2020 might have been a bit of a write-off in terms of travel, but we’re geared to explore destinations closer to home in 2021. In October 2020, research conducted by Tourism Australia revealed that 55% of Australian travellers intend to take an interstate road trip in the next 12 months. The country’s diverse landscape and long highways is the perfect set up for an adventurous road-trip.
With international travel off the cards for the time being, Aussie travellers have a unique opportunity to visit regional areas, taste local produce and seek out local iconic experiences that they may have been putting off in place of an international holiday. Here’s how we can make the most of our annual leave in 2021.
Fun fact: With these annual leave hacks, those living in Tasmania or the ACT can get up to 60 days off this year. Followed by Western Australia, Victoria and South Australia with a total of 57 days.
January Public Holidays 2021
Friday 1 January (Public holiday: New Year’s Day)
Tuesday 26 January (Public holiday: Australia Day)
Holiday recommendations: Extend your weekend with the perfect getaway to the Australia’s most iconic scenic route, the Great Ocean Road. For Australia Day, plan a long weekend in the capital city of Canberra with close family and friends.
March Public Holidays 2021
Monday 1 March (Public holiday: Labour Day WA only)
Monday 8 March (Public holiday: Adelaide Cup Day -SA, Canberra Day -ACT, Eight Hours Day -TAS; Labour Day -VIC)
Holiday recommendations: Check out some capital city staycation ideas that are guaranteed to leave you recharged and ready to face the year ahead.
April Public Holidays 2021
Friday 2 April (Public holiday: Good Friday – Australia wide)
Saturday 3 April (Easter Saturday)
Sunday 4 April (Easter Sunday)
Monday, 5 April (Easter Monday)
Sunday 25 April (Public holiday: ANZAC Day – Australia wide)
Monday 26 April (Additional Public holiday for ANZAC Day)
Annual leave tip: You can plan a 16-day holiday with only 8 days of annual leave across Australia over the Easter long weekend.
Holiday recommendations: With plenty of time off, now is your chance to hit the road and tick some must-see Aussie locations off your list. Need ideas for a road trip during Easter break? Check these out:
- 5 Australian short break destinations that are sure to surprise you
- The Ultimate Tasmania Road Trip
- Classic road trips series: Perth to Albany via the South West
- Classic road trip series: Warrnambool to Adelaide
May Public Holidays 2021
Monday 3 May (May Day, Labour Day – NT, QLD)
Monday 31 May (Reconciliation Day – ACT)
Holiday recommendation: If you’re in Northern Territory, book a long weekend to explore Nitmiluk, Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks.
June Public Holidays 2021
Monday 7 June (Public Holiday: Western Australia Day – WA)
Monday 14 June (Public holiday: Queen’s Birthday – VIC, NSW, TAS, NT, SA, ACT)
Holiday recommendations: Take a look at some of the best ways to warm up in Queensland this winter.
October Public Holidays 2021
Monday 4 October (Public holiday: Labour Day – NSW, SA, ACT; Queen’s birthday – QLD)
Holiday recommendation: Plan a visit to Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement in South Australia or check out these 10 great things to do in Sydney Olympic Park.
Did you know? All states offer enough time to go away at least 7 times in 2021.
November Public Holidays 2021
Tuesday 2 November (Public holiday: Melbourne Cup Day – VIC only)
Annual leave tip: Victorians can take 4 days of annual leave between 30th October and 7th November for a total of 9 days off.
Holiday recommendations: No plans for an international holiday? No worries! Re-discover your own backyard and tick off five amazingly remote Aussie destinations that should be on your radar.
December Public Holidays 2021
Saturday 25 December (Public holiday: Christmas Day)
Sunday 26 December – Boxing Day
Monday 27 December – Additional public holiday for Christmas Day
Tuesday 28 December – Additional public holiday for Boxing Day
Holiday recommendations: There’s no better way to make the most of summer than by going on a great Australian beach break.
Source: fairwork.gov.au
