Best Things to Do on Queensland Public Holidays 2027
Quick Overview: Queensland Public Holidays 2027
Queensland has 13 public holidays in 2027, including six long weekends perfect for getaways and family activities. Key dates include New Year’s Day (1 Jan), Australia Day (26 Jan), Easter (26-29 March), Anzac Day (observed 26 Apr), Labour Day (3 May), Royal Queensland Show-Brisbane only (11 Aug), King’s Birthday (4 Oct), and Christmas period (24-28 Dec). For complete dates, see our Queensland Public Holidays 2027 guide.
Queensland’s public holidays offer the perfect opportunity to explore the Sunshine State. From the Great Barrier Reef to the Daintree Rainforest, from Brisbane’s cultural precincts to the Gold Coast’s beaches, there’s something for everyone. This guide covers the best activities, events, and experiences for each 2027 public holiday.
Best Activities for Each Queensland Public Holiday 2027
Australia Day – Tuesday 26 January 2027
Celebrate what’s great about Australia with these Queensland activities:
- Brisbane: Australia Day Festival at South Bank Parklands with live music, food stalls, and fireworks
- Gold Coast: Surf carnivals and beachside barbecues at Main Beach
- Cairns: Citizenship ceremonies and community festivals along the Esplanade
- Townsville: Strand Park celebrations with live entertainment and food trucks
- Family idea: Host a backyard BBQ or picnic at your local park
Easter Long Weekend – Friday 26 March to Monday 29 March 2027
Four days off means time for a proper getaway:
- Brisbane: Royal Easter Show at the RNA Showgrounds (note: the Ekka public holiday is later in August)
- Gold Coast: Easter-themed events at theme parks – Dreamworld, Movie World, Sea World
- Sunshine Coast: Easter egg hunts at Australia Zoo and local markets
- Whitsundays: Perfect weather for sailing and island hopping
- Family getaway: Book a beach house on the Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast hinterland
Anzac Day – Observed Monday 26 April 2027
A day of remembrance with dawn services and family activities:
- Dawn Services: Attend the solemn dawn service at your local RSL or memorial
- Brisbane: Anzac Day march through the CBD and ceremonies at Anzac Square
- Two-up: Play this traditional Anzac Day game at participating pubs and RSLs (legal only on Anzac Day)
- Gold Coast: Services at Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta
- Cairns: Dawn service at the Cenotaph on the Esplanade
- Family activity: Visit the Australian War Memorial website for educational resources, then discuss with children
Labour Day Long Weekend – Saturday 1 May to Monday 3 May 2027
Autumn weather makes this ideal for outdoor adventures:
- Brisbane: Labour Day celebrations at various venues with live music
- Lamington National Park: Perfect hiking weather in the Gold Coast hinterland
- Noosa: Explore the national park and Hastings Street dining
- Fraser Island (K’gari): Four-wheel driving and camping on the world’s largest sand island
- Family idea: Camping trip to a national park – try Bunya Mountains or Mount Tamborine
Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) – Wednesday 11 August 2027 (Brisbane Only)
Queensland’s biggest annual event:
- The Ekka: Agricultural shows, carnival rides, showbags, and fireworks at the RNA Showgrounds
- Sideshow Alley: Classic carnival games and rides for all ages
- Animal nursery: Pet farm animals – a highlight for children
- Strawberry sundae: The iconic Ekka treat supporting local strawberry farmers
- Fireworks: Nightly fireworks displays
- Tip: Book tickets online in advance for better prices
King’s Birthday Long Weekend – Saturday 2 October to Monday 4 October 2027
Spring has sprung – perfect for outdoor activities:
- Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers: If timing aligns, this famous floral festival is nearby
- Brisbane: Riverfire fireworks spectacular (usually held around this time)
- Great Barrier Reef: Ideal conditions for snorkeling and diving
- Gold Coast: Whale watching season – spot humpbacks on their migration
- Family getaway: Springbrook National Park for waterfalls and glow worm caves
Christmas Period – Thursday 24 December to Tuesday 28 December 2027
A five-day break including Christmas Eve (part-day from 6pm):
- Brisbane: Christmas carols in the City Botanic Gardens
- Gold Coast: Beachside Christmas celebrations and fireworks
- Cairns: Carols by Candlelight at the Esplanade Lagoon
- Boxing Day: Shop the sales at major retail centres (check opening hours)
- Family activities:
- Christmas light displays in suburban streets
- Beach picnic on Christmas Day (Queensland tradition)
- Visit local Christmas markets in December
Long Weekend Getaways in Queensland 2027
With six long weekends in 2027, here are the best escape options:
Beach Escapes
- Gold Coast: Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Heads, Coolangatta – surfing, dining, nightlife
- Sunshine Coast: Noosa, Mooloolaba, Caloundra – relaxed vibes and family-friendly beaches
- Whitsundays: Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island – gateway to the Great Barrier Reef
- Fraser Coast: Hervey Bay and Fraser Island (K’gari) – whale watching and 4WD adventures
Nature & National Parks
- Daintree Rainforest: World’s oldest tropical rainforest near Port Douglas
- Lamington National Park: Rainforest walks and birdwatching in the Gold Coast hinterland
- Carnarvon Gorge: Stunning sandstone cliffs and Aboriginal rock art
- Undara Lava Tubes: Ancient volcanic tunnels in the outback
Outback Adventures
- Longreach: Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Qantas Founders Museum
- Winton: Dinosaur fossils and the Waltzing Matilda Centre
- Mount Isa: Mining history and outback landscapes
- Charleville: Cosmos Centre for stargazing in the clear outback sky
Island Getaways
- Magnetic Island: Just off Townsville – koalas, hiking trails, and secluded beaches
- Moreton Island: Sandboarding, snorkeling, and dolphin feeding near Brisbane
- North Stradbroke Island: Whale watching, surfing, and Indigenous cultural tours
- Great Barrier Reef islands: Heron Island, Lady Elliot Island – diving and snorkeling paradise
