy over two weeks of consecutive time off. This substantial break suits international travel or extended Australian road trips.

Leave Application Tips

Easter leave is highly competitive in most Australian workplaces. Submit your request as early as your employer allows, ideally in January when annual leave planning typically opens. Many organisations allocate Easter leave on a rotating basis to ensure fairness, so check your workplace policy early.

What's Open and Closed

Easter trading laws vary significantly across Australian states and territories, and understanding these differences is crucial for holiday planning. Good Friday remains the most restricted trading day of the year, with most retail businesses closed nationwide.

Good Friday

Expect most shops, supermarkets, and businesses to be closed on Good Friday. Essential services like petrol stations, some pharmacies, and hospital emergency departments remain operational. Restaurants and cafes in tourist areas may open, but many close or operate reduced hours.

Easter Saturday

Most retail businesses reopen on Easter Saturday with normal trading hours. Shopping centres, supermarkets, and specialty stores typically operate as usual, making this a popular day for last-minute Easter shopping.

Easter Sunday

Trading restrictions on Easter Sunday vary by state. In Queensland, NSW, and the ACT where Easter Sunday is a public holiday, some restrictions apply. Victoria and other states generally permit normal Sunday trading. Check local regulations if you're planning specific activities.

Easter Monday

Similar to Easter Sunday, trading varies by state. Many retailers open with public holiday hours, while some businesses choose to close for the long weekend. Banks and government offices are closed nationwide.

Easter 2026 Travel Destinations

April weather makes Easter 2026 ideal for exploring diverse Australian destinations. Autumn brings comfortable temperatures to southern regions while tropical areas become more accessible as wet season conditions ease.

Wine Country Escapes

Easter marks harvest season in many Australian wine regions, making it an exceptional time for cellar door visits. The Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Yarra Valley, and Margaret River all offer stunning autumn colours alongside wine tasting and gourmet food experiences.

Many wineries host special Easter events, from long lunches to vineyard picnics. The cooler mornings and warm afternoons of early April provide perfect conditions for outdoor wine country activities.

Outback Adventures

After the summer heat subsides, April offers excellent conditions for outback travel. The Red Centre around Alice Springs and Uluru becomes comfortable, as do the Flinders Ranges and Broken Hill. Long weekend road trips through inland Australia reveal landscapes at their autumn best.

Coastal Relaxation

While water temperatures begin cooling in southern regions, Queensland's coastline remains perfect for swimming and beach activities. The Whitsundays, Cairns, and tropical islands offer warm weather without summer's peak humidity and crowds.

NSW and Victorian beaches are less crowded than summer, offering peaceful alternatives for those who prefer solitude over swimming.

Easter Traditions and Events

Australians celebrate Easter with a unique blend of traditional and contemporary customs. The Easter Bilby has gained popularity as a native alternative to the Easter Bunny, with bilby-shaped chocolates supporting conservation efforts for this endangered marsupial.

Hot cross buns remain an Easter staple, with Australian bakeries now offering innovative flavours alongside traditional fruit buns. Many families attend church services on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, while others focus on family gatherings and outdoor celebrations.

The Royal Easter Show in Sydney attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors during the Easter school holidays, combining agricultural displays with carnival entertainment. Similar shows occur in other capital cities during the autumn period.

School Holiday Considerations

Easter typically falls within the autumn school holiday period, meaning families with children have additional flexibility for travel. However, this also means accommodation and attractions are busier than term-time visits. Book family-friendly destinations well in advance.

Planning Checklist

Successful Easter holiday planning requires attention to several key areas. Start your preparations at least two to three months before Easter for best results.

• Submit annual leave requests early, ideally in January
• Book accommodation by February for popular destinations
• Plan travel routes and book transport if required
• Research Easter trading hours at your destination
• Coordinate with family members for Easter celebrations
• Stock up on essentials before Good Friday closures
• Check school holiday dates if travelling with children

Use our 2026 Australian Calendar to visualise the Easter period and surrounding dates, making it easier to plan your perfect autumn break.