School Holidays in Western Australia 2026: Dates & Tips

· school holidays in western australia 2026

School Holidays in Western Australia 2026: A Family Planning Guide

School holidays in Western Australia (WA) offer families precious time for relaxation, adventures, and creating memories. As 2026 approaches, planning early is key, especially for term breaks and the long summer holiday. This guide provides tentative dates based on historical patterns from the WA Department of Education, public holidays, and practical advice for family travel. Important: These are projections only. Families must verify exact dates with the official WA Department of Education website or your child’s school, as calendars are typically released mid-year prior.

Western Australia’s public school calendar follows four terms with holidays in between, plus pupil-free days and public holidays that may extend breaks. Private schools may vary slightly, so check individually.

Tentative Term Dates and Holidays for WA Public Schools in 2026

Based on previous years’ schedules, here’s what to expect for school holidays in Western Australia 2026. These align with the standard 40-week school year, adjusted for public holidays.

Term 1: Tuesday, 27 January – Friday, 27 March (9 weeks)

  • Summer Holidays: End around Australia Day (Monday, 26 January). Ideal for beach trips before school starts.

Autumn Holidays: Saturday, 28 March – Friday, 17 April (3 weeks, including Easter)

  • Extended due to Easter long weekend (expected 3–6 April). Perfect for short getaways.

Term 2: Monday, 20 April – Friday, 26 June (10 weeks)

Winter Holidays: Saturday, 27 June – Sunday, 19 July (3 weeks)

  • Prime time for cooler-weather activities like zoo visits or indoor fun.

Term 3: Monday, 20 July – Friday, 25 September (10 weeks)

Spring Holidays: Saturday, 26 September – Friday, 16 October (3 weeks)

  • Great for spring blooms and outdoor exploration.

Term 4: Monday, 19 October – Friday, 18 December (9 weeks)

Summer Holidays: Saturday, 19 December 2026 – Monday, 26 January 2027 (about 6 weeks)

  • The longest break, overlapping with Christmas and New Year. Book early for popular spots.

Pupil-free days (typically 4–5 per year) may shift holidays slightly. For example, expect one before Term 1 and after mid-term breaks.

Key Public Holidays Affecting School Holidays in WA 2026

Public holidays can extend breaks, creating super-long weekends. Here’s a projected list for 2026:

  • New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January
  • Australia Day: Monday, 26 January
  • Labour Day: Monday, 2 March
  • Good Friday: Friday, 3 April (plus Easter Monday, 6 April)
  • Anzac Day: Thursday, 25 April
  • Western Australia Day: Monday, 29 June
  • King’s Birthday: Monday, 1 June (Perth metro; regional dates vary)
  • Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December
  • Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December

These often align with term breaks, giving families extra days off. Regional areas like the Kimberley or Goldfields may have different dates for some holidays.

Planning Family Travel During School Holidays in Western Australia

With school holidays in Western Australia 2026 spanning about 14–15 weeks total, strategic planning prevents crowds and high costs. Here’s how:

Top WA Destinations for Families

  • Perth and Surrounds: Rottnest Island for quokkas and beaches (ferry from Fremantle). Perth Zoo or AQWA Aquarium during winter holidays.
  • Margaret River: Wine region with family beaches, caves, and chocolate factories. Ideal for autumn or spring breaks.
  • Broome and the Kimberley: Cable Beach sunsets and dinosaur prints. Best in summer holidays (dry season June–November, but school timing overlaps edges).
  • Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles): Hike beehive domes. Dry season access aligns with winter holidays.
  • Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef: Whale sharks (March–July). Matches autumn/winter breaks.

Drive times from Perth: Margaret River (3 hours), Exmouth (12+ hours—fly for ease).

Interstate Travel Tips

School holiday dates vary across Australia:

  • NSW/Victoria/Queensland: Similar patterns, but check alignments (e.g., WA winter holidays match most states).
  • South Australia/Northern Territory: Slight differences.

Fly to Sydney (5 hours) for Harbour Bridge or Gold Coast theme parks. Qantas, Virgin, and Jetstar offer family deals. Book 6–9 months ahead for summer peaks.

Budgeting and Booking Strategies

  • Accommodation: Use Airbnb, Booking.com, or Parks & Wildlife campsites. WA holidays see 20–50% price hikes—book early.
  • Flights: Monitor Skyscanner for deals. Regional flights (e.g., Perth to Broome) fill fast.
  • Passes and Discounts: RACQ or NRMA for roadside assist; Merlin Entertainments pass for attractions.
  • Free Activities: WA’s 100+ national parks are free entry. Download the WA Parks app.

Pack for WA’s climate: Hot summers (40°C+ north), mild winters (Perth 18°C days).

Educational and Fun Activities During Breaks

Keep kids engaged:

  • Camps and Programs: Surfing camps in autumn, ski trips to nearby NSW in winter (flights 5 hours).
  • Home Learning: Free ABC Education resources on Aussie history.
  • Events: Fringe World Festival (Perth, Feb–March), Christmas markets.

Final Checklist for School Holidays in Western Australia 2026

  1. Bookmark education.wa.edu.au for official 2026 calendar (expected late 2025).
  2. Join school newsletters for updates.
  3. Budget: $2,000–5,000 per family for a week away (domestic).
  4. Health: Update vaccinations; pack reef-safe sunscreen.
  5. Sustainability: Follow Leave No Trace in parks.

By starting now, your family can make the most of school holidays in Western Australia 2026. Safe travels!

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