First Term School Holidays 2026: Australia Guide

· first term school holidays 2026

Understanding the 2026 First Term School Holidays

For Australian families, the first term school holidays are a key planning milestone each year. In 2026, these holidays will again centre around the Easter long weekend and ANZAC Day, providing a valuable 10-day to two-week break for students and teachers. However, it is crucially important to note that the exact start and end dates for the 2026 first term holidays have not yet been released by state and territory education departments. Families must always verify the precise dates with their relevant state or territory education authority or their child’s specific school calendar, as independent and Catholic schools may have slightly different schedules.

This guide provides a framework based on historical patterns and known public holidays to help you start your planning with confidence.

Typical Timing and Key Public Holidays

Historically, the first term holidays in Australia begin on the Thursday or Friday before Good Friday and conclude on the Sunday or Monday after the second Tuesday of the school term, often aligning with the ANZAC Day public holiday on April 25th.

In 2026, Good Friday falls on April 3rd, and Easter Monday is April 6th. ANZAC Day is on Saturday, April 25th. This means the school holiday block will almost certainly include the entire Easter long weekend (Good Friday to Easter Monday inclusive) and will extend to include the ANZAC Day public holiday on the following Saturday. This creates a naturally long break, perfect for a family getaway.

State-by-State Considerations (General Pattern)

While you must confirm the official 2026 dates, the typical structure is:

  • New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, ACT: Holidays usually start on the Thursday before Good Friday (April 2nd, 2026) and run through to the Tuesday after ANZAC Day (April 28th, 2026), with students returning on Wednesday, April 29th. This provides a 17-day break.
  • Western Australia & Northern Territory: These states/territories often have slightly different term structures. WA’s holidays may start on the Friday before Good Friday (April 3rd) and end on the Monday after ANZAC Day (April 27th), with a return on Tuesday, April 28th. The NT’s pattern can vary.

The Golden Rule: The above is a projection based on 2024/2025 patterns. The official 2026 term dates will be published by each state’s Department of Education in late 2024 or throughout 2025. Always check websites like education.nsw.gov.au, www.education.vic.gov.au, or www.qld.gov.au/education for the authoritative calendar.

Why Early Planning is Essential

The convergence of Easter and ANZAC Day makes this one of the most popular holiday periods for domestic travel. Accommodation, especially in coastal and holiday destinations, books out months, sometimes over a year, in advance. Airline and road trip prices peak during this window.

Actionable Planning Steps:

  1. Mark Your Provisional Calendar: Use the projected dates (early April to late April 2026) to block out time in your diary for planning purposes.
  2. Set a Reminder: For late 2024/early 2025, to check the official state-by-state release of the 2026 school calendar.
  3. Budget and Book: Once dates are confirmed, immediately consider your budget and be prepared to book flights, rentals, and major accommodation as soon as possible for the best choice and rates.

Ideas for the First Term Break 2026

This extended break is ideal for:

  • A Classic Australian Road Trip: Explore regions like the South Coast of NSW, the Great Ocean Road in Vic, or the Sunshine Coast in QLD. The weather is generally pleasant (autumn in the south, dry season in the north).
  • A Cultural City Break: Canberra’s autumn is stunning, perfect for visiting the War Memorial (relevant for ANZAC Day) and national institutions. Melbourne and Sydney also offer great autumn festivals and events.
  • A Relaxing Beach Holiday: Escape to places like the Whitsundays, Fraser Island, or the Sapphire Coast for some late-summer/early-autumn sunshine.
  • An ANZAC Day Commemoration: If you’re travelling, you could attend a dawn service in a new location, making the holiday both a break and a meaningful family experience. Many towns host significant services.

Final Checklist for Families

  1. Verify Dates: Your first and non-negotiable task is to get the official 2026 first term holiday dates from your state’s education department or school.
  2. Check School Events: Be aware of any school-based activities, sports carnivals, or excursions that might fall just before or after the official holiday period.
  3. Consider Childcare: If you are not travelling, school holiday care programs (OSHC/VAC) will be in high demand. Book these early.
  4. Travel Insurance: For any booked trips, consider comprehensive travel insurance, as this is a peak period with potential for higher cancellation risks due to demand.

The first term school holidays of 2026 offer a fantastic, extended break rooted in significant national holidays. By understanding the typical timing, committing to verify official dates, and planning proactively, Australian families can secure a wonderful and memorable holiday experience.