Why settle for just a weekend when you can turn every public holiday into an extended adventure? We’ve got all the tips you need to maximise your holidays in 2026. After all, who doesn’t need a little more adventure in their life?  

Read on to discover how you can make the most of those extra days off.  

JANUARY  

Days to take off:  

New Year’s Day (all) – Thursday 1:  

Take off Friday 2 January for a four-day holiday.  

Australia Day (all) – Monday 26 (all):  

Take off 27-30 January for a 9-day holiday.  

Australia Day is a celebration not to be missed in our parks. Enjoy family-friendly activities, games for the kids and classic Aussie BBQs throughout the long weekend. 

Make the most of your extended break with a stay at one of our newly refreshed parks. Splash in the new toddler pool at Discovery Parks – West Beach, unwind riverside at Discovery Parks – Forster, or take it easy by the coast at Discovery Parks – Bunbury Foreshore with its shipwreck-themed splash park and upgraded cabins. 

_{Discovery Parks - Bunbury Foreshore}

FEBRUARY 

Days to take off:  

Royal Hobart Regatta Day (TAS) – Monday 9:  

Take off 10–13 February for a nine-day holiday.  

Based in Hobart, the Royal Hobart Regatta returns with sailing, rowing, carnivals, kids’ games and live entertainment. It’s the perfect reason to enjoy a relaxed break in Tassie’s capital. 

Stay at Discovery Parks – Hobart for an easy base close to the action and a comfortable place to wind down after the festivities. 

_{Discovery Parks - Hobart}

MARCH 

Days to take off:  

Labour Day (WA) – Monday 2:  

Take off Friday 27 February for a four-day weekend.  

Labour Day (VIC), Canberra Day (ACT), Adelaide Cup Day (SA), Eight Hours Day (TAS) – Monday 9:  

Take off Friday 6 March for a four-day weekend.  

With long weekends across much of the country, March is ideal for a quick escape. 

Head to Discovery Resorts – Rottnest Island for sunshine and beaches, take on the Murray River from Discovery Parks – Echuca, wander the trails around Discovery Resorts – Cradle Mountain, or slow down among the vines at Discovery Parks – Barossa Valley as the autumn leaves begin to change colour.  

_{Discovery Parks - Barossa Valley}

APRIL 

Days to take off:  

Easter long weekend (all) – Friday 3 April – Monday 6 April: 

Take off 7-10 April for a ten-day holiday. 

ANZAC Day Holiday (ACT, WA) – Monday 27:  

Take off Friday 24 April for a four-day weekend.  

Hop into a Discovery Park this Easter break for a weekend full of chocolate, in-park activities, a park-wide Easter egg hunt, and even a visit from the Easter Bunny.   

If you’re based in the ACT or WA, you can also make the most of the ANZAC Day Holiday and extend your break. With smart planning, April offers one of the best opportunities of the year for a long, relaxing getaway. 

_{Discovery Parks - Goolwa}

MAY 

Days to take off:  

May Day (NT), Labour Day (QLD) – Monday 4  

Take off Friday 1 May for a four-day weekend. 

Four-day weekends are made for recharging. With Discovery Parks dotted across Australia, there’s no shortage of places to unwind. 

As the dry season begins in the north, it’s a great time to explore the Whitsundays, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef from Discovery Parks - Townsville or experience the magic of Uluru during cooler days and clear nights. 

See our Discovery Parks in the NT and QLD.  

_{Image credit: @exploreshaw.}

JUNE 

Days to take off:  

Reconciliation Day (ACT), Western Australia Day (WA) – Monday 1: 

Take off Friday 29 May for a four-day weekend. 

King’s Birthday (all except QLD and WA) – Monday 8:  

Take off 9-12 June for a nine-day holiday.  

Give yourself a mid-year holiday with Discovery Parks.  

Chase the sunshine in the Northern Territory to escape the winter chill or lean into the cold and road trip to our ski parks such as Discovery Parks - Jindabyne or Discovery Parks - Mount Buffalo for some adrenaline-filled adventures.  

_{Discovery Parks - Jindabyne}

AUGUST 

Days to take off:  

Picnic Day (NT), Bank Holiday (NSW) – Monday 3:  

Take off Friday 31 July for a four-day weekend.  

Royal Show Day (Brisbane area only, QLD) – Wednesday 12: 

Take off 13-14 August for a five-day weekend. 

A mid-week public holiday is the perfect excuse to stretch out your time off. Besides, we all know Wednesday at the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) is all about the kids, so why not make the rest of the week yours?  

Whether you're exploring new regions or revisiting favourite spots, there’s a Discovery Park ready to welcome you for your August getaway. 

_{Discovery Parks - Katherine}

SEPTEMBER 

Days to take off:  

Friday before AFL Grand Final (VIC) – Friday 25: 

Take off Monday 28 September for a four-day weekend. 

King’s Birthday (WA) – Monday 28: 

Take off Friday 25 September for a four-day weekend. 

Grand Final weekend is a great chance to switch off. Whether you’re watching the game with friends or simply seeking a quiet escape, we’ve got a park to match your mood. 

Check out the Discovery Parks in Victoria for your long weekend – who knows, they might even have the game on!  

_{Discovery Parks - Nagambie Lakes}

OCTOBER 

Days to take off:  

Labour Day (NSW, ACT, and SA) and King’s Birthday (QLD) – Monday 5:  

Take off 6–9 October for a nine-day holiday.  

We’ve officially hit one of the last (almost) nation-wide public holidays for the year, so why not make it count? October is perfect for a longer recharge and relax with a nine-day holiday before the festive season kicks in. 

Whether you’re checking out the Remarkable Rocks and getting up close with wildlife at Seal Bay at Discovery Parks – Kangaroo Island, or unwind along the NSW and QLD coastline at one of our many beachside parks, there is something for everyone. 

See our Discovery Parks in NSW, SA, and QLD for some holiday inspiration. 

_{Discovery Parks - Kangaroo Island}

NOVEMBER 

Days to take off:  

Recreation Day (TAS location dependent) – Monday 2:  

Take off 3–6 November for a nine-day holiday.  

Melbourne Cup Day (VIC) – Tuesday 3:  

Take off 2 November and 4–6 November for a nine-day holiday.  

Enjoy one last getaway before the Christmas rush without using more leave than you need. 

Ferry across the Bass Strait and stay at the newly expanded Discovery Parks – Devonport, complete with new cabins, sites, indoor pool and splash park. Explore Tassie’s cider trails, local produce and unique wildlife, or take it slow along the Great Ocean Road with Discovery Parks – Geelong and Discovery Parks – Warrnambool.