Complete List of ACT Public Holidays 2025, 2026, 2027 & 2028
If you live or work in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), it’s important to stay updated on public holidays and Daylight Saving time changes. These dates help you plan your time off, work schedules, and family events.
Table of Contents
- What Are Public Holidays in the ACT?
- Daylight Saving Time in the ACT
- Bank Holidays in the ACT
- List of Public Holidays from 2025 to 2028
- ACT Public Holidays – 2025 & 2026
- ACT Public Holidays – 2027 & 2028
- What Happens When Holidays Fall on Weekends?
- Planning Around ACT Public Holidays
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the official ACT public holidays from 2025 to 2028, explain the Daylight Saving arrangements, and highlight key points about bank holidays.
What Are Public Holidays in the ACT?
Public holidays in the ACT are official days when most employees are entitled to a paid day off. They include national celebrations like New Year’s Day and ANZAC Day, as well as territory-specific holidays such as Canberra Day and Reconciliation Day.
Like several other Australian states, the ACT observes Daylight Saving Time, which can affect your daily routines and appointments.
Daylight Saving Time in the ACT
The ACT follows the same Daylight Saving schedule as New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, and Tasmania.
- Starts: First Sunday in October at 2am (clocks go forward one hour)
- Ends: First Sunday in April at 3am (clocks go back one hour)
For example, in 2025, Daylight Saving begins on Sunday, 5 October.
Bank Holidays in the ACT
The Holidays Act 1958 includes bank holidays. In the ACT, there is a bank holiday on the first Monday in August.
Bank holidays do not apply to everyone. Refer to your Enterprise Agreement or Award for more information.
List of Public Holidays from 2025 to 2028
Here’s the complete list of public holidays across the next four years:
ACT Public Holidays – 2025 & 2026
| Public Holiday | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Wednesday, 1 January | Thursday, 1 January |
| Australia Day | Monday, 27 January | Monday, 26 January |
| Canberra Day | Monday, 10 March | Monday, 9 March |
| Good Friday | Friday, 18 April | Friday, 3 April |
| Easter Saturday | Saturday, 19 April | Saturday, 4 April |
| Easter Sunday | Sunday, 20 April | Sunday, 5 April |
| Easter Monday | Monday, 21 April | Monday, 6 April |
| ANZAC Day | Friday, 25 April | Saturday, 25 April |
| Reconciliation Day | Monday, 2 June | Monday, 1 June |
| King’s Birthday | Monday, 9 June | Monday, 8 June |
| Labour Day | Monday, 6 October | Monday, 5 October |
| Christmas Day | Thursday, 25 December | Friday, 25 December |
| Boxing Day | Friday, 26 December | Saturday, 26 December & Monday, 28 December |
ACT Public Holidays – 2027 & 2028
| Public Holiday | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Friday, 1 January | Saturday, 1 January (Observed Monday, 3 January) |
| Australia Day | Tuesday, 26 January | Wednesday, 26 January |
| Canberra Day | Monday, 8 March | Monday, 13 March |
| Good Friday | Friday, 26 March | Friday, 14 April |
| Easter Saturday | Saturday, 27 March | Saturday, 15 April |
| Easter Sunday | Sunday, 28 March | Sunday, 16 April |
| Easter Monday | Monday, 29 March | Monday, 17 April |
| ANZAC Day | Monday, 26 April | Tuesday, 25 April |
| Reconciliation Day | Monday, 31 May | Monday, 29 May |
| King’s Birthday | Monday, 14 June | Monday, 12 June |
| Labour Day | Monday, 4 October | Monday, 2 October |
| Christmas Day | Saturday, 25 December & Monday, 27 December | Monday, 25 December |
| Boxing Day | Sunday, 26 December & Tuesday, 28 December | Tuesday, 26 December |
What Happens When Holidays Fall on Weekends?
When public holidays such as Christmas or New Year’s Day fall on weekends, the ACT typically observes the holiday on the following Monday to make sure workers don’t miss out on their day off.
Planning Around ACT Public Holidays
Being aware of these dates can help you:
- Plan long weekends or holidays
- Organise family events or childcare
- Manage work deadlines with less stress
Conclusion
Public holidays and Daylight Saving changes in the ACT give you the perfect opportunity to rest, celebrate, and catch up with loved ones. Staying informed about these dates helps you make the most of your time, whether at work or on a break.
If this guide helped you, feel free to share it with your friends or colleagues. Got questions? Drop a comment or visit the official ACT Government website for the latest updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Daylight Saving affect the ACT every year?
Yes, the ACT observes Daylight Saving from the first Sunday in October to the first Sunday in April annually.
What is Canberra Day?
Canberra Day is a public holiday celebrating the official naming of Canberra, the capital city.
Are bank holidays observed by all workers?
No, bank holidays mainly apply to certain industries. Check your employment agreement to see if it applies to you.
Source: ACT Government
