2026 Perth School Holidays & Term Dates Guide

· 2026 perth school holidays

Planning Ahead for 2026 Perth School Holidays

For families in Perth and across Western Australia, knowing the school term structure is the cornerstone of planning family trips, childcare, and activities. While exact dates for the 2026 school year are not yet published, this guide provides the essential framework, typical patterns, and critical steps you must take to get accurate information when it becomes available.

The Critical Rule: Always Verify with Official Sources

It cannot be stressed enough: Do not book non-refundable travel or accommodation based on predicted dates. The Western Australian Department of Education sets the official term dates for public schools. Independent and Catholic schools often align closely but can have slight variations for professional development days or different start/end dates. The definitive source is always your specific school’s calendar, which will be published later in 2025. The Department’s website will be the first to publish the statewide term framework.

Typical Western Australian Term Pattern

WA schools generally follow a consistent yearly structure, which allows for reliable forecasting. The pattern is:

  • Term 1: Late January/early February to mid-April (10 weeks).
  • Term 2: Late April to early July (10 weeks).
  • Term 3: Late July to late September/early October (10 weeks).
  • Term 4: Early October to mid-December (10-11 weeks).

Each term is followed by a holiday break of approximately two weeks. The longest break is the summer holidays, spanning from mid-December to late January/early February.

Expected 2026 Holiday Periods (Based on Pattern)

  • Term 1 Holidays: Likely mid-April to late April 2026.
  • Term 2 Holidays: Likely early July to late July 2026.
  • Term 3 Holidays: Likely late September to early October 2026. This break often includes the WA Day public holiday (first Monday in June is WA Day, but the October long weekend is the Queen’s Birthday).
  • Term 4 Holidays / Summer Break: Begins mid-December 2026 and runs until late January/early February 2027.

Key Australian Context for Perth Families

When planning around school holidays, consider these national and state-specific factors:

  1. Public Holidays: School holidays often coincide with or are adjacent to public holidays like Australia Day (Jan 26), Good Friday/Easter (varies), Anzac Day (April 25), WA Day (first Monday in June), and the Queen’s Birthday (last Monday in September/October). This can create extended long weekends but also increase travel demand and prices.
  2. Easter: The timing of Easter, which falls in Term 1 holidays, significantly impacts travel plans. The holiday period can be split by the Easter long weekend.
  3. Weather & Seasons: Perth’s school holidays align with distinct seasons. The Term 1 and Term 4 holidays are in the warm to hot summer/autumn period, ideal for beach and outdoor activities. Term 2 holidays are in winter, and Term 3 holidays are in spring, offering different opportunities like surfing in winter or wildflower viewing in spring.

Strategic Planning for Family Travel

Once official dates are confirmed, smart planning is key:

  • Book Early: For popular holiday periods (especially Term 1 and Term 4 summer breaks), book accommodation and flights as soon as dates are locked in. Popular southwest WA destinations, Rottnest Island, and family resorts fill quickly.
  • Consider Shoulder Seasons: Travelling immediately after a term starts or just before it ends can mean fewer crowds and better prices, though it requires pulling children out of school for a day or two, a decision each family must make.
  • Local Staycations: Perth and its surrounds offer incredible options. Consider exploring national parks like John Forrest or Yanchep, the Swan Valley, or regional towns like Mandurah or Bunbury during the holidays.
  • Activity Bookings: Popular attractions like Perth Zoo, Aquarium of WA, or adventure parks often require bookings during school holidays. Plan and reserve spots in advance.

How and When to Get the Official 2026 Dates

  1. Timing: The WA Department of Education typically publishes the next year’s term dates around August-September 2025.
  2. Primary Source: Bookmark the Department of Education School Term Dates page.
  3. Your School: Your child’s school will publish its specific calendar, including staff development days (which are student-free), on its website or in its newsletter. This is your final authority.
  4. Sign Up: Subscribe to your school’s newsletter or follow its social media for announcements.

Actionable Checklist for Now

  • Mark the Pattern: Use the typical 10-week term pattern to sketch a rough 2026 calendar for initial brainstorming.
  • Budget Planning: Estimate costs for potential trips based on past holiday period pricing.
  • Research Ideas: Create a wishlist of potential WA destinations and activities, noting which season they are best for.
  • Set a Reminder: Set a calendar reminder for September 2025 to check for the official release of the 2026 term dates.

Final Word

While the excitement of planning is understandable, patience and verification are paramount. The 2026 Perth school holidays will follow a familiar structure, but the exact dates are the only dates that matter. Use this guide to understand the system, plan your strategy, and then, once the official calendars are published, you can confidently lock in your family’s adventures for the year ahead.

Remember: Your school’s 2026 calendar, once released, is the only definitive guide.