WA School Holidays & Public Holidays 2026 Guide
Planning WA School Holidays and Public Holidays for 2026
For Australian families in Western Australia (WA), knowing school holidays and public holidays ahead of time is essential for booking family trips, organising childcare, or simply enjoying downtime. The 2026 calendar offers a mix of student breaks and statewide days off, creating opportunities for long weekends and extended vacations.
Important note: School term dates are set by the WA Department of Education and are typically released in the year prior. Public holiday dates can shift slightly due to weekends or proclamations. This guide provides tentative dates based on standard patterns and historical schedules. Families must verify exact dates on the official WA Department of Education website or Western Australian public holidays page. Dates here are estimates for planning purposes only.
Tentative WA School Term Dates for 2026
WA public schools follow a four-term structure, with holidays between terms and at Christmas. Private schools may vary slightly, so check with your school. Here’s a projected 2026 overview:
Term 1: Approximately 28 January – 31 March
- Summer Holidays: End around 27 January (from mid-December 2025).
- This term aligns with Australia Day, potentially creating an early long weekend.
Autumn Holidays: Approximately 1 April – 17 April (2-3 weeks)
- Perfect for Easter school breaks and family getaways to the coast.
Term 2: Approximately 20 April – 26 June
- Includes ANZAC Day and leads into WA Day.
Winter Holidays: Approximately 29 June – 13 July (2 weeks)
- Ideal for cooler-weather adventures like Margaret River wine tours or Perth festivals.
Term 3: Approximately 14 July – 25 September
- Builds toward spring break.
Spring Holidays: Approximately 28 September – 12 October (2 weeks)
- Great for wildflower season in WA’s outback.
Term 4: Approximately 13 October – 10 December
- Christmas Holidays: Begin around 11 December, running through to late January 2027.
These dates follow WA’s standard 10-11 week terms with 2-week breaks, totaling about 40 weeks of school. Non-government schools might start a week earlier or adjust for religious holidays. Always cross-check with your child’s school calendar.
Key Public Holidays in WA for 2026
WA observes 11 public holidays annually, some fixed and others variable. Most apply statewide, though regional variations exist (e.g., regional shows). Here’s a tentative list for 2026:
| Date | Holiday | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year’s Day | Fixed; start of summer holidays. |
| 26 January | Australia Day | Monday public holiday if on weekend. Long weekend potential. |
| First Monday in March (approx. 2 March) | Labour Day | Marks the start of autumn term. |
| Variable (3-6 April) | Good Friday & Easter Sunday | Easter long weekend overlaps autumn holidays. |
| Variable (6 April) | Easter Monday | Four-day weekend for many. |
| 25 April | ANZAC Day | Falls during Term 2; Friday in 2026 for long weekend. |
| First Monday in June (approx. 1 June) | Western Australia Day | Mid-Term 2 break opportunity. |
| Last Monday in September (approx. 28 September) | King’s Birthday (Perth region) | Aligns with end of Term 3/spring holidays. |
| 25 December | Christmas Day | End of school year. |
| 28 December (or 26th adjusted) | Boxing Day | Extended holiday period. |
Public holidays create natural breaks: expect 3-4 day weekends around Easter, ANZAC, and Australia Day. In regional WA, additional local holidays like show days (e.g., Perth Royal Show in late September) may apply.
Overlaps: Long Weekends and Extended Breaks in 2026
Smart planning leverages overlaps:
- Australia Day (26 Jan): Likely a Monday, extending the Australia Day long weekend into school Term 1.
- Easter (early April): Coincides with autumn holidays for a 10+ day break—prime for family travel to Rottnest Island or Broome.
- ANZAC Day (25 Apr, Saturday): Possible Friday off or adjusted, bridging into Term 2.
- WA Day (1 June, Monday): Three-day weekend mid-year.
- King’s Birthday (28 Sept, Monday): Perfectly timed with spring holidays for a 9-day break.
- Christmas/New Year: 12+ days off, ideal for interstate flights or camping in Karijini National Park.
These alignments make 2026 a strong year for budget travel, as school holidays reduce crowds on public holidays.
Family Travel and Activity Tips for WA Holidays
WA’s vast landscape offers diverse options tailored to school breaks:
Summer (Dec-Jan): Beach Bliss
- Head to Esperance or Exmouth for Ningaloo Reef snorkelling. Book early for peak season.
Autumn (April): Easter Escapes
- Family-friendly: Perth Zoo, Fremantle markets, or a drive to Pemberton for karri forests.
Winter (July): Indoor and Adventure
- Indoor: Scitech or AQWA Aquarium. Outdoor: Whale watching in Albany.
Spring (Oct): Wildflowers and Festivals
- Drive the Wildflower Way from Perth to Geraldton. Coincides with school holidays.
Practical Advice:
- Accommodation: Use school holiday blackouts to avoid; opt for mid-holiday weeks.
- Budgeting: Public transport is free on some holidays; check Transperth.
- Childcare: Non-working parents can access vacation care via schools.
- Interstate Travel: Note NSW/VIC holidays differ—e.g., VIC’s Queen’s Birthday is different.
- COVID/Weather Prep: Monitor Bureau of Meteorology for bushfire risks; pack sunscreen year-round.
Final Checklist for 2026
- Bookmark official sites for updates (expected late 2025).
- Sync family calendars with school apps like SEQTA.
- Plan around overlaps for max relaxation.
- Consider working parent entitlements under Fair Work Act.
By anticipating these dates, WA families can balance work, school, and play seamlessly. Stay informed for a stress-free year ahead. (Word count: 812)