School Holidays 2026 Calendar: Australia Guide
Introduction to School Holidays 2026 Calendar
Planning ahead for school holidays is essential for Australian families. The ‘school holidays 2026 calendar’ varies by state and territory due to each jurisdiction setting its own term dates. This guide provides projected dates based on historical patterns and announcements where available. These are not official—families must verify exact dates with their state or territory education department websites, as they can change.
School terms typically follow a four-term structure:
- Term 1: Late January to early April (summer/autumn break follows).
- Term 2: Mid-April to late June (winter holidays in July).
- Term 3: Late July to late September (spring holidays in October).
- Term 4: Mid-October to mid-December (summer holidays to late January).
Public holidays like Australia Day, Easter, and King’s Birthday also influence breaks. Use this 2026 calendar overview to sketch your family travel plans, book accommodations early, and avoid peak crowds.
Projected School Term Dates by State and Territory for 2026
Dates below are projections derived from past calendars (e.g., 2024-2025 patterns, adjusted for 2026). Expect minor shifts; check official sources like education.nsw.gov.au for NSW or similar sites.
New South Wales (NSW) and Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
These often align closely.
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 27 Jan | 3 Apr | 4 Apr - 13 Apr (Easter) |
| 2 | 14 Apr | 26 Jun | 29 Jun - 13 Jul (Winter) |
| 3 | 14 Jul | 25 Sep | 26 Sep - 9 Oct (Spring) |
| 4 | 12 Oct | 18 Dec | 19 Dec 2026 - 28 Jan 2027 (Summer) |
Victoria (VIC)
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 27 Jan | 2 Apr | 3 Apr - 20 Apr (Autumn) |
| 2 | 21 Apr | 26 Jun | 27 Jun - 12 Jul (Winter) |
| 3 | 13 Jul | 18 Sep | 19 Sep - 2 Oct (Spring) |
| 4 | 3 Oct | 18 Dec | 19 Dec 2026 - 26 Jan 2027 (Summer) |
Queensland (QLD)
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 27 Jan | 2 Apr | 3 Apr - 14 Apr (Easter) |
| 2 | 15 Apr | 26 Jun | 29 Jun - 13 Jul (Winter) |
| 3 | 14 Jul | 25 Sep | 26 Sep - 12 Oct (Spring) |
| 4 | 13 Oct | 11 Dec | 12 Dec 2026 - 26 Jan 2027 (Summer) |
South Australia (SA)
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 27 Jan | 3 Apr | 6 Apr - 20 Apr (Autumn) |
| 2 | 21 Apr | 26 Jun | 29 Jun - 13 Jul (Winter) |
| 3 | 14 Jul | 18 Sep | 21 Sep - 5 Oct (Spring) |
| 4 | 6 Oct | 4 Dec | 7 Dec 2026 - 26 Jan 2027 (Summer) |
Western Australia (WA)
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28 Jan | 3 Apr | 6 Apr - 24 Apr (Autumn) |
| 2 | 25 Apr | 3 Jul | 6 Jul - 20 Jul (Winter) |
| 3 | 21 Jul | 25 Sep | 26 Sep - 13 Oct (Spring) |
| 4 | 14 Oct | 3 Dec | 4 Dec 2026 - 28 Jan 2027 (Summer) |
Tasmania (TAS)
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 27 Jan | 3 Apr | 6 Apr - 20 Apr (Autumn) |
| 2 | 21 Apr | 26 Jun | 29 Jun - 13 Jul (Winter) |
| 3 | 14 Jul | 18 Sep | 19 Sep - 6 Oct (Spring) |
| 4 | 7 Oct | 18 Dec | 19 Dec 2026 - 26 Jan 2027 (Summer) |
Northern Territory (NT)
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28 Jan | 2 Apr | 3 Apr - 14 Apr (Easter) |
| 2 | 15 Apr | 26 Jun | 29 Jun - 13 Jul (Winter) |
| 3 | 14 Jul | 25 Sep | 26 Sep - 12 Oct (Spring) |
| 4 | 13 Oct | 11 Dec | 14 Dec 2026 - 26 Jan 2027 (Summer) |
Key Public Holidays Impacting 2026 School Holidays
Public holidays extend breaks:
- Australia Day: 26 Jan (start of Term 1 for most).
- Easter: Around 3-6 April (varies; often Term 1 end).
- Anzac Day: 25 Apr (Term 2 start).
- King’s Birthday: June/July varies by state.
- Melbourne Cup (VIC): Early Nov.
- Christmas: 25-26 Dec (end of Term 4).
Check Fair Work Australia for state-specific dates.
Family Travel Tips for 2026 School Holidays
Winter Holidays (June-July)
Book ski trips to Thredbo (NSW) or Falls Creek (VIC) early. Domestic flights to Tasmania for cooler adventures. Budget: $1,500-$3,000 for a family of four.
Spring Break (September-October)
Ideal for Great Barrier Reef (QLD) or Uluru (NT). Avoid October school holidays for fewer crowds—opt for shoulder weeks.
Summer Break (December-January)
Peak season: Beach spots like Gold Coast or Sydney. Consider school camps or staycations. Book 6-9 months ahead; use Qantas Frequent Flyer points.
Practical Planning Advice
- Download calendars: Use state education apps or Google Calendar imports.
- Budgeting: Factor fuel costs (rising in 2026?) and accommodation (up 10-15% post-2025).
- Health/safety: Pack sunscreen, check COVID rules if reinstated.
- Eco-travel: Choose trains (e.g., Indian Pacific) for lower emissions.
Visual 2026 School Holidays Calendar Overview
Here’s a simplified yearly view (all states approximate):
- Jan: Summer holidays end late Jan.
- Apr: 1-3 weeks autumn/Easter.
- Jul: 2 weeks winter.
- Oct: 1-2 weeks spring.
- Dec-Jan: 6 weeks summer.
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Final Notes
This school holidays 2026 calendar is a starting point for Australian families. Dates are projected and subject to change—always confirm with your state education department (e.g., via email alerts). Early planning ensures stress-free family memories. Safe travels!
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