School Holidays WA 2026: Dates & Family Guide

Planning for School Holidays WA 2026

As parents and families in Western Australia gear up for 2026, knowing school holiday dates is crucial for booking family trips, arranging childcare, or simply enjoying downtime. The WA Department of Education releases official public school calendars mid-year prior, so these are projected dates based on historical patterns (typically 10-11 weeks per term with two-week breaks). Always verify exact dates on the official website (education.wa.edu.au/schoolholidays) or your school’s calendar, as public holidays like Easter can shift them slightly. Independent and Catholic schools may vary.

School holidays WA 2026 offer prime opportunities for family bonding, whether exploring Perth’s beaches, road-tripping through the Margaret River region, or flying to the Kimberley. With rising travel costs post-COVID, early planning saves money and stress.

Projected WA Public School Term Dates and Holidays 2026

Here’s a breakdown of expected terms and holidays for WA government schools in 2026. These align with past years but are not official—double-check closer to the time.

Term 1 (January to March)

• Starts: Wednesday, 28 January 2026 (Australia Day public holiday on 26 Jan)
• Ends: Friday, 27 March 2026
• Autumn Holidays: Saturday, 28 March to Tuesday, 14 April 2026 (approx. 2.5 weeks, including Easter long weekend: Good Friday 3 April, Easter Monday 6 April)

Families often use this break for short getaways, as autumn weather in Perth is mild (20-25°C).

Term 2 (April to June)

• Starts: Wednesday, 15 April 2026
• Ends: Friday, 26 June 2026
• Winter Holidays: Saturday, 27 June to Sunday, 12 July 2026 (2 weeks)

Winter holidays coincide with school holidays across Australia, making popular spots like Rottnest Island busier.

Term 3 (July to September)

• Starts: Monday, 13 July 2026
• Ends: Friday, 25 September 2026
• Spring Holidays: Saturday, 26 September to Sunday, 11 October 2026 (2 weeks)

Spring brings wildflowers to WA’s southwest—perfect for nature lovers.

Term 4 (October to December)

• Starts: Monday, 12 October 2026
• Ends: Thursday, 10 December 2026 (early finish for summer prep)
• Summer Holidays: Friday, 11 December 2026 to Tuesday, 26 January 2027 (about 7 weeks)

The long summer break is ideal for epic family adventures, from beach camping to interstate flights.

Note: Student-free days (e.g., 1-2 days before term start) and public holidays like King’s Birthday (27 September 2026, first Monday) may adjust schedules. Regional WA schools sometimes align differently.

Family Travel Ideas During School Holidays WA 2026

WA’s vast landscape means diverse options. With domestic travel booming, book flights and accommodations 6-12 months ahead via Qantas, Virgin, or Rex Airlines. Fuel prices fluctuate, so budget $200-500/day for a family of four on road trips.

Short Breaks (Autumn, Winter, Spring Holidays)

• Perth and Surrounds: Visit Kings Park for wildflowers (spring), AQWA Aquarium, or Perth Zoo. Day trips to Fremantle Markets or Penguin Island.
• Rottnest Island: Quokka selfies and bike rides—ferries from Perth/Fremantle fill fast (book via rottnestexpress.com.au).
• Southwest Road Trip: Margaret River for wineries (family-friendly tastings), beaches, and caves. 3-hour drive from Perth; stay in eco-lodges ($300/night).

Summer Holidays WA 2026

• Northwest Adventure: Fly to Exmouth for Ningaloo Reef snorkelling (whale sharks July-Oct, but summer for calm waters). Broome for Cable Beach sunsets and dinosaur prints.
• Interstate: Sydney or Melbourne via direct flights (3-5 hours). Align with NSW/VIC holidays for shared family visits.
• Camping: WA’s national parks like Karijini or Kalbarri offer budget stays ($15/person/night). Pack for 40°C heat and flies.

Compare costs: WA domestic flights average $150-400 return pp; driving saves but adds 10-20% fuel.

Fun Activities and Events for School Holidays WA 2026

Keep kids entertained without breaking the bank:

Free or Low-Cost Options

• Beaches: Cottesloe or City Beach for picnics.
• Parks and Playgrounds: Yaganup in Perth or regional spots like Busselton Jetty.
• Library Programs: WA libraries host free holiday workshops (storytime, coding).

Paid Attractions

• Scitech: Interactive science in Perth ($20/adult, $16/child).
• Events: Check for Fringe World (Feb/Mar), WA Day (June long weekend), or Spring Festival. 2026 Sydney NYE fireworks draw crowds.

For teens: Skate parks, climbing gyms, or Jetstar’s adventure camps.

Practical Tips for WA Families

1. Budgeting: Allocate $1,000-5,000 per holiday based on duration. Use Everyday Rewards or Flybuys for discounts.
2. Bookings: Secure holiday programs via Camp Australia or before/after-school care early.
3. Health/Safety: Sunscreen, hats essential; check BOM.gov.au for forecasts. COVID rules minimal but monitor.
4. Sustainability: Choose eco-tours (e.g., eco-certified Ningaloo operators).
5. Working Parents: Explore flexible work or shared care with relatives.

Holiday Period	Ideal Trip Length	Top Spots
Autumn	4-7 days	Margaret River, Perth
Winter	7-10 days	Rottnest, Albany
Spring	5-7 days	Wildflower drives, Pemberton
Summer	2-6 weeks	Broome, Exmouth, interstate

By planning around school holidays WA 2026, your family can create lasting memories. Subscribe to Dept of Education newsletters for updates. Safe travels!

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