Australian School Holidays 2026: All States Term Dates Guide

· australian school holidays 2026 all states

Planning family holidays, activities, or childcare for 2026 requires knowing the school term dates well in advance. While the exact dates are set by each state’s education department and can be subject to change, a national overview provides an excellent framework for your diary. This guide outlines the typical structure and expected holiday periods for Australian school holidays in 2026 across all states and territories.

Important Disclaimer: The following dates are based on historical patterns and published provisional calendars. You must verify the final, official 2026 term dates with your relevant state or territory education department or school website before making any binding travel or financial commitments.

Why Plan with 2026 Dates Now?

Australian school holidays are a major driver of domestic travel, with peak periods seeing significant price increases and accommodation scarcity. Knowing the 2026 term dates allows families to:

  • Book flights and accommodation early for better rates.
  • Plan trips during less crowded mid-term periods.
  • Arrange childcare or programs well in advance for pupil-free days.
  • Avoid disappointment by understanding when schools are closed.

The structure of the school year is largely consistent nationwide: four terms per year, separated by two-week holidays (except for the longer summer break). However, the exact start and end dates vary by state and sometimes by region within a state.

2026 School Term & Holiday Dates by State

Below is a state-by-state breakdown based on standard academic calendars. All dates are indicative examples only.

New South Wales (NSW)

NSW schools typically begin late January and conclude in mid-December.

  • Term 1: Late Jan – Early Apr
    • Holiday: Early to mid-April (approx. 2 weeks)
  • Term 2: Mid-Apr – Late Jun
    • Holiday: Early to mid-July (approx. 2 weeks)
  • Term 3: Mid-Jul – Late Sep
    • Holiday: Early to mid-October (approx. 2 weeks)
  • Term 4: Mid-Oct – Mid-Dec
    • Holiday: Mid-Dec to late Jan 2027 (Summer break, approx. 6 weeks)

Victoria (VIC)

Victorian schools have a similar structure, often starting in late January.

  • Term 1: Late Jan – Early Apr
    • Holiday: Early to mid-April
  • Term 2: Mid-Apr – Late Jun
    • Holiday: Early to mid-July
  • Term 3: Mid-Jul – Late Sep
    • Holiday: Early to mid-October
  • Term 4: Mid-Oct – Mid-Dec
    • Holiday: Mid-Dec to late Jan 2027

Queensland (QLD)

Queensland’s calendar is slightly offset, with a shorter summer break and a two-week break in September/October.

  • Term 1: Late Jan – Early Apr
    • Holiday: Early to mid-April
  • Term 2: Mid-Apr – Mid-Jun
    • Holiday: Late Jun to mid-July
  • Term 3: Mid-Jul – Late Sep
    • Holiday: Late Sep to mid-October (Spring break)
  • Term 4: Mid-Oct – Mid-Dec
    • Holiday: Mid-Dec to late Jan 2027

South Australia (SA)

SA aligns closely with Victoria and NSW.

  • Term 1: Late Jan – Early Apr
    • Holiday: Early to mid-April
  • Term 2: Mid-Apr – Late Jun
    • Holiday: Early to mid-July
  • Term 3: Mid-Jul – Late Sep
    • Holiday: Early to mid-October
  • Term 4: Mid-Oct – Mid-Dec
    • Holiday: Mid-Dec to late Jan 2027

Western Australia (WA)

WA often has a slightly later start in late January/early February and a three-week break in July.

  • Term 1: Late Jan/early Feb – Mid-Apr
    • Holiday: Mid to late April
  • Term 2: Late Apr – Late Jun
    • Holiday: Early to late July (often 3 weeks)
  • Term 3: Late Jul – Late Sep
    • Holiday: Early to mid-October
  • Term 4: Mid-Oct – Mid-Dec
    • Holiday: Mid-Dec to late Jan 2027

Tasmania (TAS)

Tasmanian dates are very similar to Victoria.

  • Term 1: Late Jan – Early Apr
    • Holiday: Early to mid-April
  • Term 2: Mid-Apr – Late Jun
    • Holiday: Early to mid-July
  • Term 3: Mid-Jul – Late Sep
    • Holiday: Early to mid-October
  • Term 4: Mid-Oct – Mid-Dec
    • Holiday: Mid-Dec to late Jan 2027

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) & Northern Territory (NT)

The ACT and NT generally follow the patterns of NSW and SA/QLD respectively, with minor variations.

  • ACT: Aligns closely with NSW public school dates.
  • NT: Often follows a similar pattern to Queensland, with the September/October break being a key feature.

Key Considerations for 2026 Family Travel

  1. State Variations Matter: The July holidays, for example, may not align perfectly between NSW and WA. If travelling interstate to visit family, check both states’ calendars.
  2. Pupil-Free Days: Schools often have additional staff development or pupil-free days at the start or end of terms. These are not official public holidays but mean your child is home. Your school will publish these specific dates.
  3. Easter 2026: Easter falls on Sunday, 5 April 2026. This will directly impact the Term 1 holiday period, which typically includes the Easter long weekend.
  4. Book Early for Peak Times: The two-week holiday periods, especially the July and October breaks, are extremely popular for domestic travel. Accommodation and flights to destinations like the Gold Coast, Far North Queensland, and major regional centres book out months in advance.
  5. Consider ‘Shoulder’ Travel: For better weather and fewer crowds, consider a short break during Term 2 or Term 3. You’ll need to factor in your child’s absence from school.

How to Get the Official 2026 Dates

To get the definitive, legally binding dates:

  • Visit your State/Territory Education Department website. Search for “[Your State] Department of Education school term dates 2026”.
  • Check your individual school’s website or newsletter. Schools will publish the specific dates they are operating, which may include additional pupil-free days.
  • Private and Catholic schools may have slightly different term dates to government schools. Always check your own school’s calendar.

Final Tips

  • Mark your 2026 calendar now with the indicative dates as a planning guide.
  • Set a reminder for early 2025 to check the official released dates.
  • When booking non-refundable travel, ensure your policy allows for cancellation if official school dates differ from the indicative ones provided here.

By using this 2026 overview as a starting point and committing to verify with official sources, Australian families can effectively plan for a year of memorable trips and manageable school holiday periods.