How to hack your public holidays this year - and get 40 days off

January - Australia Day | April - Easter & Anzac Day | May - Labour Day | August - Ekka Day | October - Monarch's Official Birthday | December - Christmas and New Year

Want to maximise your opportunity for adventure in 2025?

The year ahead offers 10 public holidays, but follow our tips to hack your way into 40 days off – and still have annual leave in the bank for another dream trip.

What to do with all this bonus time off? We’ve got you covered with these Queensland holiday ideas. Get ready to put in that leave notice.

January: new year, new experiences

Public holidays: Australia Day (observed 27 January)

Days to take annual leave: 24 and 28 January, turning your public holiday into a five day weekend.

Where to go: Kick off the year with a new experience that leaves you revitalised for the many adventures to come.

K’gari (formerly Fraser Island)

The world’s largest sand island, K’gari quickly works its way into the hearts of all who visit. It boasts the triple threat of jaw-dropping UNESCO World Heritage landscapes, rich Indigenous culture and endless outdoor adventures – and can be tackled by everyone from rugged beach campers to living it up at an eco-resort or day-tripping from Hervey Bay.

Must do’s: tear up the beach highways by 4WD, soak in the Champagne Pools, float down Eli Creek, and spot a few dingos in the wild. Add in a day tour with K’gari Salty Safaris to cruise the remote west coast of the island, stopping at secluded bays and beaches to swim, snorkel and spot wildlife.

Start planning:

• Family holiday ideas
• Best tours to take
• Your guide to accommodation on K’gari
• An itinerary to follow
• Rather steer your own adventure via 4WD? Use this five day itinerary for the Great Beach Drive.

Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)

The madness of silly season is over, so it should be easier to grab your gang (be it besties or family) and head for an island escape just an hour from Brisbane City.

Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) is a local favourite for good reason. Low-key, but big on adventure, spend your days beachcombing, surfing, strolling along Gorge Walk - and even scuba diving. Most impressive is the new range of tours offering insight into the island's Quandamooka culture. Explore the island through an Indigenous lens with Yura Tours, or take an art walk and workshop with Quandamooka artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins.

Nothing says summer holiday quite like a scoop of ice cream (head to Oceanic Gelati) or raising a glass by the water: Stradbroke Island Beach Hotel has long been a classic, but don’t forget to book a meal at Kokomo Beach House, where locally-sourced dishes are served alongside an inventive cocktail list, or take a tour followed by a schooner or tasting paddle at Straddie Brewing Co, located near the ferry terminal at Dunwich. 

Start planning:

• A local’s guide to North Stradbroke Island
• How to camp on Straddie
• An itinerary to help plan your days

Take Outback Queensland off your ‘someday’ list to and make it right now. This time of year is ideal for visitors who want to miss the busiest tourist season, while getting the full outback experience as attractions re-open after the long, hot summer.

Ten days is a great amount of time for a road trip like no other. An awe-inspiring classroom, the outback has plenty of stories to share – whether you dig your way through dinosaur country, seek an oasis in Savannah country, or take a unique musical journey through iconic outback towns and landmarks.

Start planning:

• Advice to plan your Outback holiday
• Find the best Outback Queensland road trip for you
• Join The Outback Trail with Australia's best muso's - the road trip of a lifetime
• The best things to do with kids

Townsville and Mission Beach

With clear days, lower humidity and comfy temperatures, this is your opportunity to get a taste of the tropics on a road trip that winds its way from the city to a coral reef-fringed island, lush rainforests and sleepy beach towns.

Kick things off in Townsville, where waterfront dining meets underwater art galleries. Next, jump on the ferry for a few days exploring the beaches, snorkelling trails and hiking trails of Magnetic Island. Once you’re back on the mainland, journey north via epic waterfalls, secret swimming holes and World Heritage Wet Tropics rainforest. Your final destination, Mission Beach, is the ultimate way to unwind, soak up the sun and spot cassowaries in the wild - along with day trips to the Great Barrier Reef and deserted islands.

Start planning:

• What to do with 48 hours in Townsville
• Must-do’s on Magnetic Island – plus where to stay
• How to waterfall-hop your way north
• Three days in Mission Beach

As the summer heat slows down, Queenslanders take time out in nature on a camping trip. So if you want to take part in this tent-pitching, marshmallow-roasting pastime, there are incredible camping getaways across the state.

One of our favourites? Bunya Mountains. Crisp, cool mountain air greets autumn’s arrival, while the namesake (edible) bunya nuts make their way onto local menus. Take in the views on scenic drives, explore the hiking trails where bunya pines meet misty rainforest, and spot some of the 120 bird species that call these hills home, too. Set up camp in the national park, or embrace country life in one of the many cabins dotted throughout the hills.

Mountain bikers have another reason to book this into their calendars: the new Bunya Mountains Mountain Bike trails at Russell Park have opened, offering 18km of trails for riders of all levels.

Start planning:

• Get the highlights with a weekend itinerary
• Activities that will please the kids

Southern Great Barrier Reef

Take advantage of shoulder season crowds and prices along the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Here, some of Australia’s most thriving marine diversity meets the charm of laidback, barefoot luxury. 

The only hard part is choosing which island to dedicate your long weekend to. Great Keppel Island has long been a family favourite, Lady Elliot Island offers unparalleled opportunities to become a reef ranger, Pumpkin Island can be rented out entirely for your crew, Heron Island is a haven for turtles, Wilson Island is a dream couples getaway with glamping just steps from the shoreline, while Lady Musgrave Experience is your chance to sleep in the middle of the reef - with a new education-focussed pontoon and the option to easily day-trip from Bundaberg.

