Quick Answer: Queensland has 13 public holidays in 2027, including New Year’s Day (1 Jan), Australia Day (26 Jan), Easter (26-29 Mar), Anzac Day (26 Apr), Labour Day (3 May), Royal Queensland Show/Ekka (11 Aug – Brisbane only), King’s Birthday (4 Oct), and Christmas/Boxing Day (25-28 Dec). Regional areas have different show holiday dates.
Queensland Public Holidays 2027: Complete Overview
Planning your annual leave for 2027? Whether you’re a Queensland resident, business owner, or visitor, knowing the exact public holiday dates is essential for effective planning. This comprehensive guide covers all Queensland public holidays for 2027, including substitute holidays, regional variations, and strategic leave planning tips to help you maximise your time off.
Queensland observes 13 official public holidays each year, with some variations for regional areas. The state’s holiday calendar combines national observances like Australia Day and Anzac Day with Queensland-specific holidays including Labour Day and the iconic Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) holiday for Brisbane residents.
Complete List of Queensland Public Holidays 2027
The following table provides the complete list of Queensland public holidays for 2027, verified against official Queensland Government sources:
| Holiday | 2027 Date | Day of Week | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January 2027 | Friday | National |
| Australia Day | 26 January 2027 | Tuesday | National |
| Good Friday | 26 March 2027 | Friday | Religious |
| Easter Saturday | 27 March 2027 | Saturday | Religious |
| Easter Sunday | 28 March 2027 | Sunday | Religious |
| Easter Monday | 29 March 2027 | Monday | Religious |
| Anzac Day | 26 April 2027* | Monday | National |
| Labour Day | 3 May 2027 | Monday | State |
| Royal Queensland Show (Brisbane) | 11 August 2027 | Wednesday | Brisbane Only |
| King’s Birthday | 4 October 2027 | Monday | National |
| Christmas Eve (part-day) | 24 December 2027 | Friday | Part-day |
| Christmas Day | 25 December 2027 | Saturday | National |
| Boxing Day | 28 December 2027* | Tuesday | National |
*Substitute public holidays apply for Anzac Day (actual date: Sunday 25 April) and Boxing Day (actual date: Sunday 26 December) when they fall on weekends.
Understanding Queensland’s Public Holiday System
National vs State Public Holidays
Queensland observes a combination of national and state-specific public holidays. National holidays like New Year’s Day, Australia Day, Anzac Day, King’s Birthday, and Christmas Day are recognised across all Australian states and territories. State-specific holidays include Labour Day (observed on different dates across states) and the Royal Queensland Show holiday, which is unique to Queensland.
Substitute Holidays Explained
When certain public holidays fall on weekends, Queensland legislation provides for substitute holidays to be observed on the next available weekday. In 2027, this affects:
- Anzac Day: Falls on Sunday 25 April 2027, with the substitute holiday observed on Monday 26 April 2027
- Boxing Day: Falls on Sunday 26 December 2027, with the substitute holiday observed on Tuesday 28 December 2027 (Monday 27 December is the Christmas substitute holiday)
Regional Show Holidays in Queensland
Unlike the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) holiday which applies only to Brisbane and surrounding areas, regional Queensland towns and cities observe their own show holidays on different dates throughout the year. These dates vary by location and are typically aligned with local agricultural shows.
Some notable 2027 regional show holidays include:
- Cairns: Typically in July
- Townsville: Usually in July
- Toowoomba: Usually in March/April
- Gold Coast: Usually in August/September
- Sunshine Coast: Usually in June
Employees should check with their employer or the Queensland Government’s official show holiday calendar for specific regional dates, as these can vary year to year.
Strategic Leave Planning for 2027
Smart annual leave planning can help Queensland workers maximise their time off. Here are the best strategies for 2027:
Easter 2027: 5-Day Weekend
Easter 2027 offers an excellent opportunity for an extended break. With Good Friday (26 March), Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday (29 March) all public holidays, taking just one day of annual leave on Tuesday 30 March gives you a 5-day weekend.
Anzac Day Long Weekend
With Anzac Day observed on Monday 26 April 2027, taking Friday 23 April off creates a 4-day weekend. This is perfect for a short getaway or extended family time.
Christmas and New Year 2027-2028
The 2027 Christmas period offers exceptional leave opportunities. With Christmas Day on Saturday 25 December and Boxing Day on Sunday 26 December, substitute holidays apply on Monday 27 December (Christmas) and Tuesday 28 December (Boxing Day). Taking Wednesday 29, Thursday 30, and Friday 31 December off gives you 9 consecutive days off (including the weekend of 1-2 January 2028) for the cost of just 3 days’ leave.
Public Holiday Entitlements for Workers
Understanding your rights regarding public holidays is important for both employees and employers in Queensland.
Full-Time and Part-Time Employees
Under Queensland’s Employment Standards, full-time and part-time employees are entitled to be absent from work on public holidays without loss of pay. If required to work on a public holiday, employees are typically entitled to penalty rates as specified in their award or enterprise agreement.
Casual Employees
Casual employees are not entitled to paid public holidays unless they work on those days. When working on public holidays, casuals receive both their casual loading and applicable penalty rates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Queensland Public Holidays 2027
Is Easter Sunday a public holiday in Queensland?
Yes, Easter Sunday has been a public holiday in Queensland since 2017. This means Queenslanders enjoy a four-day Easter weekend every year, with Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday all recognised as public holidays.
Do all Queenslanders get the Ekka holiday?
No, the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) public holiday on 11 August 2027 applies only to the Brisbane area, including the Brisbane City Council region and some surrounding areas. Regional Queensland has its own show holidays on different dates throughout the year.
What happens when Christmas falls on a weekend?
When Christmas Day (25 December) falls on a weekend, Queensland observes substitute public holidays on the next available weekdays. In 2027, Christmas Day is on Saturday, so the substitute holiday is Monday 27 December. Boxing Day (26 December) falls on Sunday, with the substitute holiday on Tuesday 28 December.
Are shops open on public holidays in Queensland?
Trading hours vary by holiday and location. Generally, major shopping centres in Brisbane remain closed on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Day. Some restrictions apply on Anzac Day morning (until 1:00 PM). Trading hours are typically unrestricted on other public holidays, though individual retailers may choose to close.
Is Christmas Eve a public holiday in Queensland?
Christmas Eve (24 December) is a part-day public holiday in Queensland from 6:00 PM to midnight. This means employees who work after 6:00 PM on Christmas Eve are entitled to public holiday penalty rates. Full-time and part-time employees who would normally work during this period are entitled to paid time off.
How many public holidays does Queensland have in 2027?
Queensland has 13 public holidays in 2027, plus the part-day Christmas Eve holiday (from 6:00 PM). This includes 4 Easter holidays, making it one of the most generous Easter holiday periods in Australia.
Related Public Holiday Guides
For public holiday information for other Australian states and territories, check out our comprehensive guides:
- New South Wales Public Holidays 2027
- Victoria Public Holidays 2027
- Western Australia Public Holidays 2027
- South Australia Public Holidays 2027
- Australian National Public Holidays 2027
Conclusion
Queensland’s 2027 public holiday calendar offers plenty of opportunities for rest, recreation, and travel. With 13 full public holidays plus the part-day Christmas Eve observance, Queensland workers enjoy generous time-off provisions. By planning your annual leave strategically around Easter, Anzac Day, and the Christmas period, you can maximise your breaks and make the most of 2027.
Remember to check with your employer regarding specific entitlements, as award conditions and enterprise agreements may provide additional benefits. For the most up-to-date information on public holidays and regional show dates, visit the Queensland Government’s official website.
