- Virgin Australia has released its 2026 Annual Leave Hacks Guide to help savvy travellers more than double their days off this year.
- Workers are able to stretch their four weeks of annual leave into more than nine weeks of holidays by strategically planning around long weekends and public holidays.
- Travellers can take advantage of Virgin Australia’s weekly ‘Happy Hour’ sale every Thursday from 4-11pm AEDT, explore early bird deals or sign up to the airline’s V-mail for exclusive sale notifications, ensuring a great value fare every time they fly.
- For extra savings, Velocity Frequent Flyer members can use Points to redeem for part or all of their fare - a travel hack for budget-conscious travellers.
DOWNLOAD VIRGIN AUSTRALIA ANNUAL LEAVE GUIDE
Monday 5 January 2026: With the majority of Australians today returning to work for the first time this year, Virgin Australia has released its 2026 Annual Leave Hacks Guide to help travellers double their days off at no extra cost.
The hacks, a timely reminder that the best way to beat the back-to-work blues is to start planning the next getaway, work by identifying how Australians can align their annual leave with public holidays and long weekends to stretch their time off. By planning strategically around national and state-based holidays, travellers can turn 12 statutory days of annual leave into 29 days off, and it won’t cost them a cent.
Whether it’s a tropical island getaway or a city break, the guide combines strategic leave planning with Virgin Australia’s domestic and international network to make holiday dreams a reality.
Virgin Australia’s 2026 Annual Leave Hacks Destination Guide
January (Australia Day)
- Take leave: 27-30 January (Tue–Fri)
- Travel dates: Depart Friday evening, 23 January and return Sunday, 1 February 2026
- Outcome: 9-day holiday using only four days of annual leave
Explore Tasmania’s summer festivals or escape to the Whitsundays
January is peak summer in Tasmania, perfect for road-tripping the east coast or visiting the city of Hobart. Catch an afternoon flight to Hobart from Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane for a cool-climate culinary escape.
Alternatively, head north to the Whitsundays for calm waters and hot beach days. Virgin Australia operates services to the Whitsundays (Proserpine) and Hamilton Island, the gateway to Whitehaven Beach and the Great Barrier Reef.
Easter (April)
- Take leave: 7-10 April (Tues–Fri)
- Travel dates: Depart evening Thursday, 2 April and return Sunday, 12 April 2026
- Outcome: 10-day holiday for using just four days of annual leave
Find serenity in Samoa or snorkel off Cairns
Samoa’s dry season begins in April, a perfect time for an off-the-grid island escape just a few hours from Brisbane. Lounge in luxury beachfront fales or explore lush waterfalls and lava fields.
Prefer a domestic trip? Cairns is an April gem with warm weather and clear reef conditions. Book an early flight to maximise time on the reef and discover the ancient Daintree Rainforest or take the Skyrail over Kuranda.
December Holiday Break
- Take leave: 28, 29, 30, 31 December 2026
- Travel dates: Depart Friday, 25 December and return Sunday, 3 January 2027
- Outcome: 10-day holiday using only four days of annual leave
Celebrate Christmas and New Year in Vanuatu or the Gold Coast
December brings dry days and warm waters to Vanuatu, just under 3 hours from Brisbane. It’s the ultimate South Pacific escape with reef adventures, cultural experiences and unforgettable island hospitality.
For those staying closer to home, the Gold Coast delivers on all fronts. From beaches and theme parks to buzzing nightlife. Virgin Australia operates frequent flights to Coolangatta from most major cities, making it an easy end-of-year escape.
With Virgin Australia’s flexible fares and Velocity Frequent Flyer Points and Status Credits included on eligible bookings, holidaymakers can plan smarter and earn rewards as they go. Not a Velocity member? Join for free here.
For more information or to book, visit virginaustralia.com
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT
Virgin Australia Group Corporate Affairs: corporateaffairs@virginaustralia.com or 1800 142 467.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Public holidays vary by state and territory. Visit Australia.gov.au for the full list.
