Quick answer: Who gets more time off?
In the ongoing rivalry between the two states, Victoria (VIC) consistently provides more public holiday dates than New South Wales (NSW). For the 2026 calendar year, Victoria has 14 standard public holidays compared to NSW’s 13 (excluding the specific NSW Bank Holiday). In 2027, the gap remains, with Victoria scheduled for 15 public holiday dates while NSW has 14. Victoria's advantage stems from its unique sporting-related holidays, specifically the Friday before the AFL Grand Final and Melbourne Cup Day.
The Numbers: Comparing 2026 and 2027
When planning your work rosters or family travel, understanding the volume of australian public holidays in each state is essential. While both states share the major national holidays like Christmas, New Year’s, and Australia Day, their approaches to state-specific events and weekend "substitution" rules differ significantly.
2026 Public Holiday Count
| Category | Victoria (VIC) | New South Wales (NSW) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Standard Holidays | 14 | 13 |
| Unique State Holidays | 2 (AFL Eve, Melbourne Cup) | 0 (Standard) |
| Restricted Holidays | 0 | 1 (Bank Holiday*) |
Planning note: The NSW Bank Holiday on Monday, 3 August 2026, primarily applies to employees in the banking and financial sectors. It is not a statewide public holiday for all workers.
2027 Public Holiday Count
| Category | Victoria (VIC) | New South Wales (NSW) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Standard Holidays | 15 | 14 |
| Unique State Holidays | 2 (AFL Eve, Melbourne Cup) | 0 (Standard) |
| Restricted Holidays | 0 | 1 (Bank Holiday*) |
Tips: If you are an employer with staff in both states, you must account for Victoria’s higher holiday count in your payroll and project timelines for both 2026 and 2027.
Victoria’s Sporting Advantage
Victoria is unique globally for legislating public holidays based on sporting culture. These dates often provide the "extra" days that put VIC ahead of NSW in the total count.
1. The Friday Before the AFL Grand Final
Introduced in 2015, this holiday falls on the Friday preceding the AFL Grand Final. In 2026, this is scheduled for Friday, 25 September. In 2027, the date will be determined by the AFL schedule but typically falls in late September. This creates an automatic three-day weekend for every Victorian worker, regardless of their interest in football.
2. Melbourne Cup Day
Observed on the first Tuesday in November, Melbourne Cup Day (Tuesday, 3 November 2026 and Tuesday, 2 November 2027) is a statewide holiday. However, many regional Victorian councils opt to observe a local show day or alternative race day instead. For those in the Melbourne metropolitan area, it is a staple of the spring calendar and a prime opportunity for a "sandwich" day (taking Monday off to create a four-day break).
Respectful notes: While Victoria celebrates these sporting events, business owners should note that many regional areas substitute Melbourne Cup Day for local events. Always check the VIC public holidays 2028 and earlier pages for specific regional variations.
The NSW Approach: Substituted Days and Bank Holidays
New South Wales takes a different approach, particularly regarding holidays that fall on weekends and the "hidden" Bank Holiday.
The Anzac Day Difference
A major point of difference between the states occurs when Anzac Day (25 April) falls on a weekend.
- NSW Policy: NSW frequently provides an additional public holiday on the following Monday if Anzac Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday. In 2026, NSW workers receive Monday, 27 April as a public holiday. In 2027, they receive Monday, 26 April.
- VIC Policy: Victoria generally does not provide a substitute or additional day if Anzac Day falls on a weekend. Victorian workers "lose" the public holiday benefit in these years.
The NSW Bank Holiday
The nsw public holidays list often includes the Bank Holiday (the first Monday in August). While this looks like an extra day on paper, it is restricted. Under the Public Holidays Act 2010 (NSW), this holiday only applies to banks and certain financial institutions. If you work in retail, construction, or healthcare in Sydney, you likely do not have this day off.
