HOLIDAY HACKS: THE GREAT ESCAPE – HOW TO MAXIMISE YOUR TIME OFF IN 2026

You know it’s coming. It’s already January, you’ve barely packed away the beach towels, and suddenly you’re back behind a desk wondering where summer went.

But the good news is that 2026 is absolutely loaded with opportunities to turn public holidays into proper breaks. With a little forward planning (and a few strategic leave days), you can stretch your time off into long coastal escapes, family adventures, or just some much-needed downtime.

And with ten caravan parks dotted along the iconic Great Ocean Road, you’ve got the perfect base for whatever version of ‘getting away from it all’ suits you.

Ready to plan? Here’s how to make the most of your time off in 2026.

Australia Day: Four Days of Summer Ease

Australia Day falls on Monday, 26 January, which means you can turn it into a four-day long weekend with just one day of annual leave.

Take Friday, 23 January off and enjoy an easy, breezy escape down the coast. Whether it’s a few nights alongside the river at Apollo Bay or beach days at Torquay, this one barely dents your leave balance.

Days to take off:
Friday, 23 January.

Labour Day: Nine Days of Coastal Calm

Victoria’s Labour Day sits on  Monday, 9 March, making it another prime opportunity to turn a public holiday into a full-blown break.

Apply for annual leave from Tuesday, 10 March to Friday, 13 March, and you’ll unlock nine days (!) off in total. Think long ocean walks, crisp autumn mornings, and relaxed evenings at one of our parks. It will be the perfect reset before winter creeps in.

Days to take off:
Tuesday, 10 March to Friday, 13 March.

Easter: A Classic Four-Day Reset (With Bonus Options)

Good Friday falls on 3 April and Easter Monday on 6 April, giving everyone a ready-made four-day long weekend.

If you’re craving a little extra breathing room, tack on Tuesday, 7 April to Friday, 10 April for a breezy 10-day break. It’s the perfect chance to slow down, take a road trip, or spend a few extra days soaking up the coast before autumn really kicks in.

Days to take off:
7–10 April (optional for the 10-day version).

ANZAC Day: The Late-April Long Weekend

ANZAC Day falls on Saturday, 25 April this year, with the public holiday observed on Monday, 27 April. Hello instant long weekend.

Add in some strategic leave earlier in the week and you can turn this into a solid mini-escape. Take Monday, 20 April to Friday, 24 April and suddenly you’ve unlocked a 10-day break from 18–27 April. Ideal for a late-autumn getaway before winter settles in.

Days to take off:
20–24 April (for the 10-day version).

…Or, If you’re really pulling your hair out: The 25-Day Super Break

With Easter and ANZAC Day sitting in the same month, you can combine them into one enormous 25-day break. Take leave from 7–10 April, 13–17 April, and 20–24 April, and suddenly you’re looking at nearly a month away.

It’s not for everyone, but fortune favours the bold. And if you’re dreaming of a proper long adventure, this is your once-a-decade window.

Days to take off:
7–10 April, 13–17 April, 20–24 April.

King’s Birthday: Winter by the Waves

The King’s Birthday falls on Monday, 8 June.

Take four days of leave from Tuesday, 9 June to Friday, 12 June, and you’ve secured a nine-day winter break. Think cosy campfires, storm-watching along the Great Ocean Road, and off-peak serenity at its best. Winter escapes don’t get much better.

Days to take off:
Tuesday, 9 June to Friday, 12 June.

AFL Grand Final Long Weekend: Stretch It Into a Spring Break

The AFL Grand Final falls on Saturday, 26 September 2026, which means Victoria’s public holiday will be on Friday, 25 September, smack bang in the middle of the Term 3 school holidays (20 September – 5 October).

With just a little planning, you can turn this ready-made long weekend into a longer spring escape.

Here’s how you do it.

Take annual leave on Thursday, 24 September or Monday, 28 September, and you’ll unlock a four-day break on either side. Take both, and you can turn it into a five-day coast-side getaway, perfect for families, surfers, or anyone needing a reset before the final sprint to Christmas.

And if your team isn’t in the big one - sorry Carlton and Essendon fans - what better way to work through those annual emotions that down the coast?

Days to take off:
Take 24 September, 28 September, or both for an extended long weekend.

Melbourne Cup: Four Days of Coastal Calm

Melbourne Cup Day falls on Tuesday, 3 November.

Take Monday, 2 November off and turn that into a neat four-day break from 1 - 4 November. Perfect (maybe) weather, quieter beaches, and just enough time to unwind without the heavy planning of a long holiday.

Days to take off:
Monday, 2 November.

Christmas & New Year: 16 Days to Finish the Year Right

Christmas Day lands on Friday, 25 December, Boxing Day is observed on Monday, 28 December, and New Year’s Day 2027 falls on Friday, 1 January.

With just seven days of annual leave - 21-24 December and 29-31 December - you’ll unlock 16 days off, from Saturday 19 December to Sunday 3 January.

It’s the perfect stretch for families, summer getaways, coastal camping, and lazy warm evenings that feel like they last forever.

Days to take off:
21–24 December, 29–31 December.

Your Perfect Coast Escape Awaits

There, bet that feels better.

With a bit of planning and these holiday hacks (you’re welcome), you can turn 2026 into a year of long weekends, extended escapes, and unforgettable moments along the Great Ocean Road.

Ten coastal caravan parks. Endless adventure. All you need to do now is book ahead, your future self will thank you.

Start planning your 2026 coastal escape now.