If you’re planning a trip to or around the Northern Territory, knowing the NT public holidays for 2026 can help you avoid peak crowds or secure your booking early. Public holidays often mean long weekends, busy boat ramps, and high demand for campsites and accommodation across Darwin, Dundee Beach, and regional areas. We have regional public holidays here too so it’s always good to know when they are.
Below is the full list of Northern Territory public holidays for 2026 from the NT Gov site, followed by insights into the busiest travel periods.
Full List of Northern Territory Public Holidays 2026
- New Year’s Day – Thursday 1 January 2026
- Australia Day – Monday 26 January 2026
- Good Friday – Friday 3 April 2026
- Easter Saturday – Saturday 4 April 2026
- Easter Sunday – Sunday 5 April 2026
- Easter Monday – Monday 6 April 2026
- Anzac Day – Saturday 25 April 2026
- May Day – Monday 4 May 2026
- King’s Birthday – Monday 8 June 2026
- Alice Springs Show Day – Friday 3 July 2026
- Tennant Creek Show Day – Friday 10 July 2026
- Katherine Show Day – Friday 17 July 2026
- Darwin Show Day – Friday 24 July 2026
- Picnic Day – Monday 3 August 2026
- Borroloola Show Day – Friday 14 August 2026
- Christmas Eve (part day) – Thursday 24 December 2026
- Christmas Day – Friday 25 December 2026
- Boxing Day – Saturday 26 December 2026
- Boxing Day (observed) – Monday 28 December 2026
- New Year’s Eve (part day) – Thursday 31 December 2026
![Northern Territory Public Holidays NT public and regional holidays - NT.GOV.AU - [nt.gov.au]](https://dundeebeachbushcamp.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/NT-public-and-regional-holidays-NT.GOV_.AU-nt.gov_.au_-433x600.jpg)
NT Public Holidays https://nt.gov.au/nt-public-holidays
NT show Days PDF https://nt.gov.au/nt-public-holidays/show-day-regions
Dry Season Long Weekends NT in 2026
Best time to go camping in the Northern Territory especially in the Top End is in the dry season. Long weekends are always busy with locals heading off to their favourite spots while the weather is at its best.
2026 Dates
- Easter (4-day weekend) Friday 3rd April- Monday 6th April 2026
- May Day (3-day weekend) Monday 4th May 2026
- King’s Birthday (3-day weekend) Monday 8th June 2026
- Darwin Show Day (3-day weekend) Friday 24th July 2026 (see regional map for other show days in the NT)
- Picnic Day (3-day weekend) Monday 3rd August
NT Public Holidays https://nt.gov.au/nt-public-holidays
Busiest Travel Periods in the Northern Territory
The Northern Territory has several long weekends and holiday periods that attract large numbers of visitors and locals alike. During these times, popular coastal areas like Dundee Beach see a noticeable increase in traffic, especially from Darwin locals heading out for fishing, camping, and time on the water. It’s our first long weekend with ok weather to get out and about again after the wet season. Bear in mind it still often rains over the Easter long weekend so be prepared for random storms!
Accommodation and campsites book out well in advance, so planning ahead is important if you want to secure a spot.
Easter is one of the busiest travel periods across the Northern Territory. Many people take advantage of the long weekend to head out fishing or camping, and Dundee Beach becomes a popular destination. The boat ramp can be very busy during this time, particularly early in the mornings as people launch for a full day on the water.
The May Day long weekend also brings a steady flow of visitors from Darwin and surrounding areas. With the weather starting to cool and the dry season approaching, it is a popular time for fishing trips and short getaways.
The King’s Birthday long weekend in June is another busy period in the Top End. Fishing activity increases and the camp fills quickly as people make the most of the cooler dry season weather.
During the July school holidays, visitor numbers remain high across the region. This period often coincides with Darwin Show Day, creating an extended long weekend that locals love to take advantage of. If you are travelling to the NT we suggest booking your stay early as this is the peak season for Dundee Beach and Darwin surrounds.
The Picnic Day long weekend in August is typically one of the busiest weekends of the year in the Top End. If you’re not at Darwin Cup people are out making the most of the last long weekend before the build kicks in! Large numbers of people travel out of Darwin for camping and fishing trips, and the Dundee Beach boat ramp can become particularly busy. Please note that by August temperatures and humidity are rising in the Top End, some people find this weather a little tough and decide it’s time to head south.
The Christmas and New Year period also sees increased numbers in Dundee, with families taking holidays and visitors coming to the Top End to see the wet season. Accommodation around Dundee Beach and the surrounding areas often books out well in advance during this time. We are closed over the wet season however there are some great houses and cabins you can rent.
Throughout these busy periods, fishing competitions, day trippers, and local events can also bring additional traffic to the area. Visitors planning a trip during any of these times are encouraged to book your stay early and allow extra time when using the Dundee Beach boat ramp.
When Is the Quietest Time to Visit the NT?
While the Northern Territory has several very busy travel periods, there are also times of the year when visitor numbers are much lower. These quieter months are generally linked to weather conditions in the Top End, particularly the heat, humidity, and wet season storms.
Late February to March falls in the wet season. This time of year can still bring heavy rain, tropical storms, and very warm conditions. Travel is still possible, and the landscape is lush and green, but visitors should be prepared for wet weather and changing conditions. Roads can occasionally be affected by rain, and outdoor activities may depend on the weather on the day.
Mid to late November is known locally as the build-up. This period comes just before the wet season and is often considered the most uncomfortable time of the year in the Top End. Temperatures are extremely high and the humidity can be intense. It is also the start of bushfire season in many areas. Because of the heat and humidity, many people find this time of year difficult for outdoor activities, and some places choose to close during this period. Make sure you have AC and take it easy.
Early December, before the Christmas holidays begin, is also generally quiet across the region. The weather is usually very hot, humid, and increasingly wet as the wet season approaches. Many people from the Top End travel south for holidays during this time, which contributes to fewer visitors in local areas and Darwin.
The wet season can be a beautiful time in the Northern Territory, with dramatic skies, tropical storms, and vibrant green landscapes. However, temperatures and humidity levels can be very high, which can make it uncomfortable for some visitors. Planning ahead and understanding the seasonal conditions can help travellers decide which time of year suits them best.
It is a magical time of year however not for the faint hearted!
Planning Your Stay in The Northern Territory
If you’re planning a stay around a Northern Territory public holiday, we recommend booking early — especially for Easter, King’s Birthday, and Picnic Day weekends, which are peak travel times for Dundee Beach.
Dry season is the absolute best time of year to be camping in the Top End! Crystal blue skies, sunshine and the most amazing night skies round a campfire that tick all the boxes! You’ll love it here. I am still blown away each year with how beautiful Dundee and the Top End is.
Ready to book your stay? Head to our Book a Campsite page now! See you soon!
