Easter School Holidays 2026: Australia Dates & Travel Guide

· easter holidays 2026 school

Planning Ahead for Easter School Holidays 2026

For Australian families, the Easter school holidays are a key opportunity for a mid-term break. The timing of Easter changes each year, which means the school holiday period for 2026 will differ from previous years. While exact, official term dates for 2026 are not yet released by state and territory education departments, we can provide a reliable forecast based on historical patterns and the 2026 Easter calendar. This guide helps you start planning, but you must confirm all dates with your relevant state or territory education authority closer to the time.

Understanding the 2026 Easter Calendar

In 2026, Easter Sunday falls on 5 April. Easter Monday is 6 April. Australian Easter public holidays are typically observed on Good Friday (3 April) and Easter Monday (6 April), with some states also observing Easter Tuesday (7 April). School holidays usually encompass these public holidays, creating a 10-day to two-week break for students. The exact start and end dates depend on which state you are in and how the term breaks are structured.

Expected 2026 School Term Dates by State/Territory

Australian school terms are managed at the state/territory level. The first term of 2026 is expected to end in late March or early April to accommodate the Easter long weekend. Below is a general projection for the Easter school holiday period in 2026. These are estimates only.

New South Wales (NSW)

  • Term 1 2026: Expected to finish around Friday, 2 April (or earlier).
  • Easter Holidays: Likely from Saturday, 3 April (Good Friday) to Sunday, 18 April, with students returning to school on Monday, 19 April (Term 2).

Victoria (VIC)

  • Term 1 2026: Typically ends on a Friday in late March.
  • Easter Holidays: The break usually spans from around Friday, 27 March or Friday, 3 April, through to Sunday, 19 April, with Term 2 commencing on Monday, 20 April.

Queensland (QLD)

  • Term 1 2026: Usually concludes in early April.
  • Easter Holidays: Students are commonly on break from Friday, 3 April, returning to school on Monday, 20 April for Term 2.

South Australia (SA)

  • Term 1 2026: Often ends on the Friday before the Easter long weekend.
  • Easter Holidays: The holiday period is anticipated to run from Friday, 3 April, through to Sunday, 19 April, with Term 2 starting on Monday, 20 April.

Western Australia (WA)

  • Term 1 2026: Typically finishes in late March or early April.
  • Easter Holidays: The break is usually aligned with the Easter long weekend, from around Friday, 3 April, to Sunday, 19 April, with students returning on Monday, 20 April.

Tasmania (TAS)

  • Term 1 2026: Often concludes on a Friday in late March.
  • Easter Holidays: Students are generally on holiday from Friday, 3 April, until Sunday, 19 April, with Term 2 commencing on Monday, 20 April.

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

  • These jurisdictions generally align closely with NSW and QLD patterns respectively.
  • ACT: Expected Easter break similar to NSW, from early April to mid-April.
  • NT: Expected break similar to QLD, from early April to mid-April.

Crucial Reminder: These dates are projections. The official 2026 school calendar will be published by each state’s education department (e.g., NSW Education, Victorian Department of Education) in 2025. Always check their websites for the definitive term dates.

Why the Dates Vary and How to Plan

The variation comes from how each state balances the number of school days per term (typically around 10 weeks) and where they place the Easter break within the first term. Some states may have a shorter break if Easter falls very early, while others may have a longer break if Easter is late.

Planning Tips for 2026:

  1. Mark Your Calendar: Use the projected dates above to tentatively block out the holiday period for planning purposes.
  2. Book Early: Easter is a popular travel time. If you plan to travel interstate or overseas, consider booking flights and accommodation well in advance, potentially by mid-2025, for the best prices and availability.
  3. Check School-Specific Calendars: Some independent and Catholic schools may have slightly different term dates to their state public school counterparts. Always check your school’s published calendar.
  4. Consider Public Holidays: Remember that Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays everywhere. Many businesses, especially in regional areas, may close or have reduced hours. This can affect your travel plans.

Family Travel Ideas for the 2026 Easter Break

The two-week holiday period is ideal for a mix of relaxation and exploration. Given the April timing, the weather is autumnal in the south and still warm in the north.

  • Road Trips: Explore a nearby region. In NSW/VIC, the Southern Highlands, Murray River, or Great Ocean Road are classic choices. In QLD, consider the Sunshine Coast hinterland or a drive to the Northern Territory border.
  • National Parks: Autumn is a beautiful time for hiking and camping in places like Kosciuszko National Park (NSW), the Grampians (VIC), or Litchfield National Park (NT). Book campsites early.
  • City Getaways: Enjoy the cultural attractions of Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane without the summer heat and crowds.
  • Regional Events: Many regional towns host Easter festivals, agricultural shows, or special events. Research your potential destination for 2026 events, which will be advertised later in 2025.
  • Staycations: Explore local attractions, museums, and parks in your own city that you might usually overlook.

Final Checklist Before You Finalise Plans

  • ✅ Verify Dates: Once 2026 term dates are officially released (likely in mid-to-late 2025), confirm your state’s exact Easter holiday period.
  • ✅ Check School Events: Note any pupil-free days or professional development days that might extend the break.
  • ✅ Budget: Factor in that travel costs during school holidays, especially around a long weekend like Easter, are often at a premium.
  • ✅ Travel Insurance: For any significant trip, consider comprehensive travel insurance, especially if booking far in advance.

By using these projected dates as a planning framework and committing to verifying the official calendars later, Australian families can effectively organise a wonderful and stress-free Easter school holiday break in 2026.