Long Weekends Australia: Comparison Table 2026-2027
Planning long weekends in Australia requires a side-by-side look at the calendar. Below is a comparison of confirmed and expected dates for both states.
| Holiday | NSW 2026 | VIC 2026 | NSW 2027 | VIC 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Thu 1 Jan | Thu 1 Jan | Fri 1 Jan | Fri 1 Jan |
| Australia Day | Mon 26 Jan | Mon 26 Jan | Tue 26 Jan | Tue 26 Jan |
| Labour Day | Mon 5 Oct | Mon 9 Mar | Mon 4 Oct | Mon 8 Mar |
| Good Friday | Fri 3 Apr | Fri 3 Apr | Fri 26 Mar | Fri 26 Mar |
| Easter Monday | Mon 6 Apr | Mon 6 Apr | Mon 29 Mar | Mon 29 Mar |
| Anzac Day | Mon 27 Apr* | Sat 25 Apr | Mon 26 Apr* | Sun 25 Apr |
| King's Birthday | Mon 8 Jun | Mon 8 Jun | Mon 14 Jun | Mon 14 Jun |
| AFL Grand Final Eve | N/A | Fri 25 Sep | N/A | TBC (Sep) |
| Melbourne Cup | N/A | Tue 3 Nov | N/A | Tue 2 Nov |
| Christmas Day | Fri 25 Dec | Fri 25 Dec | Mon 27 Dec* | Mon 27 Dec* |
| Boxing Day | Mon 28 Dec* | Mon 28 Dec* | Tue 28 Dec* | Tue 28 Dec* |
*Indicates an additional or substituted day due to the holiday falling on a weekend.
Strategy: Maximising Your Leave in 2027
For workers looking to "hack" the system and turn 4 days of annual leave into 9 or 10 days off, 2027 provides several strategic opportunities.
For VIC Workers: The Melbourne Cup Strategy
In 2027, Melbourne Cup falls on Tuesday, 2 November.
- The Hack: Take Monday, 1 November as annual leave.
- The Result: A 4-day long weekend for the cost of one leave day.
For NSW Workers: The Easter Break
Easter in 2027 is early, with Good Friday on 26 March.
- The Hack: Take the 4 days following Easter Monday (Tuesday 30 March to Friday 2 April) off.
- The Result: 10 consecutive days off (including weekends) for the cost of 4 annual leave days.
For Employers
If you manage a business with offices in both Melbourne and Sydney, the vic public holidays schedule creates more disruption to the standard work week.
- Tip: Ensure your project deadlines in late September (AFL Eve) and early November (Melbourne Cup) account for the Victorian office being closed while the NSW office remains open.
- Tip: Use the public holiday calculator to synchronize rosters across state lines.
Why Does Victoria Have More Holidays?
The difference is primarily legislative. The Victorian government has historically used public holidays as a way to boost domestic tourism and support the state's major events industry. By legislating AFL Grand Final Eve and the Melbourne Cup, they encourage Victorians to engage with local events, boosting hospitality and retail spending.
New South Wales, conversely, maintains a more "traditional" calendar, only adding substituted days for major national commemorations like Anzac Day when they fall on weekends, a practice Victoria does not currently follow for Anzac Day.
Site structure recommendations
- Internal Link: View the full list of nsw public holidays 2028 to see if the trend continues.
- Internal Link: For those relocating, check the public holidays vic 2028 page to plan your first year in Victoria.
- Tool: Use our long weekends tracker to see the next combined break for both states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Victoria always have more public holidays than NSW?
Yes, in most years, Victoria has 1 to 2 more public holidays than New South Wales. This is because Victoria has two unique statewide holidays (AFL Grand Final Eve and Melbourne Cup Day) that NSW does not have equivalents for.
Why doesn't Victoria get a holiday for Anzac Day when it's on a weekend?
Unlike NSW, the Victorian Public Holidays Act 1993 does not automatically provide a substitute Monday holiday when Anzac Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday. Anzac Day is considered a day of commemoration to be observed on the day itself (25 April).
Is the NSW Bank Holiday a public holiday for everyone?
No. The NSW Bank Holiday (the first Monday in August) is a restricted holiday. It primarily applies to employees covered by the Bank Holidays Act, such as those in banks and financial institutions. Most retail and general commercial employees in NSW do not get this day off.
Does the Melbourne Cup holiday apply to all of Victoria?
While it is a statewide holiday under the Act, many regional councils in Victoria choose to substitute Melbourne Cup Day for a local race day or agricultural show. For example, Geelong often observes Geelong Cup Day instead.
Which state has more long weekends?
Victoria generally has more long weekends because of the Friday before the AFL Grand Final and the "sandwich" opportunity provided by Melbourne Cup Day on a Tuesday. However, NSW often gains an extra long weekend when Anzac Day falls on a weekend, as they observe the following Monday.