Wherever you end up, David Attenborough approved snorkelling and diving is just a fin-flip away.

Start planning:

• The best Southern Great Barrier Reef islands
• A visitor’s guide to the region
• A family holiday on Great Keppel Island

August: a winter long weekender

Public holidays: 13 August (Ekka People’s Day - Brisbane only)

Days to take annual leave: 11 + 12 August, to turn one public holiday into a five day escape.

Where to go: Choose between whale watching, wineries, or a jaunt to the tropics.

Beloved annual show The Ekka brings the country to the city, and is well worth putting on your calendar whether you have kids in tow or want to lead your own adventures between sideshow alley and strawberry sundaes. Ekka runs 9 – 17 August 2025, so if you want to hack your public holidays, visit on the final weekend and use the public holiday to get out of town.

Hervey Bay, Fraser Coast

Drive 3.5 hours north of Brisbane to explore the very first World Whale Heritage Site. Each year, migratory humpback whales stop to play and nurse their young in the calm waters of Hervey Bay. And it’s a great place for you to play, too.

Start planning:

• Best whale watching tours
• Insider tips to a family holiday in Hervey Bay
• Long weekend ideas
• Take a day trip to K’gari (formerly Fraser Island)

Granite Belt, Queensland Country

Can’t get enough of the winter chill or the opportunity to cosy up by the fireplace? Head for the Granite Belt – said to be Australia’s highest elevation wine region and one of the only spots in Queensland known to get a smattering of snow. Spend the long weekend hopping between cellar doors and country restaurants, pay a visit to the spectacular national park, then retreat to a luxurious cottage to warm up and wind down.

Start planning:

• Visit these Granite Belt wineries and food producers
• Test out this long weekend itinerary
• Stretch your legs in Girraween National Park

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Alternatively, head north to Cairns & Great Barrier Reef where the only winter blues you'll find is the vibrant colour of the water.

Fly into Cairns Airport and you’ll be in holiday mode within moments. From here, the choice of postcard-worthy adventures is yours. Base yourself in Cairns and day-trip to the Reef. Head deep into the ancient Daintree rainforest and immerse yourself in nature at Silky Oaks Lodge. Or live it up on remote Lizard Island: this five-star luxury resort can be reached via a private flight from Cairns, with reef adventures on your doorstep and fine-dining on your plate.

Start planning:

• Cairns holiday guide
• What to do in Daintree and Cape Tribulation
• Best Great Barrier Reef tours from Cairns
• Energy-pumping adventure activities

With direct flights into Proserpine near Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island, a Whitsundays escape is within easy reach for a long weekend – and the sparkling blue waters really do live up to the hype. If you’ve never visited this neck of the woods before, be sure to sign up for a tour that calls into some of the most famous sites, including Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.

Start planning:

• Base yourself in Airlie Beach then take off on action-packed day trips
• Fly directly into Hamilton Island and find your spot on the sand
• First-timers guide to The Whitsundays

Scenic Rim, Brisbane

Looking for somewhere closer to home? Take an easy road trip to the Scenic Rim instead, just an hour’s drive from Brisbane. The perfect spot to take time out in nature before the bustle of holiday season arrives, the rolling countryside and ancient Gondwana rainforest welcomes adventure seekers with open arms, whether your style is luxury resort or wilderness glamping.

Couples: prepare for a romantic retreat. Families: Mt Barney Lodge offers activities for the whole crew including guided hikes, rock climbing, camping and bush skills.

Start planning:

• The best Scenic Rim accommodation from budget to luxe
• How to DIY a gourmet food tour
• Best hikes and activities in the area

Christmas: end of year blowout

Public holidays: Christmas Day (25 December), Boxing Day (26 December), New Year’s Day (1 January)

Days to take annual leave: 24 December – 2 January, turning 5 extra days of annual leave into 12 days off.

Where to go: Celebrate Christmas on the coast.

Gold Coast

Pack your Christmas rashies and head to the summer holiday destination has it all: 57km of beaches, the country’s biggest theme parks, endless activities for all ages, and bustling nightlife. On an extended break, you have time to tackle the highlights and hidden gems. If you need a day off the sand, head into the hinterland to seek shade in national park rainforest and freshwater swimming holes.

Start planning:

• Gold Coast holiday planner
• Feast your way along the coast
• Take these day trips

Sunshine Coast 

Long days on the water and warm nights by the sand. Our Sunshine Coast is made for summer holidays, whether you do it in style in Noosa, seek wholesome fun at a holiday park, or find quieter enclaves to recharge.

Either way, get ready to clock up some major beach time between unique adventures, like paddling through Australia’s only Everglades system or making animal friends at Australia Zoo.

Start planning:

• Use this local’s guide to find your way
• Keep the kids entertained
• Visit a national park for coastal walks or rugged peaks
• Spend the night at Australia Zoo

Gladstone

If your pace is less high-rise hotels and more barefoot from dawn to dusk, put Gladstone’s twin towns of Agnes Water and 1770 on your radar. Home to Queensland’s northernmost surf beaches and experts at the simple life, spend your days exploring the many secluded beaches, calm inlets and national parks throughout the area.

Start planning:

• The best things to do in the area
• How to spend a week here

Looking for more public holiday inspiration? Dream about these luxury island getaways or family-friendly resorts around Queensland.