West Australians looking to maximise their time off in 2026 have just been handed a strategic blueprint. While the state's residents receive 11 public holidays compared to the rest of the nation's 12, savvy planning can dramatically extend that break. Virgin Australia has released its 2026 Annual Leave Hacks Guide, outlining how to turn those public holidays into a potential 29 days away from work.
Strategic Planning for Maximum Time Off
A Virgin Australia spokesperson explained that the key lies in the clever alignment of annual leave with national and state-based public holidays and long weekends. This forward planning allows travellers to significantly extend their time away while conserving their precious leave balance. The guide's release is described as a timely nudge for Australians to start planning their adventures, especially as many return to work after the recent holiday period.
January: A Summer Escape to Tasmania
The first major opportunity arrives with Australia Day. By taking just four days of annual leave from Tuesday, January 27 to Friday, January 30, and travelling from Friday evening, January 23, to Sunday, February 1, workers can enjoy a nine-day holiday. Virgin Australia highlights that January is peak summer in Tasmania, presenting an ideal chance for an east coast road trip or a long weekend exploring the charms of Hobart.
April: Easter Adventures in Tropical Cairns
For the Easter break, a similar strategy applies. Taking leave from Tuesday, April 7 to Friday, April 10 and travelling from Thursday evening, April 2, to Sunday, April 12, unlocks a ten-day holiday for the cost of four leave days. The airline recommends Cairns for its warm weather and excellent reef conditions. An early flight allows travellers to maximise time on the Great Barrier Reef, with added options to explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest or take a scenic ride on the Skyrail over Kuranda.
December: End-of-Year Fun on the Gold Coast
The year ends with another prime opportunity over Christmas and New Year. By booking leave for December 28 to 31, 2026, and travelling from Christmas Day, December 25, to Sunday, January 3, 2027, workers secure another ten-day holiday. The Gold Coast remains a perennially popular choice, offering a blend of beaches, world-class theme parks, and vibrant nightlife. Virgin Australia notes it operates frequent services to Coolangatta from major cities across the country, making access easy.
This strategic guide from Virgin Australia empowers West Australians to plan their 2026 getaways with precision, proving that a little planning can yield a lot more leisure time. For more detailed information, travellers are encouraged to visit virginaustralia.com.
