How to Hack VIC's Public Holidays to Achieve Maximum Days Off in 2025
Score 53 days off next year using these VIC public holiday hacks.
Adulthood is fun and all...until you realise you've got to work full-time for the rest of your life, and only get to enjoy four weeks off each year.
But what if we told you that you can actually get more?
If you're smart with your annual leave, you can maximise your time off by using public holidays to your advantage. That means more holidays, more fun activities and feeling more fulfilled in your day-to-day.
Want to know how you can get 53 days off this year using only 21 days of annual leave? Keep on reading!
Public Holiday 1: January 26th
After the New Year’s lull, we’re already craving a little more time away from the office grind. January 26th is your answer! Falling on a Sunday this year, it grants us a public holiday on Monday, January 27th. Stretch it into a four-day weekend by taking either Friday, January 24th or Tuesday, January 28th off. Or, if you're ready to max out your time off, take a cheeky four days of annual leave (from January 28th to 31st) and score a glorious nine-day escape.
The trade: One annual leave day for four days off, or four annual leave days for nine days off!
Key dates: Mark Friday, January 24th to Monday, January 27th for a mini-break, or go big from Saturday, January 25th to Sunday, February 2nd.
Public Holiday 2: Easter Holidays and Anzac Day
Suss out one of these great flight deals or map out a road trip, because with this clever travel hack, you can snag 10 days off while only using three days of annual leave! Good Friday lands on April 18th, with Easter Monday on April 21st. Simply book April 22nd, 23rd, and 24th as annual leave, and voilà—you've got ANZAC Day on the 25th to extend your holiday even further, leading straight into the weekend. It's the perfect excuse for a much-needed spring escape!
The trade: 10 days off for only three annual leave days.
Key dates: Plan for Friday, April 18th through Sunday, April 27th.
Public Holiday 3: King's Birthday
Mid-year blues got you down? The winter scaries have crept in, and while friends jet off on their Euro summer vacays, you’re braving Melbourne’s cold and damp. If you’re craving a mid-year reset, here’s your chance: trade four annual leave days for nine blissful days off. It’s the perfect winter escape to recharge, so you’ll come back to work with a fresh outlook and a spring in your step.
The trade: Nine days off for four annual leave days.
Key dates: Plan from Monday, June 9th through Sunday, June 15th.
Public Holiday 4: Friday Before AFL Grand Final
Get ready for a fantastic September weekend, enhanced by this holiday hack! Subject to the AFL dates, seize the chance to extend your weekend thanks to this cheeky public holiday. Take the Thursday beforehand and the following Monday off for a guaranteed five-day mini-break. This is your perfect opportunity for an adventurous, wine-and-wildlife-filled escape to Tasmania.
The trade: Five-day escape for just two days of annual leave.
Key dates: Plan your getaway from Thursday, September 26th, to Monday, September 30th.
Public Holiday 4: Melbourne Cup Day
Melburnians, rejoice! With the first Tuesday in November off, the Melbourne Cup gives you the perfect excuse for an extra-long weekend. Take off Monday, November 3rd, and voilà—a four-day escape awaits. Ideal for a glamping adventure or a cosy regional getaway to soak in the spring vibes.
The trade: Four days off for one day of annual leave.
Key dates: Plan from Saturday, November 1st to Tuesday, November 4th.
Public Holiday 5: Christmas Holidays & New Years
Victoria's Christmas break is prime time for a holiday hack! With families jetting off or gathering close, seize the chance for 16 days off using just seven annual leave days. Simply book the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of December, as well as the 29th, 30th, 31st, and 2nd of January. Perfect for recovering from festive feasting or even a beach escape!
The trade: 16 days off for seven days of annual leave.
Key dates: Saturday 20th December to Sunday 4th January.
Enjoyed learning how to hack VIC's public holidays and keen to make the most of your time off? Be sure to catch our monthly and weekend guides for up-to-date info on what's happening around town.
