2026 Australian School Holidays Calendar Guide
Introduction to the 2026 Australian School Holidays Calendar
Planning ahead for school holidays is essential for Australian families, especially with the 2026 Australian school holidays calendar in mind. School terms and holidays vary across states and territories due to local education policies. This guide provides projected dates based on historical patterns from previous years, helping you anticipate breaks for family travel or activities. Important: These are estimates only. Families must verify exact dates with their state or territory education department websites, as official 2026 calendars are typically released 6-12 months in advance.
Australia’s school year generally spans four terms, with holidays in between: summer (December-January), autumn (April), winter (June-July), and spring (September-October). Public holidays like Australia Day, Easter, and King’s Birthday may extend some breaks.
Projected 2026 School Term Dates by State and Territory
Here’s a breakdown of approximate term dates for 2026. Dates are projected using standard patterns (e.g., Term 1 starting late January, 10-week terms with 2-week holidays). Use this as a starting point for booking holidays or camps.
New South Wales (NSW)
| Period | Projected Dates |
|---|---|
| Summer Holidays | 19 Dec 2025 - 28 Jan 2026 |
| Term 1 | 29 Jan - 9 Apr |
| Autumn Holidays | 10 Apr - 27 Apr |
| Term 2 | 28 Apr - 26 Jun |
| Winter Holidays | 29 Jun - 13 Jul |
| Term 3 | 14 Jul - 25 Sep |
| Spring Holidays | 26 Sep - 12 Oct |
| Term 4 | 13 Oct - 18 Dec |
Victoria (VIC)
| Period | Projected Dates |
|---|---|
| Summer Holidays | 20 Dec 2025 - 27 Jan 2026 |
| Term 1 | 28 Jan - 1 Apr |
| Autumn Holidays | 2 Apr - 20 Apr |
| Term 2 | 21 Apr - 26 Jun |
| Winter Holidays | 27 Jun - 11 Jul |
| Term 3 | 12 Jul - 18 Sep |
| Spring Holidays | 19 Sep - 6 Oct |
| Term 4 | 7 Oct - 18 Dec |
Queensland (QLD)
| Period | Projected Dates |
|---|---|
| Summer Holidays | 12 Dec 2025 - 27 Jan 2026 |
| Term 1 | 28 Jan - 23 Mar |
| Easter Holidays | 24 Mar - 10 Apr |
| Term 2 | 13 Apr - 26 Jun |
| Winter Holidays | 29 Jun - 13 Jul |
| Term 3 | 14 Jul - 25 Sep |
| Spring Holidays | 28 Sep - 12 Oct |
| Term 4 | 13 Oct - 11 Dec |
Western Australia (WA)
| Period | Projected Dates |
|---|---|
| Summer Holidays | 19 Dec 2025 - 4 Feb 2026 |
| Term 1 | 5 Feb - 3 Apr |
| Autumn Holidays | 6 Apr - 24 Apr |
| Term 2 | 25 Apr - 3 Jul |
| Winter Holidays | 4 Jul - 21 Jul |
| Term 3 | 22 Jul - 25 Sep |
| Spring Holidays | 28 Sep - 12 Oct |
| Term 4 | 13 Oct - 17 Dec |
South Australia (SA)
| Period | Projected Dates |
|---|---|
| Summer Holidays | 19 Dec 2025 - 28 Jan 2026 |
| Term 1 | 29 Jan - 2 Apr |
| Autumn Holidays | 3 Apr - 20 Apr |
| Term 2 | 21 Apr - 26 Jun |
| Winter Holidays | 29 Jun - 13 Jul |
| Term 3 | 14 Jul - 25 Sep |
| Spring Holidays | 28 Sep - 12 Oct |
| Term 4 | 13 Oct - 17 Dec |
Tasmania (TAS)
| Period | Projected Dates |
|---|---|
| Summer Holidays | 20 Dec 2025 - 2 Feb 2026 |
| Term 1 | 3 Feb - 27 Mar |
| Autumn Holidays | 28 Mar - 13 Apr |
| Term 2 | 14 Apr - 26 Jun |
| Winter Holidays | 29 Jun - 13 Jul |
| Term 3 | 14 Jul - 25 Sep |
| Spring Holidays | 28 Sep - 12 Oct |
| Term 4 | 13 Oct - 18 Dec |
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Similar to NSW; check ACT Education Directorate.
Northern Territory (NT)
| Period | Projected Dates |
|---|---|
| Summer Holidays | 19 Dec 2025 - 28 Jan 2026 |
| Term 1 | 29 Jan - 2 Apr |
| Autumn Holidays | 3 Apr - 20 Apr |
| Term 2 | 21 Apr - 26 Jun |
| Winter Holidays | 29 Jun - 13 Jul |
| Term 3 | 14 Jul - 25 Sep |
| Spring Holidays | 28 Sep - 12 Oct |
| Term 4 | 13 Oct - 17 Dec |
Key Public Holidays Impacting 2026 School Holidays
Public holidays can extend breaks:
- Australia Day: 26 Jan 2026 (Monday, start of Term 1 for most).
- Easter: 3-6 Apr 2026 (aligns with autumn holidays).
- Anzac Day: 25 Apr 2026 (Friday, start of Term 2).
- King’s Birthday: Varies (e.g., June in most states).
- Labor Day/Queen’s Birthday: State-specific.
- Christmas: 25-28 Dec 2026.
Check Fair Work Australia for full lists.
Planning Family Travel During 2026 School Holidays
School holidays mean peak travel times. Book early for domestic flights, Great Ocean Road drives, or Gold Coast beaches.
Summer Holidays (Dec 2025-Jan 2026)
Longest break (6-7 weeks). Ideal for interstate trips or international travel. Consider Sydney’s New Year’s Eve or Uluru in January.
Autumn and Spring Breaks
Shorter (2 weeks). Perfect for city escapes like Melbourne’s museums or Adelaide’s wine regions.
Winter Holidays
Snow trips to Thredbo (NSW) or family stays in Cairns.
Tips:
- Use school holiday calendars from Tourism Australia.
- Look for family deals on Virgin Australia or Qantas.
- Camp in national parks via Parks Australia.
- Budget for school holiday surcharges (10-20% higher).
Additional Tips for Families
- Student-Free Days: Teachers’ planning days at term starts; check locally.
- Non-Term Dates: Some schools have pupil-free days.
- Apps and Tools: Download ‘School Holidays Australia’ app or visit education.gov.au.
- Activities: Free events via state tourism sites, like QLD’s holiday programs.
- Remote Learning: Holidays are fixed; no extensions.
Always cross-reference with official sources like nsw.gov.au/education or vic.gov.au for updates. Early planning ensures stress-free family time.
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