Photo: Contiki
Table of Contents
Let’s be real: even though we Aussies get more annual leave than a lot of other countries, it never feels like enough to tick off all those dream destinations on our list, right? The struggle to choose between an off-grid adventure or the iconic Euro summer getaway with only a limited number of days off, is real. But what if I told you there’s a sneaky way to supercharge your leave? By being a little bit clever with your holidays, you can turn 20 days of annual leave into a massive 46 days of travel bliss in 2025. Yep, 46! It’s all timing, planning, and picking the perfect destinations. Ready to map out your best year of travel yet? Let’s break it down, one dream escape at a time.
Use Contiki’s 2025 annual leave hack calculator below to get your personalised calendar telling you exactly which days to take off – and, you can even download the dates straight into your calendar! Magic.
Want to see exactly how it works or need some inspiration? Check out below how you can turn 20 days of precious annual leave into 46 days of legendary leave using Australia’s public holidays.
Image source:Contiki
January – New Year’s Day & Australia Day
Kick off the year with a splash – literally! Take advantage of those warm Aussie summer days by heading to the world’s largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef. With the New Year public holiday on the 1st of January, you only need to book 4 days of leave to float among the vibrant coral, swim with tropical fish, and get your snorkel fix in one of Australia’s most iconic spots. Spend 3 days at sea with the Great Barrier Reef Explorer (2-4 January) and use the days before and after to explore Cairns and the nearby Daintree National Park.
January is the height of summer in glorious Queensland, which means ideal conditions for underwater adventures and some serious vitamin D.
Take leave on: Thursday 2nd January & Friday 3rd January
To enjoy: a 5-day break
January’s second mini –break is a great lil’ opportunity to explore your nearest capital city! Make the most of the Australia Day public holiday by slightly extending your time off between 25-28 Jan and becoming a tourist in your own backyard again.
In Sydney, soak up the sights with a stroll around the Harbour Bridge and Opera House (trust me, you’ll have forgotten how beautiful they actually are), hit up the trendy Barangaroo precinct for waterfront dining, and of course January is the best time of year to see Bondi Beach at its brightest, bluest best.
Melbourne never disappoints with its street art in Hosier Lane, or you could catch a game at the iconic MCG and grab a bite at Queen Victoria Market. If you need a break from the city, take a 90-minute drive to Mornington Peninsula for wineries, hot springs, and coastal vibes.
In Brisbane, enjoy a picnic at South Bank, take in the views from Mount Coot-tha, or dive into the city’s thriving food scene, or if you’re over in Perth, wander through Kings Park and explore the bustling Fremantle Markets, or take a ferry to Rottnest Island for those famous quokkas.
Take leave on: Tuesday 28th January
To enjoy: a 4-day escape
Image source:Contiki
April – Easter & ANZAC Day
April is your golden ticket to a longer, more adventurous holiday! With Easter and ANZAC Day public holidays falling in this period, you can turn just 9 days of annual leave into 16 unforgettable vacation days. So, why not make it count with an epic trip somewhere new?
Let’s kick off with a seriously wild adventure! Who’s got “waking up at 3am for a sunrise safari” on their bucket list? The better question would be “who doesn’t?”, right? On the Cape to Delta Safari trip (13-27 April), you’ll start with the jaw-dropping views of Cape Town, where you can snap pics of Table Mountain and explore vibrant local markets. Then it’s off to the iconic Kruger National Park for some epic game drives, where you’ll be on the lookout for elephants, buffalo, and maybe even a lion or two if you’re lucky.
Next up: the mighty Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders. And the adventure doesn’t stop there – you’ll head into Chobe National Park, famous for its massive herds of elephants, before rounding things off with a safari of a lifetime in the lush, wildlife-packed Okavango Delta. April is autumn in South Africa, which means cool, comfy weather and fewer crowds in hotspots like Cape Town and Kruger.
If you need to shake off the end-of-summer blues as Australia cools down, it’s time to chase the sun – all the way to the Philippines! April is smack-bang in the middle of the dry season, so expect tons of sunny days filled with beach lounging, island hopping, and exploring the country’s unreal natural beauty without a storm cloud in sight. Cruise through the epic limestone caves at Puerto Princesa, feast on mouthwatering Filipino dishes, and soak up those once-in-a-lifetime sunset views in El Nido. And, of course, kick back on the beach with your new crew of island adventurers (you know, those ones you met on the Philippines Island Hopping trip, 12-20 April *wink*).
