Taking strategic annual leave can transform your year, giving you more time to relax and recharge without burning through all your leave days. In 2025, several key public holidays present ideal opportunities to stretch your leave and create enviable extended breaks.

Start the Year Right in January

With Australia Day falling on Sunday, January 26 in 2025, the public holiday will be observed on Monday, January 27. By adding a few strategic leave days, you can create an impressive nine-day holiday to kick off the year.

Plan: Take annual leave from Tuesday, January 28 to Friday, January 31. With the weekends on either side, you can enjoy a well-earned nine-day break while using just four leave days.

Make the Most of April’s Extended Holiday Period

April offers one of the best opportunities for a substantial break, thanks to the close proximity of Easter and Anzac Day. Good Friday falls on April 18, followed by Easter Monday on April 21, and Anzac Day on Friday, April 25.

Plan: Use three days of annual leave from Tuesday, April 22 to Thursday, April 24, and you’ll enjoy ten consecutive days off for just three leave days. This period is perfect for a longer getaway or simply unwinding at home.

Create a Winter Escape in June

For most of Australia, the King’s Birthday public holiday will be observed on Monday, June 9. With a little planning, this long weekend can be extended into a nine-day break.

Plan: Take four days off from Tuesday, June 10 to Friday, June 13. Combined with the weekends, you’ll have a relaxing nine-day holiday for the cost of just four annual leave days.

Refresh in October with a Spring Break

Residents of the ACT, New South Wales, and South Australia can take advantage of the Labour Day public holiday on Monday, October 6. This is an excellent chance to beat end-of-year fatigue with a well-timed spring break.

Plan: Book four days of leave from Tuesday, October 7 to Friday, October 10. This smart move will give you nine days off while using just four leave days.

End the Year with a Festive Season Extravaganza

December is always a busy time, but it also presents a golden opportunity to take a long break. With Christmas Day on Thursday, December 25, and Boxing Day on Friday, December 26, the holiday period naturally lends itself to a longer getaway.

Plan: To maximise your time off, take three days of leave from Monday, December 22 to Wednesday, December 24, and another three days from Monday, December 29 to Wednesday, December 31. Add one more leave day on Friday, January 2, and you’ll enjoy a spectacular 16-day break for just seven annual leave days.

Summary of Strategic Leave Usage

By carefully planning your leave around public holidays, you could use 24 days of annual leave to gain 54 days off throughout 2025. Even if you can’t take every suggested break, incorporating a few of these strategies can significantly enhance your time away from work.

Pro Tips for Annual Leave Planning

1. Submit Leave Requests Early: Popular holiday periods fill up fast, so plan ahead and get your leave approved as soon as possible.
2. Check Public Holiday Dates for Your State: Public holidays can vary depending on your location, so verify dates before booking.
3. Consider Business Priorities: Ensure your leave requests don’t clash with critical work periods or deadlines.
4. Stay Flexible: If your preferred dates aren’t available, consider shifting your leave slightly to still achieve a longer break.

With a little foresight and strategic planning, you can turn your annual leave into multiple rejuvenating holidays throughout the year. Make 2025 the year of smarter leave management and well-deserved time off!