Perth 2026 School Holidays: Dates & Planning Guide

· perth 2026 school holidays

Planning Ahead for Perth’s 2026 School Year

For Western Australian families, marking the 2026 school calendar early is a savvy move. While exact term dates for 2026 are not yet published, understanding the typical pattern and release schedule allows for proactive planning of family holidays, childcare, and activities. This guide provides a forecast based on historical patterns and essential advice for navigating the Perth school year.

How Western Australia Sets School Term Dates

The Western Australian Department of Education sets the annual school term calendar for public schools. The pattern is generally consistent, designed to provide a balanced number of weeks per term and align with national public holidays. Independent and Catholic schools typically follow a very similar, if not identical, calendar. The official term dates for 2026 are expected to be published by the Department in mid-to-late 2025. Crucially, families must always verify the finalised dates with the WA Department of Education or their child’s specific school.

Expected 2026 Term Date Pattern (Forecast)

Based on the standard 10-week term structure used in recent years, here is a provisional forecast for Perth’s 2026 school terms. This is an estimate only.

  • Term 1: Wednesday, 28 January (likely start for most) to Thursday, 9 April.
    • Note: The first day is often a staggered start for Kindy/Pre-Primary and new students.
  • Term 2: Monday, 26 April to Friday, 2 July.
  • Term 3: Monday, 19 July to Friday, 24 September.
  • Term 4: Monday, 11 October to Thursday, 16 December.

These dates account for approximately 10 weeks per term and standard breaks between them. The key periods for school holidays will be:

  • Autumn Break: ~9 April – 25 April
  • Winter/Mid-year Break: ~2 July – 18 July
  • Spring Break: ~24 September – 10 October
  • Summer Break: ~16 December 2026 – late January 2027

Key Public Holidays Interacting with School Terms

WA public holidays will fall within or adjacent to school terms in 2026. Mark these in your planning:

  • Australia Day: Monday, 26 January. If Term 1 starts on the 27th or 28th, this long weekend is a perfect lead-in.
  • Labour Day: Monday, 2 March. A bonus day off within Term 1.
  • Easter: Easter Sunday falls on 5 April 2026. This means the Easter long weekend (Good Friday 3 April, Easter Monday 6 April) will coincide with the very end of Term 1 and the start of the Autumn Break. Expect significant travel demand and higher prices.
  • Western Australia Day: Monday, 1 June. A long weekend in Term 2.
  • King’s Birthday: Monday, 28 September. This public holiday will fall during the Spring Break period.

Strategic Family Travel Planning for 2026

Using the forecast pattern, you can start strategic planning:

  1. Bookmark Key Windows: The mid-year (July) and September/October breaks are the most popular for longer family trips. Expect peak pricing and booked-out accommodation. Consider the shorter Autumn or Spring breaks for quick getaways.
  2. Shoulder Season Advantage: For better value and fewer crowds, target travel during term time. A short break in late February (Term 1) or May (Term 2) can be significantly cheaper and less crowded.
  3. Staycation Strategy: The long Summer break (Dec-Jan) is ideal for exploring Perth and the South West region when the weather is perfect, without the need for expensive interstate flights.
  4. Activity & Camp Planning: Popular school holiday programs (at museums, nature reserves, or sports clubs) and school camps book out months in advance. Use the forecast dates to set calendar alerts for when bookings typically open (often 2-3 terms ahead).

The Critical Verification Step

This is the most important part of your planning. The forecast dates provided are a helpful guide based on historical cycles, but they are not official. The WA Department of Education may adjust the calendar for 2026 due to unique circumstances.

  • When to Check: Late 2025 is the earliest you should expect the official 2026 calendar.
  • Where to Verify: Always consult the Western Australian Department of Education website (education.wa.edu.au) for the authoritative school term dates PDF. Also, confirm with your child’s school, as some institutions (particularly some private schools) may have slight variations.

Final Tips for Perth Families

  • Sync with Other States: If planning interstate travel, remember that WA’s term dates often differ from Eastern states. A child on holiday in NSW may be in Term 2 in WA.
  • Budget Early: Incorporate the known public holiday long weekends into your annual budget for potential travel or activity costs.
  • Flexibility is Key: When booking non-refundable travel for 2026, consider options with good change policies until the official dates are confirmed.

By using this forecast as a planning scaffold and committing to verify dates later, Perth families can turn the uncertainty of future dates into a manageable, organized process for a fantastic 2026.