2026 School Holidays & Public Holidays Australia

· 2026 school holidays and public holidays

Introduction to 2026 School Holidays and Public Holidays

Planning ahead for school holidays and public holidays is essential for Australian families. The year 2026 brings a standard four-term school year across most states and territories, with holidays typically falling in late March/early April (Easter), mid-year (June/July), late September, and December/January. Public holidays add extra breaks, often aligning with school vacations for family travel.

Important note: School term dates and public holidays can shift slightly due to policy changes or calendar adjustments. Always verify exact dates with your state or territory’s education department website (e.g., education.nsw.gov.au for NSW) closer to the time. This guide uses projected dates based on historical patterns and early announcements where available, providing a practical starting point for 2026 planning.

Projected 2026 School Term Dates by State and Territory

Australia’s federated system means holidays vary by state. Here’s a breakdown for government schools; independent and Catholic schools may differ slightly.

New South Wales (NSW)

  • Term 1: 28 January – 10 April (holidays: 13 April – 27 April)
  • Term 2: 28 April – 26 June (holidays: 29 June – 11 July)
  • Term 3: 12 July – 25 September (holidays: 28 September – 12 October)
  • Term 4: 13 October – 17 December (summer holidays: 18 December 2026 – 28 January 2027)

NSW families often enjoy beach trips during Easter and summer breaks.

Victoria (VIC)

  • Term 1: 27 January – 2 April (holidays: 3 April – 20 April)
  • Term 2: 21 April – 26 June (holidays: 27 June – 12 July)
  • Term 3: 13 July – 18 September (holidays: 19 September – 5 October)
  • Term 4: 6 October – 18 December (summer holidays: 19 December 2026 – 27 January 2027)

Victorian holidays include a mid-autumn break possibility; check for updates.

Queensland (QLD)

  • Term 1: 27 January – 27 March (holidays: 30 March – 14 April)
  • Term 2: 15 April – 26 June (holidays: 29 June – 13 July)
  • Term 3: 14 July – 25 September (holidays: 28 September – 12 October)
  • Term 4: 13 October – 11 December (summer holidays: 12 December 2026 – 27 January 2027)

Queensland’s tropical climate makes winter holidays ideal for southern escapes.

South Australia (SA)

  • Term 1: 27 January – 3 April (holidays: 6 April – 27 April)
  • Term 2: 28 April – 5 July (holidays: 6 July – 20 July)
  • Term 3: 21 July – 25 September (holidays: 28 September – 12 October)
  • Term 4: 13 October – 4 December (summer holidays: 5 December 2026 – 26 January 2027)

SA has shorter mid-year breaks; plan Adelaide festivals accordingly.

Western Australia (WA)

  • Term 1: 28 January – 3 April (holidays: 6 April – 25 April)
  • Term 2: 28 April – 3 July (holidays: 6 July – 21 July)
  • Term 3: 22 July – 26 September (holidays: 29 September – 13 October)
  • Term 4: 14 October – 3 December (summer holidays: 4 December 2026 – 28 January 2027)

WA’s longer Term 2 suits family road trips to the Kimberley.

Tasmania (TAS)

  • Term 1: 28 January – 27 March (holidays: 30 March – 14 April)
  • Term 2: 15 April – 26 June (holidays: 29 June – 13 July)
  • Term 3: 14 July – 25 September (holidays: 28 September – 12 October)
  • Term 4: 13 October – 18 December (summer holidays: 19 December 2026 – 28 January 2027)

Tasmania’s holidays align well with mainland states for interstate visits.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Similar to NSW:

  • Term 1: 28 January – 10 April (holidays: 13 April – 27 April)
  • Term 2: 28 April – 26 June (holidays: 29 June – 11 July)
  • Term 3: 12 July – 25 September (holidays: 28 September – 12 October)
  • Term 4: 13 October – 17 December

Northern Territory (NT)

  • Term 1: 28 January – 9 April (holidays: 10 April – 27 April)
  • Term 2: 28 April – 26 June (holidays: 29 June – 13 July)
  • Term 3: 14 July – 25 September (holidays: 28 September – 12 October)
  • Term 4: 13 October – 4 December

NT’s remote location favors local outback adventures.

Key Public Holidays in 2026

Public holidays provide bonus days off, often extending school breaks. National ones include:

  • New Year’s Day: 1 January (Thursday)
  • Australia Day: 26 January (Monday)
  • Good Friday: 3 April (Friday)
  • Easter Monday: 6 April
  • ANZAC Day: 27 April (Monday, as 25th is Saturday)
  • King’s Birthday: Varies (e.g., 8 June in most states)
  • Christmas Day: 25 December (Friday)
  • Boxing Day: 28 December (Monday)

State-specific: Labour Day (March long weekends), Queen’s Birthday alternatives. Confirm via fairwork.gov.au or state sites, as some fall on weekends and shift.

Planning Family Travel During 2026 Holidays

Align trips with overlapping holidays:

  • Easter (April): Short break for coastal getaways; book early for Sydney or Gold Coast.
  • Winter (July): Skiing in VIC/NSW or QLD theme parks.
  • Spring (October): Mild weather for national parks.
  • Summer (December-January): Iconic road trips like Great Ocean Road or Uluru.

Budget tips: Use school holiday calendars from qantas.com or virgin.com.au for deals. Consider domestic flights to avoid peak international prices. Campgrounds via parks websites fill fast.

Practical Tips for Families

  1. Check Twice: Use state education apps/portals for updates; dates can change.
  2. Activity Ideas: Free events like Vivid Sydney (May/June) or school holiday programs at museums.
  3. Work-Life Balance: Public holidays allow split parenting if needed.
  4. Health & Safety: Pack sunscreen, check weatherzone.com.au.
  5. Sustainability: Opt for train travel (journeybeyondrail.com.au) to reduce emissions.

With 2026 holidays spanning about 18-20 weeks total, balance rest and adventure. Start booking now for popular spots. For personalized advice, contact your local council’s family services.

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