How to maximise your annual leave in 2026

Because we all deserve some well-earned time off.

There’s always that one colleague who was organised enough to book their leave to align with the state’s holidays, leaving the rest of the office envious of their lovely two-week break with minimal leave used.

Leave maximisation is where you strategically use your annual leave days around weekends and public holidays to stretch out your break, and we’re already looking ahead to how to make the most of our time off next year.

A car crossing a bridge in a rainforest — Savvy travellers use annual leave days around weekends and public holidays to stretch out their break. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Corporate Traveller has analysed how, with the right planning, Aussies can turn their annual leave into extended breaks in 2026. What their analysis shows is that Western Australians can get the most time off with minimal leave used, stretching 31 days of annual leave into an impressive 71 days off in total.

Tom Walley, global managing director of Corporate Traveller, says thoughtful timing will pay dividends next year: “Public holidays in 2026 are well spaced for extended getaways. By locking in leave requests now, employees can secure the best fares and accommodation, and employers can plan resourcing well in advance. Everybody wins."

Let’s take a look…

Victoria

Two people in a hot springs in the Mornington Peninsula — Spend your leave relaxing in hot springs in the Mornington Peninsula. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Victorians can strategically lock in up to 60 days off by using 20 days of annual leave alongside 13 public holidays and weekends. Over the Christmas/New Year period, you could get 16 days off in a row by using seven days of leave, or 16 days off in a row at Easter by taking eight days of leave.

Queensland

Queenslanders can be savvy and lock in up to 58 days off by using 25 days of leave alongside 12 public holidays and weekends. You can use seven days of annual leave to get 16 days off in a row during the Christmas/New Year period, use four days of annual leave to get 10 consecutive days off over Easter, or use four days of annual leave to get 10 days off in a row around Ekka Day in August.

Western Australia

A boat at Rottnest Island — Spend relaxing days on Rottnest Island. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Western Australians can lock in an incredible 71 days off by using 31 days of leave alongside 11 state-wide public holidays and weekends. By using seven days of annual leave around the Christmas/New Year period, you can get 16 consecutive days off, or by using four days of annual leave around Easter, you can get 10 days off in a row.

South Australia

South Australians can get 62 days off with 27 annual leave days, thanks to 13 public holidays. For extended breaks, you can use four days of annual leave for 10 days off in a row over Easter, and seven days of annual leave for 16 consecutive days off.

Tasmania

Tasmanians can get 50 days off by using 19 days of annual leave, thanks to 11 official state-wide public holidays, plus either Royal Hobart Regatta Day in the south or Recreation Day in the rest of the state, along with an extra day off for public servants (7 April). You can get up to 16 days off by using seven annual leave days over the Christmas/New Year period or up to 11 days off by using four days of leave (or five with Easter Tuesday) over the Easter period.

New South Wales

People entering the water at a beach at Byron Bay — Byron Bay is one of the most popular NSW towns to spend summer at. (Tourism Australia)

NSW has 11 state-wide public holidays. Employees can take up to 53 consecutive days off if they use 23 leave days around the Christmas/New Year and January holiday period, when multiple weekends and public holidays coincide. You could also give yourself a 10-day break by using just four days of your annual leave around the Easter break, from Saturday 28 March to Monday 6 April.

Australian Capital Territory

People in the ACT can get 55 days off if they take 23 days of annual leave, thanks to 13 public holidays, which include two extra long weekends – Canberra Day (Monday 9 March) and Reconciliation Day (Monday 1 June). To maximise leave, use seven days of annual leave for 16 days off over Christmas/New Year and four days of leave for 10 days off over Easter.

Northern Territory

Two people walking around the Bungle Bungle Range is located in the Purnululu National Park. — Western Australians can get the most time off with minimal leave used. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The Top End crowd can get 50 days off if they take 19 days of annual leave, thanks to 11 official public holidays in 2026. You can get 16 consecutive days off over Christmas/New Year by using seven days of annual leave or 10 days off over Easter by using four days of annual leave.

There’s nothing quite like Melbourne in the warmer months. Come spring, the city emerges from its cold-weather cocoon and brims with marquee events, vibrant seasonal menus, brilliant blooms and a fresh energy.

The centre of the city is where most of the magic happens. It’s a labyrinth of art-lined alleys and meandering laneways, filled with restaurants, cafes, rooftop bars, galleries, live music joints, theatres, boutiques, high-end hotels like The Westin Melbourne and much, much more. In spring and summer, especially, locals and travellers alike come to enjoy the balmy weather and celebratory spirit.

If you’re planning to be one of them, here are the best places for eating, drinking, exploring and staying.

Where to stay

The Westin Melbourne

Situated in the heart of the city on bustling Collins Street, The Westin Melbourne is a supremely convenient base. With the hotel as a base, explore the entire CBD – including Federation Square and Melbourne’s shopping, dining, theatre and sporting precincts – on foot.

Despite its central location, the hotel is something of an oasis. It has a serene ambience and elegantly understated design that provides respite at the end of a busy day. Think timeless interiors with warm timbers and neutral tones, and spacious rooms with signature Heavenly® beds and sumptuous linens. You’ll also indulge in impeccable service and amenities like fitness and wellness centres and an indoor pool. Selected rooms have sweeping city views.

