How to Hack NSW's Public Holidays to Achieve Maximum Days Off in 2025
Score 53 days off next year with these NSW public holiday hacks.
One of the rudest shocks you’ll receive as an adult is the realisation that you’ll likely end up working 48 weeks a year with just four precious weeks of annual leave. As such, maximising your time off is key and one of the best ways to do this is to hack the public holidays and weekends to score yourself an unbroken string of days off. 2025 might still feel a little while off but if you put the effort and organisation in now, you can cruise through next year with 53 days off for just 22 annual leave days. Want in? Here’s how…
Public Holiday 1: Australia Day
The Christmas hols may be over but you won’t have to wait long for your first batch of leave. You’re going to have to fork out for 4 annual leave days here but it’s worth it because you’ll get to enjoy 9 uninterrupted days of beachside bliss, should you so desire. Kickstart your summer sojourn on Saturday 25th Jan, followed by the public holiday on Monday 27th and head back to work on Monday 3rd Feb.
The trade: 9 days off for 4 annual leave days
Key dates: Pencil in Saturday 25th January to Sunday 2nd Feb
Sitchu Tip: If you’re looking for somewhere to while away your windfall of days off, consider heading down the South Coast to Narooma or Mollymook, two of our favourite summer destinations.
Public Holiday 2: Easter Holidays
There's truly no better time to take an extended break in NSW than during March and April. The weather is mild, the water is warm, and the sunsets are second to none. This might also be the best trade of the bunch with a whopping 10 days off for a measly 3 days in annual leave. You've got Easter long weekend and Anzac Day falling in close proximity to thank for this one.
The Trade: 10 days off for 3 annual leave days
Key dates: Friday 18th April to Sunday 27th April
Sitchu Tip: Make the most of the warmer weather with a trip to Byron Bay because, why not?
Public Holiday 3: The King's Birthday
Treat yourself to a mid-year break with thanks to the King's-not-birthday-birthday weekend. You'll be thanking your genius foresight (and this handy article) when this little holiday rolls around. You've also got options here depending on how much leave you've got to play with.
The trade: 9 days off for 4 days of leave OR a cheeky 4-day weekend for 1 day of leave.
Key dates: Monday 9th June to Sunday 15th June or Friday 6th June to Monday 9th June
Sitchu Tip: Embrace the cooler weather with one of these romantic and cosy stays.
Public Holiday 4: Labour Day
Arguably the most important public hol of the lot (a pre-festive season break does wonders) this is another choose your own adventure situation. 4-day weekend or 9-day vacay? We know which one we're choosing.
The trade: 9 days off for 4 days of leave OR 4 days off for one day of leave
Key dates: Monday 6th October to Sunday 12th October or Friday 3rd October to Monday 6th October
Sitchu Tip: Use this as a chance to get out of town before the madness of the final quarter of the year descends. Cairns is particularly lovely at this time of year and has a little bit of everything from snorkelling and sunsets to rainforests and resorts.
Public Holiday 5: Christmas and New Year's 2025
It's been a long year. Despite scoring 4 extra, extra-long weekends you're yearning for another extended break. Not to worry - this is your time to shine.
The trade: 16 days off for 7 days of annual leave
Key dates: Saturday 20th December to Sunday 4th January
Sitchu tip: There is something a little bit delightful about the way Sydney turns into a sleepy city during the festive period. Make the most of people being out of town and consider this your opportunity to explore the best beaches, walks and restaurants Sydney has to offer.
Enjoyed learning how to hack NSW'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.
