2026 School Holidays Australia: Dates & Planning Guide

· 2026 school holidays.

Plan Ahead for 2026 School Holidays in Australia

School holidays are a highlight for Australian families, offering time for relaxation, travel, and creating memories. With 2026 approaching, planning early is key due to varying dates by state and territory. Australia has eight jurisdictions—New South Wales (NSW), Victoria (VIC), Queensland (QLD), South Australia (SA), Western Australia (WA), Tasmania (TAS), Northern Territory (NT), and Australian Capital Territory (ACT)—each setting their own public school calendars.

Important Disclaimer: The dates below are projected based on historical patterns and typical term lengths (10-11 weeks per term, with 2-week breaks except summer). Easter and other public holidays cause shifts. Families must verify exact 2026 dates via your state or territory’s education department website, as they are usually published 12-18 months in advance. Private schools may differ.

Projected 2026 School Holiday Dates by State and Territory

Here’s a state-by-state breakdown of expected holidays for 2026. These align with standard patterns: summer (6-7 weeks), autumn (2 weeks), winter (2 weeks), and spring (2 weeks).

New South Wales (NSW) and Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

  • Summer Holidays: Mid-December 2025 to late January 2026 (e.g., 19 Dec 2025 - 28 Jan 2026)
  • Autumn: Mid-April (e.g., 13-27 Apr)
  • Winter: Early July (e.g., 4-18 Jul)
  • Spring: Late September (e.g., 28 Sep - 12 Oct)

NSW and ACT often sync closely, ideal for families crossing borders.

Victoria (VIC)

  • Summer: Mid-Dec 2025 to late Jan (e.g., 20 Dec - 27 Jan)
  • Autumn: Mid-Apr (e.g., 13-27 Apr)
  • Winter: Early Jul (e.g., 4-18 Jul)
  • Spring: Late Sep (e.g., 26 Sep - 13 Oct)

Victorian holidays sometimes extend slightly for regional variations.

Queensland (QLD)

  • Summer: Mid-Dec to late Jan (e.g., 12 Dec 2025 - 27 Jan 2026)
  • Easter/Autumn: Around Easter, mid-Apr (e.g., 14 Apr - 2 May, including Easter)
  • Winter: Late Jun/early Jul (e.g., 29 Jun - 13 Jul)
  • Spring: Late Sep (e.g., 28 Sep - 12 Oct)

QLD’s Easter break can be longer due to public holidays.

South Australia (SA)

  • Summer: Early Dec to late Jan (e.g., 5 Dec 2025 - 27 Jan 2026)
  • Autumn: Mid-Apr (e.g., 13-27 Apr)
  • Winter: Early Jul (e.g., 4-20 Jul)
  • Spring: Late Sep (e.g., 28 Sep - 13 Oct)

SA holidays align well with VIC and NSW.

Western Australia (WA)

  • Summer: Mid-Dec to late Jan (e.g., 19 Dec 2025 - 28 Jan 2026)
  • Autumn: Late Apr (e.g., 27 Apr - 12 May)
  • Winter: Late Jun/early Jul (e.g., 27 Jun - 13 Jul)
  • Spring: Late Sep (e.g., 28 Sep - 13 Oct)

WA’s dates often differ, especially autumn, suiting west coast travel.

Tasmania (TAS)

  • Summer: Mid-Dec to late Jan (e.g., 20 Dec - 28 Jan)
  • Autumn: Mid-Apr (e.g., 13-27 Apr)
  • Winter: Early Jul (e.g., 4-20 Jul)
  • Spring: Late Sep (e.g., 28 Sep - 13 Oct)

Tasmania mirrors southern states.

Northern Territory (NT)

  • Summer: Mid-Dec to late Jan (e.g., 19 Dec - 28 Jan)
  • Autumn: Mid-Apr (e.g., 13-27 Apr)
  • Winter: Early Jul (e.g., 6-20 Jul)
  • Spring: Late Sep (e.g., 28 Sep - 12 Oct)

NT follows a similar pattern with minor adjustments.

Why Dates Vary and How to Stay Updated

Calendars are influenced by public holidays like Australia Day (26 Jan), Easter (variable, 5-6 Apr in 2026), Anzac Day (25 Apr), King’s Birthday (varies), and AFL Grand Final in VIC. Education departments release final 2026 dates by mid-2025. Bookmark sites like:

  • NSW: education.nsw.gov.au
  • VIC: education.vic.gov.au
  • QLD: qld.gov.au/education
  • And equivalents for others.

Apps like School Holidays Australia provide notifications.

Family Travel Tips for 2026 School Holidays

Summer Break (Dec-Jan): Beach and Adventure Time

The longest break is perfect for interstate trips. Book flights/hotels 6-9 months ahead for popular spots like Gold Coast, Sydney, or Great Barrier Reef. Drive the Great Ocean Road (VIC) or explore Uluru (NT). Budget for peak pricing—save with mid-week stays.

Autumn (Apr): Easter Getaways

Aligns with Easter long weekend. Camp in national parks (e.g., Blue Mountains, NSW) or visit wineries in Barossa Valley (SA). Cooler weather suits hiking.

Winter (Jun-Jul): Snow and Indoor Fun

Head to ski resorts like Thredbo (NSW) or Falls Creek (VIC). Alternatives: theme parks (Dreamworld, QLD) or museums. Check snow forecasts.

Spring (Sep-Oct): Mild Weather Escapes

Ideal for Tasmania’s wilderness or WA’s Margaret River. School-free zones mean fewer crowds.

Pro Tips:

  • Use Qantas, Virgin, or Jetstar for domestic flights; book via Skyscanner.
  • Road trips? Apps like WikiCamps for campsites.
  • Family passes for attractions save 20-50%.

Budgeting and Packing Essentials

Average family holiday costs: $2,000-$5,000 for a week. Break it down:

  • Accommodation: 40% (Airbnb for kitchens).
  • Transport: 30%.
  • Food/activities: 30%.

Pack: Sunscreen, hats (UV protection), reusable bottles, first-aid kit. For winter: thermals, waterproofs.

Fun At-Home and Local Activities

No travel? Host movie marathons, beach picnics, or science experiments. Libraries offer free holiday programs. Join sports camps or art workshops via council sites.

Final Planning Checklist

  1. Confirm dates with education dept.
  2. Align with partner’s/family holidays.
  3. Book transport/accommodation early.
  4. Plan flexible itineraries.
  5. Buy travel insurance.
  6. Pack sustainable—reduce plastic.

With thoughtful prep, 2026 school holidays will be unforgettable. Start checking official sites now!

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