Where to eat and drink

1. Allegro

Allegro is refined yet welcoming, pairing seasonal Australian produce and international flavours, finished with finesse. The à la carte, set and pre-theatre menus change seasonally. In spring and summer, expect a lively and creative line-up of dishes. You can also partake in a playful and limited-edition High Cheese offering that’s well worth trying if you’re a lover of blues and bries.

The restaurant happens to be located right inside The Westin Melbourne. It’s an ideal spot if you’re staying at the hotel and need somewhere to dine or drink before hitting the town.

2. Lobby Lounge

the westin melbourne lobby lounge — Step into the Lobby Lounge.

Whether you’re after a quick bite before exploring the city, a leisurely lunch or dinner, or a post-theatre nightcap, head to The Westin Melbourne’s elegant Lobby Lounge .

The menu features everything from moreish snacks, small bites and share plates to hearty all-day meals and desserts. The accompanying drinks list is a treasure trove of varietals, with a notable leaning towards Victorian drops and an excellent selection of spirits.

For a truly indulgent experience, book yourself in for the signature high tea . You’ll savour three tiers of beautifully crafted sweet and savoury treats, specialty tea and coffee, and the option for a sneaky glass of bubbly.

3. Other places to dine

diners at supernormal melbourne — There’s no shortage of tasty dining options, in and nearby The Westin Melbourne. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Dotted around the city are some of Melbourne’s most acclaimed dining destinations. Supernormal is a local institution. Feast on inventive Pan-Asian dishes made with fresh ingredients, paired with a Japanese whisky or sake from the extensive drinks list. At Gimlet , the surroundings are utterly romantic, the service impeccable and the food outstanding. Expect sustainably sourced meats, seafood and produce finished with European flavours and technique.

Apollo Inn – the sister venue to Gimlet and Supernormal – does punchy snacks, share plates and incredible drinks. Try the signature Picon Biere, a refined take on a shandy.

Dukes Coffee Roasters at Ross House is a great place to start your day, serving up organic and sustainable brews made with precision.

While you’re in the city, take a wander down Hosier and AC/DC Lanes. Beyond the famed street art along both, you’ll find a cluster of must-try eateries and bars, including MoVida, Pastuso, Bar Bambi and Tres a Cinco.

Things to do

1. Take a run through Melbourne’s green spaces

a bridge across yarra river — Run or walk along the Yarra River. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Melbourne’s outdoors look their very best in spring and summer. The parks and gardens come alive with colourful blooms, the trees in and around the CBD regain their verdant canopy, and the Yarra River sparkles in the sun.

A run or walk in nearby green spaces, like Carlton Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens and the Royal Botanic Gardens, lets you soak up the scenery. The Westin Melbourne also provides curated running routes through surrounding gardens and along the Yarra. Workout gear and Bala weights can be borrowed from the hotel if you forget to pack your own.

2. Browse the boutique galleries

two women looking at an exhibition in the national gallery of victoria — See the collections of NGV. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Independent art galleries are practically synonymous with Melbourne, and many of them are conveniently situated in the city centre. You can easily hop between Flinders Lane Gallery , Arc One Gallery , Outre Gallery , Caves Gallery , Gallery Funaki and D’Lan Contemporary , allowing you to experience the city’s vibrant art scene in a single day.

If you’ve got an afternoon to spare, venture over the Yarra to the National Gallery of Victoria . The iconic and historic institution houses both a vast permanent collection and an exciting roster of rotating exhibitions.

3. Catch some live music

live music at the cherry bar in melbourne — Dive into Melbourne’s live music scene. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Melbourne’s live music scene reignites when spring hits. In and around the CBD are several beloved live music venues that showcase everything from jazz to rock to electronic.

Visit intimate venues like Bird’s Basement , Wax Music Lounge and Cherry Bar , or larger ones, such as The Toff , Forum and Palais Theatre , for major acts. Plenty of bars, restaurants and clubs host regular gigs, too, including The Westin Melbourne’s Lobby Lounge. Every Saturday from 12-3pm, enjoy live strings alongside your lunch or afternoon tea.

4. Soak up the atmosphere at the MCG

three punters in big hats at the melbourne cricket ground — Book tickets for a big sports bash. (Credit: Visit Vic)

The Melbourne Cricket Ground welcomes its namesake sport in the warmer months. Watch One-Day Internationals, T20 Internationals, Big Bash League and Sheffield Shield matches throughout the season, or settle in for the multi-day Boxing Day Test.

Spring and summer are also when the MCG holds big events and concerts. Surrounded by the roar and energy of the venue’s legendary crowds, there are few places better than this to see a live gig.

5. Experience the magic of the Regent Theatre

the inside steps of melbourne's regent theatre — Soak in Regent Theatre’s architecture. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Standing proud for nearly 100 years, the Regent Theatre is a stunning venue: its grand exterior opens to a gorgeously ornate interior decked out with chandeliers, plush drapes and gilded details.

Stopping by to take in its architecture is memorable enough. But if you’ve got the time, book a ticket to one of the spectacular shows that take place inside. The venue hosts a diverse line-up of live music, musicals, opera, dance, theatre and comedy. In spring and summer, the program is at its most energetic, with events to suit all tastes.

Whatever draws you to Melbourne, The Westin Melbourne is at the centre of it all. Start preparing for an adventure at marriott.com.