Did you know you can double your time off work this year, without exceeding their annual leave limit? Now, we know a few of the public holidays have already escaped us - but there are still plenty of weeks left up your sleeve.

This hack doesn’t compromise too much time away from your desk, while still giving you four or five chunks of time off throughout the year, as most of these breaks fall around public holidays and long weekends. With Easter holidays just around the corner, make the most of the public holidays and book leave in with 'the Boss' to get you out and exploring this big beautiful backyard we like to call home.

Days to book off

In April, you’ll get a 10-day break (Apr 2-11) by booking four days off around Easter (Apr 6-9). Then, you can book in another nine days off (Apr 24-May 2) around Anzac Day if you take four days off at the end of the month (Apr 27-30).

Plan ahead. Just in time for Christmas, you need just three days of annual leave (Dec 29-31) to get another 10-day break at the end of the year (Dec 25-Jan 2).

There are additional public holidays for the Queen’s Birthday to fill that gap between May and Christmas. We all know this royal birthday falls on a different day each year and can differ among states too. This year, it falls on Monday, June 14 around the country, except here at home in Queensland where it falls on Monday, September 27 and Western Australia where it is on Monday, October 4 – giving everyone another long weekend.

our Top picks for the easter break

When it comes to holidays and exploring the wonders of Townsville North Queensland, no one does it better than the locals themselves! Here are our top picks for the upcoming Easter break to help your choose your adventure - we've even got some ready-made itineraries to make holiday-planning stress-free (just the way we like it!).

Wildlife Tracker: 4-7 days

Be you a fan of the feathered, furred, scaly or the down-right bizarre, North Queensland is home to all of Australia’s most iconic native fauna. So, pack those bags, fill up the car, and let’s go wildlife tracking!

Highlights:

• Ayr - Cromarty Wetlands and SS Yongala 
• Townsville - Town Common Conservation Park, Billabong Sanctuary
• Magnetic Island
• Hinchinbrook Island

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Island Hopper: 5-10 days

Leave your worries behind and switch to island time! As well as being central gateway to the world’s greatest natural wonder – the Great Barrier Reef – North Queensland is also dotted with island oases right along the coast, each with unique experiences, and natural landscapes to lose yourself in.

Highlights:

• Magnetic Island snorkel trail
• Live it up in luxury at Orpheus Island Resort
• Checkout the exquisite natural infinity pool at the top of Zoe Falls on Hinchinbrook Island

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Hiker's Delight: 3-7 days

Through caution to the wind and lace up your best hiking boots to take adventure off the beaten track. Immerse yourself in unspoilt nature on trails from short walks to multi-day hikes – let’s do this!

Highlights:

• Short trails to scenic lookouts & Multi-day, world-class treks

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