Maximise Your 2026 & 2027 Annual Leave: The Ultimate Hack for More Holidays

Touchdown Cottages
Aug 19
4 min read

Do you ever feel like your standard 20 days of annual leave just aren't quite enough to truly recharge? With a little bit of strategic planning across 2026 and 2027, you can make the most of the calendar. By booking your time off around New South Wales' public holidays, you can effectively double your holidays and stretch a handful of leave days into weeks of uninterrupted relaxation.

Whether you want to escape to the Snowy Mountains for a summer of mountain biking or a winter of hitting the slopes, here is your cheat sheet to maximising your annual leave over the next two years—and why Touchdown Cottages is the ultimate off-grid basecamp for every single season.

1. The Australia Day Summer Escape (9 Days Off for 4 Days Leave)

January is prime time in Jindabyne. The lakes are warm, the trails are calling, and the days are long.

2026 Hack (Jan 26 is a Monday): Book 4 days of leave from Tuesday, Jan 27 to Friday, Jan 30. You get 9 days off from Saturday, Jan 24 to Sunday, Feb 1.
2027 Hack (Jan 26 is a Tuesday): Book 4 days of leave (Monday, Jan 25, and Wednesday, Jan 27 to Friday, Jan 29). You get 9 days off from Saturday, Jan 23 to Sunday, Jan 31.
The Vibe at Touchdown: Spend your days kayaking on Lake Jindabyne or hiking in Kosciuszko National Park, then retreat to your private cottage to watch the kangaroos and emus graze as the sun sets over the bush.

2. The Epic Easter Autumn Break (10 Days Off for 4 Days Leave)

Autumn in the Snowy Mountains is arguably the region's best-kept secret. The crisp air and changing foliage make it the perfect time for hiking and cycling without the intense summer heat.

2026 Hack: Good Friday is April 3 and Easter Monday is April 6. Book 4 days of leave from Tuesday, April 7 to Friday, April 10 to enjoy a 10-day holiday.
2027 Hack: Good Friday falls earlier on March 26 and Easter Monday is March 29. Book 4 days of leave from Tuesday, March 30 to Friday, April 2 for a 10-day break.
The Vibe at Touchdown: Enjoy the mild weather exploring the local trails, and spend your evenings stargazing from the deck of your eco-friendly cabin, making the most of our newly upgraded solar and battery systems!

3. The King's Birthday Winter Warm-Up (9 Days Off for 4 Days Leave)

Ready for the official start of the Australian ski season? The King's Birthday long weekend is when the Snowy Mountains really come alive with winter excitement.

2026 Hack: The public holiday falls on Monday, June 8. Book 4 days of leave from Tuesday, June 9 to Friday, June 12 for a 9-day winter escape.
2027 Hack: The public holiday is Monday, June 14. Book 4 days of leave from Tuesday, June 15 to Friday, June 18 for 9 days on the snow.
The Vibe at Touchdown: Hit the fresh powder at Perisher or Thredbo during the day, then come home to an abundant, ready-to-go firewood supply. Strike a match, pour a glass of red, and let the crackling fire thaw you out.

4. The Spring Reset (9 Days Off for 4 Days Leave)

As the snow melts and the alpine wildflowers begin to bloom, October is a stunning time to reconnect with nature.

2026 Hack: The NSW Labour Day public holiday lands on Monday, October 5. Book 4 days of leave from Tuesday, October 6 to Friday, October 9 for a 9-day spring break.
2027 Hack: Labour Day falls on Monday, October 4. Book 4 days of leave from Tuesday, October 5 to Friday, October 8 to enjoy 9 continuous days off.
The Vibe at Touchdown: Take advantage of the quiet, peaceful bushland to truly slow down and unplug. Or, if you need to stay connected, stream a movie using our new Starlink WiFi as the spring breeze rolls through the gum trees.

5. The Ultimate Christmas/New Year Stretch (Up to 12 Days Off for 3 Days Leave)

End your year with a massive bang by turning a few days of leave into an epic festive holiday.

2026 Hack: Christmas Day is a Friday and Boxing Day is observed on Monday, Dec 28. Book 3 days of leave (Dec 29-31) for a massive 12-day holiday ending Sunday, Jan 3.
2027 Hack: Christmas Day is a Saturday, with additional public holidays rolling to Monday, Dec 27 and Tuesday, Dec 28. Book 3 days of leave (Dec 29-31) to enjoy 10 days off straight into the 2028 New Year!
The Vibe at Touchdown: Celebrate the holidays away from the chaos of the city, you'll have a private, memorable festive season surrounded by nature.

Ready to hack your 2026 and 2027 calendars?

Don't wait until these dates book out. Lock in your leave with your boss, and then book directly with Touchdown Cottages to save $25 on your first stay!