Australia Day is just around the corner, giving many Australians the chance to enjoy a public holiday. Celebrations often include trips to the beach, time at the pub, or catching up with friends. Here is a state-by-state guide for Australia Day 2026.
Double Demerits:
Double demerit points will be in effect in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, and Western Australia from Friday, January 23 to Monday, January 26. In Queensland, double demerits apply year-round for a second or subsequent offence committed within 12 months of a prior offence. Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory, and Tasmania do not implement double demerit points at any time.
Weather Forecast:
- New South Wales: Sydney will be mostly sunny with a high of 27°C and a slight chance of showers.
- Queensland: Brisbane is expected to be mostly cloudy with a high of 28°C, while the Gold Coast will see cloudy skies with a top of 27°C.
- Victoria: Melbourne will be warm and cloudy, reaching 30°C.
- Australian Capital Territory: Canberra will experience a mostly sunny day with a high of 30°C.
- South Australia: Adelaide will see partly sunny conditions and a top of 27°C.
- Western Australia: Perth will be hot and sunny with temperatures reaching 32°C.
- Northern Territory: Darwin will have thick cloud cover, a few showers, and a possible afternoon thunderstorm, with a high of 32°C.
- Tasmania: Hobart will be partly sunny with a top of 23°C.
Major Events:
The Australian of the Year Awards will take place on Sunday, January 25 at 7.30pm, celebrating remarkable Australians. A full list of events in capital cities on Monday, January 26 is available on the official Australia Day website, along with local council websites for community events.
Public Holiday:
Australia Day is a national public holiday, and many workers will have the day off with paid leave depending on their employment contract. If the day falls on a weekend, the holiday is observed on the following Monday.
