How Aussies can turn public holidays into big trips in 2026
Holiday planning made easy: public holidays + annual leave = long break – Image created by ChatGPT with DALL·E by OpenAI.
VOCABULARY LIST
Public holiday (noun) /ˈpʌblɪk ˈhɒlədeɪ/
A day when most people don’t work because it is officially recognised.
Western Australians get fewer public holidays than other states.Annual leave (noun) /ˈænjuəl liv/
Paid time off work that employees can use for holidays.
You can use four days of annual leave to get a much longer break.Line up (phrasal verb) /laɪn ʌp/
To organise things so they match or work well together.
Travellers can line up annual leave with public holidays.Long weekend (noun phrase) /lɒŋ wikˈɛnd/
A weekend that is longer than usual because of a public holiday.
A long weekend is perfect for a quick trip away.Plan ahead (verb phrase) /plæn əˈhɛd/
To organise something early before it happens.
The guide reminds travellers to plan ahead for 2026.Peak season (noun phrase) /pik ˈsizən/
The busiest travel time of the year.
January is peak season in Tasmania.Get away (phrasal verb) /ɡɛt əˈweɪ/
To go on a short holiday or escape from work.
Many Aussies want to get away after the holidays.Make the most of (verb phrase) /meɪk ðə moʊst əv/
To use something in the best possible way.
Early flights help travellers make the most of their time.Timely reminder (noun phrase) /ˈtaɪmli rəˈmaɪndə/
Information that is useful at the right moment.
The guide is a timely reminder to book leave early.End-of-year break (noun phrase) /ˈɛnd əv jɪə breɪk/
A holiday taken around Christmas and New Year.
The Gold Coast is popular for an end-of-year break.
ARTICLE
How Aussies can turn public holidays into big trips in 2026
West Australians get 11 public holidays each year, while most of Australia gets 12. Still, Aussies who want to get away don’t need to miss out. A new guide from Virgin Australia shows how workers can use their annual leave smartly and enjoy up to 29 days off in 2026.
The airline’s 2026 Annual Leave Hacks Guide explains how travellers can line up annual leave with public holidays and a long weekend to stretch their time off. A Virgin Australia spokesperson says the guide is a timely reminder for people to plan ahead, especially as many head back to work after the holiday period.
For Australia Day in January, workers can take annual leave from January 27 to 30. By travelling from Friday night, January 23, and returning on Sunday, February 1, they can enjoy a nine-day break using only four days of leave. January is peak season in Tasmania, making it a great time to make the most of summer with an east coast road trip or a relaxed long weekend in Hobart.
At Easter in April, taking annual leave from April 7 to 10 creates a ten-day holiday. Virgin Australia suggests heading to Cairns, where travellers can make the most of warm weather and clear conditions on the Great Barrier Reef, or explore the Daintree Rainforest and Kuranda.
For an end-of-year break, workers can take annual leave from December 28 to 31 and enjoy ten days off over Christmas and New Year. The Gold Coast is a popular choice, offering beaches, theme parks, nightlife, and easy flights from major cities — perfect for Aussies keen to get away before the new year.
SOURCE:
This article is based on:
Travel hacks for 2026 | The West Australian
Reflection Questions
Instructions:
Use these questions as:
– Speaking practice (e.g. talk to yourself, record and listen back)
– Writing practice (e.g. short paragraph answers)
– Class discussion with your teacher or classmates
Do you get many public holidays in your country?
How do you usually use your annual leave?
Would you prefer a long weekend or a long overseas trip? Why?
Which destination in the article sounds most interesting to you?
Do you like to plan ahead or book trips at the last minute?
Comprehension activity - multiple choice
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