School Holidays Perth Western Australia 2026 Guide

· school holidays perth western australia 2026

School Holidays in Perth, Western Australia: What Families Need to Know

Perth families planning for 2026 school holidays can look forward to a mix of relaxation, adventures, and quality time. Western Australia’s public school calendar structures the year into four terms, with holidays in between for recharging. These breaks align with the Southern Hemisphere seasons, offering autumn, winter, spring, and summer downtime.

While private schools and independent colleges may vary slightly, most follow the Department of Education’s schedule. Perth’s Mediterranean climate makes holidays ideal for beach days in summer or cozy indoor fun in winter. This guide provides expected dates based on historical patterns—families must verify exact dates with the WA Department of Education website or their school, as calendars are typically released mid-2025.

Expected 2026 School Term Dates for WA Public Schools

The WA school year usually starts late January after Australia Day and ends mid-December. Here’s a projected outline for 2026, including student-free days for teacher planning:

Term 1 (Summer Term)

  • Student-free days: Monday 26 January (Australia Day public holiday) and Tuesday 27 January.
  • Students start: Wednesday 28 January.
  • Ends: Friday 3 April.
  • Autumn holidays: Saturday 4 April to Friday 24 April (includes Easter: Good Friday 3 April, Easter Monday 6 April).

Term 2 (Autumn Term)

  • Student-free day: Monday 27 April.
  • Students start: Tuesday 28 April.
  • Ends: Friday 3 July.
  • Winter holidays: Saturday 4 July to Sunday 26 July.

Term 3 (Winter Term)

  • Student-free day: Monday 27 July.
  • Students start: Tuesday 28 July.
  • Ends: Friday 25 September.
  • Spring holidays: Saturday 26 September to Friday 16 October.

Term 4 (Spring Term)

  • Student-free day: Monday 19 October.
  • Students start: Tuesday 20 October.
  • Ends: Friday 11 December.
  • Summer holidays: Saturday 12 December 2026 to Tuesday 26 January 2027.

Important disclaimer: These are indicative dates based on WA’s consistent patterns (four-week winter break, two-week others). Official 2026 calendars may adjust for public holidays like King’s Birthday (June) or Labour Day (March). Check education.wa.edu.au/school-holidays for updates.

Private schools in Perth suburbs like Subiaco or Nedlands often mirror these but add extras. Catholic schools follow a similar calendar via cepwa.org.au.

Planning Family Travel During Perth School Holidays 2026

School holidays coincide with peak travel times, so book early for flights from Perth Airport (PER) or road trips. WA’s vast size means holidays are perfect for exploring beyond the city.

Domestic Travel Tips

  • Flights: Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar offer direct routes to Sydney, Melbourne, or Gold Coast. Expect 20-50% price hikes during breaks—book 3-6 months ahead via Skyscanner.
  • Road Trips: Drive to Margaret River (3 hours south) for beaches and wineries (family-friendly distilleries too). Or head to Monkey Mia (850km north) for dolphins—align with autumn or spring holidays to avoid summer heat.
  • Accommodations: Use Airbnb or Booking.com for Perth stays; caravan parks like Discovery Parks fill fast in summer.

Interstate and International

  • Fly to Queensland for theme parks (Dreamworld) during winter holidays when it’s cooler in Perth (15-20°C).
  • Bali or Singapore are quick 4-5 hour flights for summer escapes—check Smart Traveller for family advisories.

Budget tip: WA residents get reciprocal school holiday discounts at some attractions. Pack for variable weather: 30°C+ summers, rainy winters.

Top Family Activities in Perth During School Holidays

Perth’s 19 beaches, parks, and wildlife make holidays memorable without leaving town.

Outdoor Adventures

  • Rottnest Island: Ferry from Fremantle (25 mins), bike around spotting quokkas. Book via rottnestexpress.com.au—peak holiday slots sell out.
  • Cottesloe Beach: Swim, build sandcastles, or picnic. Free BBQs available.
  • Kings Park: 400ha playground with treetop walks and wildflower displays (spring holidays peak bloom).

Indoor and Educational Fun

  • Perth Zoo: See giraffes and tigers; holiday programs include keeper talks ($30/adult).
  • Scitech: Hands-on science exhibits in West Perth—great for rainy winter days.
  • AQWA (Aquarium of WA): Hillarys Boat Harbour spot for sharks and seahorses.

Events and Festivals

  • Summer: Fringe World Festival (January-February) with kid shows.
  • Autumn: Easter markets.
  • Winter: Snow play at one of Perth’s artificial snow centres.
  • Spring: Perth Royal Show (September) with rides, animals, and showbags.

Free options: Playgrounds at Elizabeth Quay or free zoo entry days (check schedules).

Public vs Private Schools and Regional Variations

Perth metro schools follow South/West calendar. Regional areas like Kalgoorlie use North calendar (slightly different, e.g., earlier Term 1 start). Confirm via school newsletters.

Private schools (e.g., Scotch College) may extend holidays or add ‘flexi-schools’. Use findaschool.wa.edu.au to check.

How to Confirm Dates and Stay Updated

  1. Visit education.wa.edu.au/school-holidays.
  2. Download the WA Education app.
  3. Join school P&Cs on Facebook (e.g., “Perth Parents School Holidays”).
  4. Subscribe to newsletters from Tourism WA for holiday deals.

Pro tip: Create a shared family Google Calendar with verified dates.

Final Tips for Stress-Free Holidays

  • Budgeting: Allocate $500-1000/week for a family of four on local activities.
  • Health: Book GP check-ups pre-travel; pack sunscreen (SPF50+).
  • Sustainability: Use public transport (Transperth family day passes $5.80) or carpool.

With planning, 2026 school holidays in Perth offer endless opportunities. Verify dates early and enjoy WA’s family-friendly vibe.

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