Virgin Australia has released its 2026 Annual Leave Hacks Guide to help travellers double their days off at no extra cost.
The hacks 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.
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.
How it works:
January (Australia Day)
- Take leave: January 27-30 (Tue–Fri)
- Travel dates: Depart Friday evening, January 23 and return Sunday, February 1
- Outcome: Nine-day holiday using only four days of annual leave
Easter (April)
- Take leave: April 7-10 (Tues–Fri)
- Travel dates: Depart evening Thursday, April 2 and return Sunday, April 12
- Outcome: 10-day holiday for using just four days of annual leave
December Holiday Break
- Take leave: December 28, 29, 30, 31, 2026
- Travel dates: Depart Friday, December 25 and return Sunday, January 3, 2027
- Outcome: 10-day holiday using only four days of annual leave
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.
