Australian School Holidays 2026: State-by-State Guide

· australian school holidays 2026

Planning Around Australian School Holidays 2026

For Australian families, knowing the school calendar in advance is the cornerstone of successful holiday planning. The year 2026 will follow the standard Australian four-term structure, but exact start and end dates vary significantly by state and territory. This guide provides a clear, state-by-state overview of the anticipated 2026 school calendar to help you plan trips, activities, and childcare with confidence. Remember, these are indicative patterns based on historical cycles; all families must confirm the official 2026 term dates with their respective state or territory education department once they are released, typically in mid-2025.

The National Pattern: Four Terms, Key Breaks

While dates differ, the broad rhythm is consistent across Australia:

  • Term 1: Late January / early February to late March or early April.
  • Term 2: Mid-April to late June or early July.
  • Term 3: Mid-July to late September.
  • Term 4: Early October to mid-December.

Major nationwide breaks include a two-week Easter holiday in April, a two-week mid-year break in June/July (often coinciding with the Commonwealth Games if scheduled), and the long Christmas/summer holidays from mid-December to late January 2027. The Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australian calendars generally align more closely, while Western Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and the ACT often have slightly shifted dates, particularly at the start and end of the year.

State and Territory Overviews for 2026

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

NSW and the ACT typically share a very similar calendar. Term 1 2026 is expected to commence around late January or the first week of February, with the Easter break falling in early April. The mid-year break will likely be in late June/early July, and Term 4 is anticipated to finish in mid-December 2026. The ACT may have slight variations for its public schools.

Victoria (VIC)

Victorian schools often start Term 1 in the last week of January. Their Easter holiday is usually in early to mid-April. The Term 2 start is mid-April, and the mid-year break is typically in late June. Term 4 is likely to conclude in mid-December. Be aware of the variable Melbourne Cup Day holiday in early November, which can provide an extra day off for some families.

Queensland (QLD)

Queensland’s calendar is one of the most distinct. Term 1 often begins in the last week of January. Their Easter holiday is usually in early April. A key difference is that Queensland’s Term 3 often starts a week earlier than southern states in mid-July, and their Term 4 frequently finishes in early to mid-December. This can create opportunities for early December travel before the southern state crowds.

South Australia (SA)

SA’s term dates usually align closely with Victoria and NSW. Term 1 starts in late January/early February. The Easter break is in April, and the mid-year break is in late June/early July. Term 4 is expected to end in mid-December. South Australia also observes a public holiday for the Adelaide Cup in March, which may affect some school schedules.

Western Australia (WA)

WA often has the most divergent calendar. Term 1 frequently begins in the first week of February (sometimes the last week of January). Their Easter holiday is typically in mid-April. A notable feature is WA’s six-week summer break, meaning Term 4 usually finishes in mid-December 2026, but the new year start can be later, around late January or early February 2027. The Perth Royal Show in late September often influences Term 3 dates.

Tasmania (TAS) & Northern Territory (NT)

  • Tasmania: Term dates generally follow the southern states, starting Term 1 in late January. The mid-year break is in late June/early July, and Term 4 ends in mid-December.
  • Northern Territory: The NT has two distinct public school calendars: one for remote schools and one for urban schools (Darwin, Palmerston, Alice Springs). Urban schools often have a Term 1 start in late January, with a six-week summer break meaning Term 4 concludes in early to mid-December 2026. Remote schools may have different, longer-term arrangements.

Critical Considerations & Practical Planning Tips

  1. Verify, Verify, Verify: This guide provides a forecast based on historical patterns. You must check the official 2026 dates from your state’s Department of Education (e.g., NSW Education, Victorian Department of Education) once published. Independent and Catholic schools may have slightly different dates.
  2. Teacher Professional Development (P&D) Days: Before each term starts, there are often student-free days for teacher training. These can give you an extra long weekend if you plan carefully, but they vary by school.
  3. Public Holidays: State-based public holidays (e.g., Labour Day, Queen’s Birthday, show days) can create extra days off or extend weekends. Check your state’s public holiday calendar for 2026.
  4. Travel Planning: For popular family destinations (like Queensland’s theme parks or ski fields), book accommodation and major attractions 6-12 months in advance, especially for the June/July and September/October holidays.** Consider travelling in ‘shoulder seasons’ just after a major holiday period for better availability and prices.
  5. Childcare: School holidays mean a surge in demand for vacation care, OSHC, and nannies. Research and book these services early, particularly for the long summer break and two-week mid-year holidays.

Final Thoughts

Having a rough 2026 calendar in mind allows you to spot potential travel windows, budget for peak season costs, and arrange care well ahead. The variability between states is your biggest tool—if you have family in different states, you might find a date that suits both calendars. Use this overview as your initial planning scaffold, but always lock in your plans with the official, confirmed 2026 term dates from your relevant education authority. A little advance planning turns the annual school holiday rush into a series of enjoyable family adventures.