When you’re feeling a little burnt out from the daily grind, a public holiday can be the sweet relief you need. Even better if the public holiday also gives you the joy of a long weekend! But if you’re stuck on how to make the most out of the King’s birthday long weekend, Swoosh has you covered. We’ve put together a list of the best budget-friendly ideas to turn your public holiday into an epic long weekend.
Overview
- When is the King’s Birthday public holiday?
- Things to do over the King’s Birthday long weekend
- Where to go for your long weekend:
- Double demerits over the King’s Birthday long weekend
- King’s Birthday FAQs
When is the King’s Birthday public holiday?
If you find yourself getting confused about when exactly the public holiday for the King’s birthday is, you’re not alone! Previously, it was celebrated as a national holiday until WA and QLD changed their allocated public holiday to later in the year. And, as if that wasn’t confusing enough, none of them fall on the actual King’s birthday in November. We’ve broken it down by state below so you can start planning your public holiday shenanigans.
| State/Territory | Date (2026) |
| NSW | 8 June 2026 |
| VIC | 8 June 2026 |
| ACT | 8 June 2026 |
| SA | 8 June 2026 |
| TAS | 8 June 2026 |
| NT | 8 June 2026 |
| QLD | 5 October 2026 |
| WA | 28 September 2026 |
Things to do over the King’s Birthday long weekend
Looking for ideas for the King’s Birthday long weekend? Whether you’re staying local or heading away, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the extra day.
Take a Short Trip or Road Trip
A long weekend is perfect for a quick getaway. Consider:
- Coastal drives
- Regional towns
- Nature escapes or camping trips
Enjoy a Staycation
If you’d rather stay close to home:
- Visit local cafes or restaurants
- Explore nearby attractions
- Book a relaxing day at home
Get Ahead on Life Admin
Use the extra time to:
- Tackle household projects
- Organise finances or budgeting
- Catch up on errands you’ve been putting off
Where to go for your King’s Birthday long weekend
With the King’s birthday public holiday spread out across the year depending on where you live, we’ve done the research for you and found the best long weekend ideas based on your state:
June long weekend ideas
The UK sets their King’s Birthday holiday in June to increase the chance of fair summer weather. But down in the southern hemisphere, it’s winter for us. So if your state has its King’s Birthday public holiday in June then you’re in need of destinations to take advantage of the cool weather. We’ve found the best place for magical winter getaways in each state.
Blue Mountains National Park – New South Wales
The world-heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park is a natural wonder that features iconic landmarks and breathtaking scenery. Typically, there are around 5 days of snowfall in June/July each year, so the King’s Birthday public holiday is the perfect time to visit for a long weekend.
Located an hour from Sydney, it’s the perfect destination for a day-trip. Or, if you want to turn it into a mini vacay, there’s plenty of camping spots, cute chalets and charming cabins to choose from. Best of all, with the entry fee being a mere $8 per car, you’ll be well below your budget!
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park – Tasmania
There’s something truly magical and otherworldly about walking through a forest that’s completely frosted with snow and ice crystals. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is the perfect destination to immerse yourself in a winter wonderland and explore nature as you’ve never seen it.
Cradle Mountain is the perfect spot for a day-trip or for a mini weekend getaway. with the southern entrance located about 2.5 hours from Hobart. You’ll need a pass to access the park, but with a day pass costing $29.10 per adult and $11.65 per child, you won’t need to rob a bank.
Barossa Valley – South Australia
Located less than an hour away from Adelaide, the Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s most famous wine regions. But more than the home of award winning wine, the Barossa Valley also offers stunning views and fresh, local produce. There’s also plenty of activities to do between the wine and food tasting, including hiking and hot air ballooning. Its close proximity to Adelaide makes it the perfect day-trip destination for both foodies and adventure lovers. So hop in the car for the public holiday and treat yourself to a mini June getaway full of indulgence that’s gentle on the wallet!
Litchfield National Park – Northern Territory
Litchfield National Park is famous for its tumbling waterfalls and monsoonal vine forests. But it’s also famous for being pretty hot during the summer! So if you don’t want to be sweating up your own tumbling waterfall, June is the perfect time to go! Conveniently, it’s just over an hour from Darwin so it makes the perfect day-trip option for your King’s Birthday public holiday adventures. And as a bonus, it’s only $10 for a day pass! So bring your adventurous spirit but leave the credit card at home.
The Great Ocean Road – Victoria
The Great Ocean Road is famous for breathtaking views, rugged coastlines, and iconic landmarks. Located less than 1.5 hours from Melbourne CBD, it makes a great mini road trip destination. Best of all, it’s free! You could pack a picnic and find a lunch spot with a view, or you could spend the day exploring its coastal towns. Or you might decide to make the most of the June long weekend and treat yourself to an overnight stay.
Don’t have access to a car? No problem! There are plenty of cheap things to do in Melbourne city. Best of all, Melbourne’s extensive public transport services will get you wherever you need to go!
September long weekend ideas
Western Australian residents are treated to their King’s birthday public holiday in spring. What better season to have a mini holiday than spring!
Avon Valley – Western Australia
Nothing says spring like wildflowers, and there are plenty to see in the Avon Valley, located less than 1.5 hours from Perth. The Avon Valley region features numerous wildflower trails where you can immerse yourself in all spring has to offer. Don’t forget to pack the antihistamines! Best of all, entry costs just $17 per vehicle.
If you’re spending the King’s Birthday in Perth, you won’t have to spend big to have a good time—there are loads of budget-friendly ways to stay entertained across the city.
October long weekend ideas
If you’re in Queensland then you get to enjoy the sunshine and warmth on your public holiday. And there’s no place better to enjoy sunshine than the Sunshine Coast Region.
Montville – Queensland
Montville, located just 1.5 hours from Brisbane, is a cute and unique small town tucked away in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Surrounded by lush forests and stunning views of the Glass House Mountains, Montville is known not only for its natural beauty, but also its art galleries and local crafts industry. And while it’s a great place to spend the day, it’s also an ideal retreat for a long weekend escape.
If you’d prefer to stay closer to home this King’s Birthday, Brisbane is full of free things to do. You’ll have a great time without even leaving the city or breaking the budget!
Double demerits over the King’s Birthday long weekend
If you’re planning to travel, it’s important to be aware of double demerits during the King’s Birthday long weekend.
In states like NSW and the ACT, double demerits typically apply for the entire long weekend period. This means stricter penalties for offences such as:
- Speeding
- Using a mobile phone while driving
- Not wearing a seatbelt
Always check your local road authority for confirmed dates and rules before travelling.
Can’t wait for the King’s Birthday long weekend and need a vacation pronto? Let Swoosh get you there!
If you’re in desperate need of a holiday and the long weekend just isn’t going to cut it, then Swoosh has the answer for you! With our secured holiday loans you can borrow up to $5000. And with same day approval, you’ll be on your way to paradise before you know it. Apply online today.
King’s Birthday FAQs
Is the King’s Birthday a Long Weekend?
Yes — for most Australians, the King’s Birthday public holiday creates a long weekend, with the holiday falling on a Monday.
This means many people enjoy:
- A three-day weekend
- Extra time to travel or relax
- Opportunities for short getaways or catching up with family and friends
Which states have the king’s birthday long weekend?
Most Australian states and territories get a King’s Birthday long weekend in June—this includes NSW, VIC, ACT, SA, TAS, and NT. Queensland and Western Australia also have a long weekend for the holiday, but on different dates (usually September or October).
