Quick answer
Look for a public holiday that falls on a Monday or Friday, then add leave days next to it. Taking four days off around Easter 2027 gives a break from Friday 26 March to Sunday 4 April, which is 10 days in a row. Use the leave planner to find the best windows for your state.
How does stretching a long weekend work?
A public holiday joins with the weekend on either side. Each leave day you add next to that block extends the break by one day, and any weekend caught in the middle comes free. The leave planner does this sum for you.
Which holidays are best to stretch?
Easter and Anzac Day give the biggest gains because the holidays sit close together. See Easter dates and Anzac Day for the 2027 dates, and the long weekends list for every one.
What should families check first?
Check your state's school holiday dates so you can see whether a leave window falls inside a school break. Booked travel can cost more in those weeks. Open school holidays by state to compare.
How many leave days should I use?
It depends on how long a break you want. Three or four leave days often give a week and a half off. Your employer's leave rules, your award or your agreement decide what you can actually take, so check them first.
Frequently asked questions
Do all states have the same long weekends?
No. Some holidays are statewide in only one state, so the best window can differ.
Is a day off in lieu a public holiday?
That depends on the state and the holiday. Check the state public holiday page.
Does the planner book leave for me?
No. It only shows the windows.
More dates
See which states break up first or how school days are counted.