How to hack your public holidays for maximum time in 2020

Make the most of the public holidays and supercharge your holidays this year!

We know time off is precious, and that’s why we’ve found all the best ways to hack your Public Holidays to make the most of every long weekend! Whether you want to pack up the tent and head north for an epic camping adventure, or indulge in a hotel stay by the sea, we’ve worked our way through the public holidays for 2020 and given you some awesome inspiration!

No need to bring your passport just hit the road and Holiday Here This Year!  

January

Public Holidays: 1 January – New Year’s Day | 27 January – Australia Day

Days to take off: Take off Friday 24 January and Tuesday 28 January and extend it into a five-day weekend.

Where to go: Cape Le Grand is where you’ll want to be for those long Summer days. The weather is absolute perfection, with an average high of 26 degrees and minimal rain – perfect for exploring and camping! Enjoy the plethora of beaches (including Lucky Bay with the famous beach-going kangaroos), rock climbing, hiking, swimming, surfing and stargazing galore. 

February/March

Public Holiday: 2 March – Labour Day

Days to take off: Take off Friday 28 February and Tuesday 3 March and extend it into a five-day weekend.

Where to go: Esperance. This small town by the sea has grown in popularity in recent years – making it one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in the country. It is obvious why if you have ever seen a picture of the crystal-clear beaches or the bubble gum pink Lake Hillier. Not to mention, the Great Ocean drive has miles and miles of pure white sand beaches with some of the most breathtaking views in the country.

April

Public Holiday: 10 April – Good Friday | 13 April – Easter Monday | 25/27 April – Anzac Day

Days to take off: Take off Thursday 9 April and Tuesday 14 April to turn this into a week off! Another option could be to take off 24 April to turn your Anzac weekend into a four-day weekend. 

Where to go: For your extra-long week off, we’d highly recommend heading to the Gascoyne Murchison and tackling the Road to the Rock. Explore miles of rich red and lush outback paradise with rugged rock formations, vast cattle stations, swimming holes, ancient rock art, and some of the best 4WD trails in all of Australia! Mount Augustus, the largest rock in the world, is twice the size of Uluru and has the most epic views from the top.

If attempting to trek Mount Augustus you'll need to be well prepared as the return hike can take 6-8 hours and should be only attempted by experienced hikers and bush walkers. You'll also need to carry enough water (at least 3-4 litres per person, per day). Find out more from the Department of Parks and Wildlife website for Mount Augustus.

For Anzac weekend, consider heading to Wheatbelt. Stargazing is spectacular in the Wheatbelt and you’ll be able to clearly see our famous Southern Cross! Not to mention, this is the perfect time to check out Wave Rock and some of the gorgeous (and overlooked) wineries this area has to offer.

May/June

Public Holiday: 1 June | Western Australia Day

Days to take off: Take off Friday 29 May for a spectacular 4-day weekend.

Where to go: Kalgoorlie and the Goldfields is perfect in the cooler winter months – perfect for exploring, camping and hiking. This history-rich part of Western Australia dates back to the discovery of gold in the 1890s where fortune-seekers flocked to form dozens of towns and small communities in the Goldfields. We’d recommend getting out on the Golden Quest Discovery Trail to explore the vast salt flats of Lake Ballard and see one of the world’s most remote art installations, and venture to the town of Kookynie (population 12) which is home to arguably the world’s coolest pub with arguably the best regular – Willie the Horse! 

September

Public Holiday: 28 September – Queen’s Birthday

Days to take off: Take off Friday 25 September and extend it into a four-day weekend.

Where to go: Make your way to the Northern Wheatbelt for a colourful and cute long weekend away. It is wildflower season and the fields are in full bloom - it is quite the spectacle and well worth the journey. You’ll be treated to a sea of colour as far as your eyes can see. Plan for some epic picnics amongst the fields of flowers and loads of small towns to explore with some of the most beautiful heritage buildings in the outback.

December

Public Holiday: 25 December – Christmas Day | 28 December – Boxing Day | 31 December – New Year's Eve | 1 January 2020 – New Year’s Day

Days to take off: Don’t get stuck in the office this Christmas. Take off between Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve for 10 days of holiday bliss.  

Where to go: Get ready for an epic road trip through one of the most beautiful parts of our country - The South West Edge!  Make your way from Perth through Margaret River, Denmark, Albany all the way to the beautiful Esperance. Beautiful beaches, lovely wineries and loads of small towns to discover along the way. Heading back home, be sure to stop at Wave Rock to admire this 3-billion-year-old rock formation in the shape of an epic wave!