Public Notice: Essential Service Adjustments for Canberra Day 2026

Official Holiday Service Roundup for Monday, 9 March 2026

In observance of the Canberra Day public holiday on Monday, 9 March 2026, the ACT Government has announced several adjustments to public services and transport schedules. Residents and visitors are advised to review the following official notices to ensure a smooth start to the week.

Transport Canberra and Light Rail Schedules

On Monday, 9 March, all Transport Canberra bus services and Canberra Metro light rail services will operate according to a Sunday timetable and frequency. Commuters should take note of the following specific impacts:

• Timetable Adjustments: Bus and light rail services will run at reduced Sunday intervals throughout the public holiday.
• Enlighten Festival Diversions: As Monday marks the final day of the Enlighten Festival, specific bus diversions remain in place around the Parliamentary Triangle and central precincts to accommodate event infrastructure and pedestrian traffic.
• Commonwealth Avenue Bridge: Ongoing renewal project works continue to impact traffic flow across the lake. While bridge spans remain operational, motorists should expect minor delays consistent with weekend traffic patterns.

Waste and Recycling Collections

Domestic waste and recycling collections will proceed as scheduled on Monday, 9 March. Unlike the major holiday rescheduling seen during Easter or Christmas, Canberra Day does not result in a collection delay. Residents are reminded of the following requirements:

• Placement Time: All bins must be placed at the kerbside no later than 7:00 am to ensure collection.
• Clearance: Ensure bins are placed at least 30cm apart and 1 metre away from obstructions like parked cars or trees to allow the automated arms to operate safely.

Health Service Availability

Canberra Health Services has confirmed that while many administrative offices and community health clinics will be closed for the public holiday, essential and emergency services remain fully operational.

• Emergency Departments: The Emergency Departments at both Canberra Hospital and North Canberra Hospital will remain open 24/7.
• Walk-in Centres: Nurse-led Walk-in Centres in Belconnen, Gungahlin, Inner North, Tuggeranong, and Weston Creek will operate during their standard hours from 7:30 am to 10:00 pm.
• Closed Services: Maternal and Child Health (MACH) clinics and most outpatient pathology collection centres will be closed. For non-urgent health advice, residents are encouraged to contact the 24-hour healthdirect helpline.

Government Offices and Library Services

All ACT Government storefronts, including Access Canberra Service Centres and all branches of Libraries ACT, will be closed on Monday, 9 March. Online services via the Access Canberra portal remain available for vehicle registration renewals and other automated transactions. Standard business hours for these facilities will resume on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.