2026 School Holidays Calendar: Australian Family Guide

· school holidays calendar 2026

Planning Ahead for 2026 School Holidays

For Australian families, marking the school holidays calendar for 2026 is a key step in annual planning. Having a clear view of term dates well in advance allows for smarter budgeting, better travel deals, and reduced stress when organising family time. This guide provides an indicative overview of the 2026 school holiday periods across all states and territories, alongside practical planning advice.

Crucial Disclaimer: The dates below are based on standard academic cycles and historical patterns. All families must verify the exact 2026 term dates with their relevant state or territory education department or their school directly. Official calendars are typically published by governments in mid-2025. Changes can occur due to public holidays, local events, or policy adjustments.

2026 School Term & Holiday Dates by State

Term structures generally follow a four-term pattern with two-week breaks between terms, a three-week break over Christmas/Summer, and a one-week break for mid-year. Below is a state-by-state breakdown based on expected patterns.

New South Wales (NSW)

  • Term 1: Wed 28 Jan – Thu 1 Apr | Holidays: Fri 2 Apr – Sun 18 Apr
  • Term 2: Mon 19 Apr – Fri 25 Jun | Holidays: Sat 26 Jun – Sun 11 Jul
  • Term 3: Mon 12 Jul – Fri 17 Sep | Holidays: Sat 18 Sep – Sun 3 Oct
  • Term 4: Mon 4 Oct – Tue 15 Dec | Summer Holidays: Wed 16 Dec – Sun 24 Jan 2027

Victoria (VIC)

  • Term 1: Tue 27 Jan – Thu 1 Apr | Holidays: Fri 2 Apr – Sun 18 Apr
  • Term 2: Mon 19 Apr – Fri 25 Jun | Holidays: Sat 26 Jun – Sun 11 Jul
  • Term 3: Mon 12 Jul – Fri 17 Sep | Holidays: Sat 18 Sep – Sun 3 Oct
  • Term 4: Mon 4 Oct – Tue 15 Dec | Summer Holidays: Wed 16 Dec – Sun 24 Jan 2027

Queensland (QLD)

  • Term 1: Tue 27 Jan – Fri 3 Apr | Holidays: Sat 4 Apr – Sun 19 Apr
  • Term 2: Mon 20 Apr – Fri 26 Jun | Holidays: Sat 27 Jun – Sun 11 Jul
  • Term 3: Mon 12 Jul – Fri 17 Sep | Holidays: Sat 18 Sep – Sun 3 Oct
  • Term 4: Mon 4 Oct – Fri 11 Dec | Summer Holidays: Sat 12 Dec – Sun 24 Jan 2027

South Australia (SA)

  • Term 1: Tue 27 Jan – Fri 3 Apr | Holidays: Sat 4 Apr – Sun 18 Apr
  • Term 2: Mon 19 Apr – Fri 26 Jun | Holidays: Sat 27 Jun – Sun 11 Jul
  • Term 3: Mon 12 Jul – Fri 17 Sep | Holidays: Sat 18 Sep – Sun 3 Oct
  • Term 4: Mon 4 Oct – Fri 11 Dec | Summer Holidays: Sat 12 Dec – Sun 24 Jan 2027

Western Australia (WA)

  • Term 1: Wed 28 Jan – Fri 3 Apr | Holidays: Sat 4 Apr – Sun 18 Apr
  • Term 2: Mon 19 Apr – Fri 26 Jun | Holidays: Sat 27 Jun – Sun 11 Jul
  • Term 3: Mon 12 Jul – Fri 17 Sep | Holidays: Sat 18 Sep – Sun 3 Oct
  • Term 4: Mon 4 Oct – Fri 11 Dec | Summer Holidays: Sat 12 Dec – Sun 24 Jan 2027

Tasmania (TAS)

  • Term 1: Tue 27 Jan – Thu 1 Apr | Holidays: Fri 2 Apr – Sun 18 Apr
  • Term 2: Mon 19 Apr – Fri 25 Jun | Holidays: Sat 26 Jun – Sun 11 Jul
  • Term 3: Mon 12 Jul – Fri 17 Sep | Holidays: Sat 18 Sep – Sun 3 Oct
  • Term 4: Mon 4 Oct – Tue 15 Dec | Summer Holidays: Wed 16 Dec – Sun 24 Jan 2027

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

The ACT and NT typically align closely with NSW and QLD respectively, but always confirm.

  • ACT: Expected to mirror NSW dates above.
  • NT: Expected to mirror QLD dates above.

Strategic Planning for 2026 Holidays

With dates identified, here’s how to use the 2026 calendar effectively.

1. Book Travel Early

Peak family travel periods (especially the long Christmas/Summer break and Easter) see significant price hikes. Once your state’s dates are confirmed in mid-2025, book flights, accommodation, and major tours. For popular destinations like Queensland, the Northern Territory, or ski fields, booking 6-12 months ahead is advisable for choice and cost.

2. Consider Australian Weather & Seasons

Your holiday destination’s climate in 2026 will depend on the break timing:

  • April & July Holidays: Ideal for tropical North Queensland (dry, winter warmth), the Red Centre (pleasant temperatures), or Australian ski season (July).
  • September/October Holidays: Perfect for southern states (spring), Tasmania, or the Great Barrier Reef (avoiding summer crowds and stingers).
  • December Holidays: Peak summer. Book coastal spots early. Consider southern states (Tasmania, Victoria) for milder heat or alpine regions for a summer escape.

3. Factor in Public Holidays

Check if the 2026 school holiday periods overlap with state or national public holidays (e.g., Australia Day Jan 26, Anzac Day Apr 25, Labour Day vary by state). This can mean extended long weekends but also increased demand and higher prices for transport and accommodation.

4. Plan Staycations & Local Activities

Not every holiday requires a trip away. Use the calendar to plan local explorations—museums, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and regional towns often have special programs during school holidays. Booking these popular local activities in advance is also wise.

5. Budget & Save Systematically

Knowing your holiday dates 18 months in advance allows you to create a dedicated savings plan. Set up a separate ‘holiday fund’ and make regular contributions after each pay cycle. This spreads the cost and prevents last-minute financial strain.

6. Check for Local Events

Once you have confirmed dates, research major events in your target destination for 2026 (e.g., regional agricultural shows, food festivals, sports events). These can be a fantastic addition to your trip but will also affect accommodation availability and pricing.

Final Verification & Key Resources

Your single most important action is verification. In mid-2025, visit the official website of your state/territory’s education department. Search for “2026 school term dates” on sites like:

  • NSW Department of Education
  • Victorian Department of Education
  • Queensland Department of Education
  • SA Department for Education
  • WA Department of Education
  • Tasmanian Department of Education
  • ACT Education Directorate
  • NT Department of Education

Also, confirm directly with your child’s school, as some independent or Catholic schools may have slightly different calendars.

Conclusion

The 2026 school holidays calendar is a powerful planning tool. By using this indicative guide to draft your family’s plans now, you set yourself up for more affordable, organised, and enjoyable breaks. The key is to treat these dates as a flexible framework, then lock in your specific plans only after receiving official confirmation from your education authority. Early, informed planning is the cornerstone of stress-free family travel.