WA School Holidays 2026: Dates & Planning Guide

· school holidays in wa 2026

Planning Ahead for WA Families

Knowing the approximate school holiday schedule for 2026 is a powerful tool for Western Australian families. It allows for early booking of popular holiday accommodation, planning of interstate visits to coincide with other states’ breaks, and securing the best deals on flights and activities. While the final, official term dates are published by the WA Department of Education closer to the year, the standard four-term structure provides a reliable framework for initial planning. Crucially, all families must verify the finalised 2026 dates with the Department of Education or their specific school, as independent and Catholic schools may have slight variations.

Anticipated 2026 Term & Holiday Structure

Western Australian public schools typically follow a four-term year with consistent breaks. Based on historical patterns, here is the projected schedule for 2026. These are indicative only.

Term 1

  • Projected Start: Monday, 27 January 2026 (Australia Day public holiday on 26 Jan)
  • Projected End: Friday, 2 April 2026
  • Holidays: Two weeks. Approximately Saturday, 3 April to Sunday, 18 April 2026.
  • Note: This break often includes the Easter long weekend (public holidays Good Friday and Easter Monday).

Term 2

  • Projected Start: Monday, 19 April 2026
  • Projected End: Friday, 25 June 2026
  • Holidays: Two weeks. Approximately Saturday, 26 June to Sunday, 11 July 2026.
  • Note: This break includes the Western Australia Day public holiday (first Monday in June).

Term 3

  • Projected Start: Monday, 12 July 2026
  • Projected End: Friday, 18 September 2026
  • Holidays: Two weeks. Approximately Saturday, 19 September to Sunday, 4 October 2026.

Term 4

  • Projected Start: Monday, 5 October 2026
  • Projected End: Friday, 11 December 2026 (for most students)
  • Holidays: Summer break begins. Approximately Saturday, 12 December 2026 until late January 2027.
  • Note: This term includes the Christmas and New Year public holidays.

Important Considerations & Variations

School Types

The dates above reflect the standard for WA Department of Education public schools. Always check with your specific school.

  • Independent & Catholic Schools: Often, but not always, align with public school dates. Some may have different start/end days or different length breaks (e.g., a three-week holiday in July). Their calendars are set by the individual school or system.
  • Kindergarten & Pre-Primary: Start and finish dates can differ from the main primary school term.

Public Holidays Within Terms

The above holiday periods are designed to incorporate WA’s public holidays. For 2026, key public holidays falling within term time include:

  • Australia Day: 26 January 2026 (likely before Term 1 starts)
  • Western Australia Day: 7 June 2026 (during Term 2)
  • Christmas Day & Boxing Day: 25-26 December 2026 (after school finishes)

Comparing with Other States

A key planning advantage for families with relatives interstate is that term dates are not national. For example, the WA July holidays (Term 3 break) may not align with Queensland’s break, but might partially overlap with Victoria or New South Wales. Checking the term calendars of other states is essential for coordinating cross-border family reunions.

Practical Planning Tips for 2026 Holidays

1. Verify Dates Early in 2025

Mark your diary to check the official 2026 calendar from the WA Department of Education or your school’s website around Term 4 of 2025. This is your definitive source.

2. Book Travel & Accommodation ASAP

Holiday periods, especially the two-week breaks and the Christmas period, are peak travel times. Accommodation in popular WA destinations like Margaret River, Exmouth, or the Kimberley, as well as interstate hotspots, books out months, sometimes over a year, in advance. If you have specific dates in mind from the projections, set a reminder to book as soon as your travel window is confirmed.

3. Plan Local Activities

School holidays are a fantastic time to explore Western Australia. Research:

  • Nature: Hiking in the Stirling Range, snorkelling at Ningaloo Reef (note whale shark season), exploring the karri forests of Pemberton.
  • Events: Check local council and tourism websites for holiday festivals, markets, and workshops in Perth and regional centres.
  • Attractions: Many museums, zoos, and wildlife parks run special holiday programs. Book these online early.

4. Budget for the Long Summer Break

The December/January summer break is the longest. Plan for increased costs for activities, potential holiday care if needed, and often higher electricity bills if children are home. Consider a ‘staycation’ exploring different parts of your own region to manage costs.

5. Use a Term Date Calculator

Once official dates are released, input them into your family’s digital calendar (Google Calendar, Apple Calendar). This creates automatic reminders for the start and end of holidays, helping with planning work leave and childcare.

Final Word

While this guide provides a forward-looking framework based on the traditional WA school calendar, the only dates that matter are those officially confirmed by your school for 2026. Use this information to start conversations and preliminary research, but always double-check before finalising any non-refundable bookings. Thoughtful planning, anchored to verified dates, ensures your family can relax and make the most of every school holiday in 2026.