October Long Weekend in NSW

The first Monday in October is Labour Day, a public holiday in NSW, which gives you a long weekend to explore the state. Head to one of the beautiful beaches as the weather warms up, take a road trip or explore incredible national parks over the three-day weekend that marks the start of spring. 

Highlights

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Road trips 

Make the most of the break and explore Regional NSW on a road trip. From Sydney, you can tackle the Greater Blue Mountains Drive and the Grand Pacific Drive along the South Coast. Follow the Rainforest Way and Waterfall Way in the north of the State, the Kosciuszko Alpine Way from Canberra or the Snowy Valleys Way in the Riverina

Read more: The Blond Nomads' guide to camping & road trips in NSW

Scenic bushland drive Green Point at Angourie, Yamba

Scenic bushland drive Green Point at Angourie

Family fun 

The October long weekend falls right in the middle of the school holidays and there are lots of fun things for kids to do in NSW. Ride the waterslides at Jamberoo Action Park, meet the animals at Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubboride horses on the beach in Port Stephens, join Elvis the crocodile for feeding time at the Australian Reptile Park and enjoy spectacular views in the ancient landscape at Scenic World

Read more: How to get close to Australia's cuddliest animals in NSW

Crocodiles on the banks of the waterhole at the Australian Reptile Park, Somesby

Crocodiles on the banks of the waterhole at the Australian Reptile Park, Somesby

Outdoor adventures 

Gorgeous spring days mean it’s a great time to be outside. Hike one of the many waterfall and rainforest circuits in the Blue Mountains, climb to the top of Australia’s highest peak, follow the White Sands Walk in Jervis Bay and camp along the three-day Light to Light Walk. If you’re looking for adventure, go abseiling in Barrington Tops, quad biking on Worimi Conservation Lands or mountain biking in The Hunter

Couple enjoying quad bike tour on Stockton Sand Dunes with Sand Dune Adventures, Port Stephens

Quad bike tour on the Stockton Sand Dunes with Sand Dune Adventures, Port Stephens

On the water, you can try sea kayaking in Byron Bay or snorkel with seals off Montague Island. It's a great time to learn to surf, with schools up and down the coast, including at Merewether Beach in Newcastle. October is the tail end of whale watching season as migrating humpbacks make their way back to Antarctica. Jervis Bay is one of the best viewing points. 

Read more: 12 ways to get outdoors & try something new in NSW

Fur seals swimming around Montague Island, Narooma

Fur seals swimming around Montague Island, Narooma

Find a springtime stay

Sometimes a spring break is all about finding the perfect accommodation. If your idea of idyllic involves collecting fresh eggs for breakfast, feeding playful alpacas and embracing the fun of country living, check into a memorable farm stay. If the sunnier days are calling you ocean (or lakes and rivers), pick a waterfront stay. If you want to go off-the-beaten path, then an off-grid hut, cabin or retreat might be the answer. But be prepared: these stays often have no Wi-Fi or phone service.

Read more: A kids' guide to the best family holidays in NSW

Public holiday dates 2024-2025

Holiday20242025
New Year's Day1 January1 January
Australia Day26 January26 January
Good Friday29 March18 April
Easter Saturday30 March19 April
Easter Sunday31 March20 April
Easter Monday 1 April21 April 
Anzac Day 25 April 25 April 
King's Birthday/June Long Weekend10 June9 June
October Long Weekend (Labour Day)7 October6 October
Christmas Day public holiday25 December25 December
Boxing Day26 December26 December