Family-Friendly Activities on Public Holidays
Theme Parks (Gold Coast)
- Dreamworld: Thrill rides and Tiger Island
- Movie World: DC Comics heroes and movie-themed attractions
- Sea World: Marine life shows and polar bear exhibits
- Wet’n’Wild: Water slides and pools (seasonal)
- Paradise Country: Farm animals and Australian outback experiences
Zoos and Wildlife
- Australia Zoo (Sunshine Coast): Home of the Crocodile Hunter – crocodile shows and native wildlife
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (Brisbane): Cuddle a koala and hand-feed kangaroos
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (Gold Coast): Aboriginal dance shows and lorikeet feeding
- Cairns Aquarium: Great Barrier Reef marine life without getting wet
Museums and Cultural Attractions
- Queensland Museum (Brisbane): Free entry with dinosaur exhibits and interactive displays
- Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA): Australia’s largest modern art gallery
- Sciencentre: Hands-on science exhibits for curious minds
- Queensland Maritime Museum: Historic vessels and maritime history
Outdoor Adventures
- South Bank Parklands (Brisbane): Swimming lagoon, playgrounds, and riverside walks
- Cairns Esplanade Lagoon: Free public swimming pool overlooking the ocean
- Mount Coot-tha: Brisbane’s best viewpoint with botanical gardens
- Story Bridge Adventure Climb: Scale Brisbane’s iconic bridge for 360° views
Free and Cheap Things to Do on Public Holidays
Not every holiday needs to break the bank. Here are budget-friendly options:
Free Activities
- Beaches: All Queensland beaches are free – from the Gold Coast to the Sunshine Coast
- National Parks: Most have free entry (some require vehicle permits)
- Brisbane City Botanic Gardens: Beautiful gardens perfect for picnics
- South Bank Parklands: Free swimming lagoon and entertainment
- Markets: Browse local markets like Eat Street Northshore or West End Markets
- Hiking: Countless trails from easy walks to challenging climbs
- Community Events: Many public holidays feature free local celebrations
Cheap Activities (Under $50 per person)
- Ferry rides: Brisbane CityHopper (free) or CityCat for scenic river views
- Cinemas: Check for public holiday specials at Event or Hoyts
- Bowling: Ten-pin bowling at Strike or AMF centres
- Mini golf: Fun for all ages at various locations
- Ice skating: Iceworld rinks in Brisbane suburbs
- Local pools: Most public pools have affordable entry fees
What’s Open on Queensland Public Holidays?
Planning your day requires knowing what’s open:
Generally Open
- Major shopping centres (except Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Anzac Day morning)
- Tourist attractions and theme parks
- Most restaurants and cafes (may have surcharges)
- Petrol stations
- Public transport (reduced services)
- Hotels and accommodation
Generally Closed
- Most retail shops on Good Friday and Easter Sunday
- Supermarkets may have reduced hours
- Banks and government offices
- Schools and universities
- Some medical centres (hospitals remain open)
Anzac Day Specifics
- Retail trading restrictions until 1:00 PM
- RSL clubs open after midday ceremonies
- Two-up legal only in licensed venues
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do on Queensland public holidays?
The best activities depend on the holiday and season. Easter and Labour Day weekends are perfect for beach getaways and national park visits. Anzac Day focuses on remembrance services followed by two-up at pubs. Christmas offers beach picnics and light displays. The Ekka in August is Queensland’s biggest annual event with rides, showbags, and agricultural displays.
Are shops open on public holidays in Queensland?
Major shopping centres typically open on most public holidays except Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Anzac Day morning. Supermarkets may have reduced hours. Always check specific retailer hours before visiting, especially on Christmas and Boxing Day.
What can families do on public holidays in Brisbane?
Brisbane offers numerous family options: South Bank Parklands (free swimming lagoon), Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Queensland Museum (free), City Botanic Gardens, ferry rides on the CityHopper, and Mount Coot-tha lookout. Many suburbs also host community events on public holidays.
Where should I go for a long weekend in Queensland?
For beach lovers: Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, or Whitsundays. For nature: Lamington National Park, Fraser Island (K’gari), or the Daintree. For families: Theme parks on the Gold Coast or Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast. For something different: Outback towns like Longreach or Charleville.
Are theme parks busy on public holidays?
Yes, Gold Coast theme parks are typically very busy on public holidays, especially Easter and Christmas/New Year. Arrive early, book tickets online in advance, and consider visiting on the actual public holiday (when locals are having family time) rather than the surrounding weekend.
What’s the weather like on Queensland public holidays?
January-March: Hot and humid, perfect for beaches and water activities. April-May: Mild and comfortable, ideal for hiking and outdoor events. August: Pleasant winter weather, great for the Ekka. October: Warm spring weather, excellent for all activities. December: Hot and humid, perfect for beach Christmas celebrations.
Plan Your 2027 Queensland Public Holidays
With 13 public holidays and six long weekends, 2027 offers plenty of opportunities to explore Queensland. Whether you’re seeking beach relaxation, outback adventure, family fun, or cultural experiences, the Sunshine State has something for every public holiday.
Key planning tips:
- Book accommodation early for Easter and Christmas periods
- Check attraction opening hours before visiting
- Allow extra travel time on long weekends
- Pack sunscreen and stay hydrated – Queensland sun is strong year-round
- Respect Anzac Day as a day of remembrance before celebrating
For complete official public holiday dates, see our Queensland Public Holidays 2027 guide. Information verified from Queensland Government sources.
