ACT Public Holidays

ACT Public Holidays 2027

ACT School Holidays 2027

*New students start school on Tuesday, 8 February 2027 and continuing students return to school on Wednesday, 9 February 2027.

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Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day

Bus and light rail services are free on both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day in the ACT, allowing motorists to avoid driving on busy roads. ^[1] If you’re travelling within Canberra, take advantage of the free transport in order to avoid the busy roads.

Easter Holidays

The Easter Holidays are booming with Easter-themed events for ACT residents to entertain children and explore market stalls. Explore the Haig Park Village Markets to try delicious food and handcrafted wares among their annual Easter Hat Parade and free Easter Scavenger Hunt. The Canberra Miniature Railway hosts a massive Easter egg hunt among adorable miniature train cars you can ride. Alternatively, find beautiful handcrafted jewelry at the Easter Market in the Old Bus Depot Markets. ^[4]

Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day

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Australia Day

The ACT has a variety of water-side venues for an Australia Day picnic or barbecue. Have a picnic at the Casuarina Sands with convenient park amenities, enjoy a scenic view of some small river rapids by the Murrumbidgee River, or take a hike and enjoy the hidden beauty of the Gibraltar Falls. ^[3] Just take note that these spaces aren’t safe to swim in under current ACT guidelines. Always consult local signage before entering a body of water.

Canberra Day

Animal lovers should consider attending the National Sheepdog Trial Championships. Held at the Hall Showground and beginning on the Canberra Day long weekend, this annual event gives spectators a look at Australia’s top working dogs (and their handlers) navigate sheep through challenging obstacle courses and narrow races. With tickets only $10 for adults and free for under 16s, it’s the perfect event for families. ^[2]

Anzac Day

One of Canberra’s most famous sites is the Australian War Memorial. The building is both a war museum with an extensive series of galleries and exhibitions, and also a shrine to commemorate Australians who have died in war. Every Anzac Day ^[5], thousands of people from around Australia attend the various ceremonies and services held in honour of the Anzacs. In 2024, 32,000 people attended the Anzac Day Dawn service. ^[6]

If you’re travelling from interstate, consider taking out Domestic Travel Insurance. It may provide reimbursement for unexpected disruptions, including missed connections outside your control or illness before or during your trip.

Reconciliation Day

Reconciliation Day is held on the first Monday following May 27, the anniversary of the national referendum that recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as members of the Australian population.

The National Gallery of Australia has the largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and is free to visit, while the Burrunju Art Gallery is an Aboriginal-owned art gallery showcasing the art of various emerging Aboriginal artists. The National Museum of Australia also has a daily tour focused on First Nations history and culture. ^[7]

King’s Birthday

The June long weekend is the perfect time to participate in some snow-based outdoor activities. Corin Forest is a fantastic place to introduce young ones to snow, with gentle slopes for children to first develop skiing and snowboarding skills. ^[8] To help protect you and your family, make sure you understand what you are and are not covered for when it comes to snow sports. With Budget Direct Domestic Travel Insurance, you need to include one of our two Snow Sports cover options to be covered while participating in any winter sports activities.

Labour Day

Sitting at the heart of Canberra is Lake Burley Griffin. With the temperature starting to warm up again in October, Labour Day is a perfect opportunity to enjoy some outdoor or water activities. You can hire a GoBoat to explore the lake, take advantage of the calm waters by taking a paddleboarding lesson, or take to the skies aboard a hot air balloon and admire the city of Canberra and its waters before sipping champagne at the landing site. ^[9]