Since April is the best month to hack your leave for a longer trip, why not use it as the perfect excuse to get as far away from Australia as humanly possible? We’re talking Latin America far. April is the sweet spot for a Mexican and Belizean adventure – ancient ruins, magical cenotes, and vibrant local markets, all without the high-season chaos. You can chase the sun across three stunning countries, from Mexico City to Antigua, with beaches, national parks, and ruins that’ll make your Insta pop. And trust us, the included travel experiences? Next level. Picture sailing in Caye Caulker, zip-lining through jungle canopies, and getting the party started in Mexico City. So, if you’re not just after some rays but also a little soul-enriching adventure, the Mexico, Belize and Guatemala Experience (14-26 April) has got your name all over it!
Take leave on:
Monday 14th April – Thursday 17th April
Tuesday 22nd April – Thursday 24th April
To enjoy: an insane 21-day vacay
Looking for more inspo? Here are some other trips you could fit into this time.
June – King’s Birthday
Picture this: You + your group chat (IRL) + the Mediterranean + June summer sun. I mean, would you really want to be anywhere else? With just 4 days of annual leave, thanks to the King’s Birthday public holiday, you’ve got 9 days to spend on the sparkling shores of Europe for a quick (but totally worthwhile) getaway.
It’s sailing season, and whether you’re cruising past the stunning coastlines of Croatia or loosing yourself (while finding yourself?) in the turquoise waters of Tükiye you’ll be treated to postcard-perfect beaches, rich history, and buzzing nightlife – all under that gorgeous Mediterranean sky.
Suite life not your style? Well, maybe something a little more ‘White Lotus’ is. Sicily in June is absolutely dreamy. Warm without being scorching, the island is a treasure trove of history, food, and breathtaking landscapes. Explore ancient ruins, indulge in fresh Italian cuisine, and lose yourself in the charm of its coastal towns. The Real Sicily trip (8-15 June) is the perfect way to soak up the island’s best in early summer.
Take leave on: Tuesday 10th June – Friday 13th June
To enjoy: a 9-day Euro summer to remember
Image source:Contiki
December – Christmas
Woo, you made it! The end of another (hopefully fabulous ?) year. Why not wrap up 2025 in style with a holiday that ticks off a big bucket list item? This is the festive break we all dream about, with Christmas and New Year public holidays on your side, turning just 6 annual leave days into a 13-day extravaganza.
Could this be the year you experience snow-dusted Christmas magic? Whether it’s a sparkly town square in Amsterdam or Paris for Christmas, or a week skiing in the Austrian Alps of Tyrol (21-28 December), a white Christmas is guaranteed to be unforgettable.
Speaking of those bucket list experiences – what’s more magical than the Northern Lights? On the Norway Fjords and Northern Lights trip, not only will you get the chance to witness the dazzling aurora borealis light up the Arctic sky, but you’ll also experience Norway’s epic landscapes up close. Cruise through the majestic Sognefjord, explore the vibrant streets of Bergen, and go dog-sledding in Tromsø. Top it off with a cozy stay in a traditional Norwegian cabin or a meeting with the Sámi people and their reindeer, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate winter escape. Perfect for adventurers looking to add some magic to their December break!
But if you’re not keen on winter, no worries! As Aussies, we are no stranger to spending Christmas in a warmer climate, and Vietnam is the perfect spot to swap your Christmas traditions for something a little more adventurous. With its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering street food, Vietnam’s buzzing cities are where it’s at.
On Contiki’s Vietnam Experience trip (21 December – 1 January), you’ll kick off in the bustling streets of Hanoi, explore the picturesque waters of Ha Long Bay, and dive into the rich history of Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City. The weather in December is ideal for exploring – cooler in the north and comfortably warm in the south. Whether you’re cruising on a traditional junk boat, cycling through the countryside, or ringing in the New Year in one of the many city rooftop bars, we promise that Vietnam will bring the festive feels.
Take leave on:
Monday 22nd December – Wednesday 24th December
Monday 29th December – Wednesday 31st December
To enjoy: a 13-day end of year celebration ?
Top hint: Including it in this calendar would be cheating, but if you also take off Friday 2nd January 2026, you’ll get 16 consecutive days off!
Need a short break?
Now, I don’t know about you, but June to December feels like a loooooong time to wait for a cheeky little weekend away. But never fear, that is where some different state-by-state public holidays come in to help a traveller out! Any extra AL you have up your sleeve, consider saving it to extend these long weekends.
- NT: Monday 4 August – Picnic Day
- WA: Monday 29 September – King’s Birthday
- ACT: Monday 6 October – Labour Day
- NSW: Monday 6 October – Labour Day
- SA: Monday 6 October – Labour Day
- QLD: Monday 6 October – King’s Birthday
And there you have it – your ultimate guide to hacking your annual leave like a pro. Whether you’re dreaming of sun-soaked beaches, city escapes, or magical northern lights, planning your time off smartly can turn a few days of leave into an unforgettable adventure. So, pack those bags, set your out-of-office reply, and get ready to make the most of every moment. Fingers crossed your boss approves!! My requests are still in pending…
