VIC School Holidays 2025 & 2026: Dates and Planning Tips

· vic school holidays 2025 and 2026

Introduction to VIC School Holidays 2025 and 2026

Planning family time around school holidays is essential for Victorian families. Searching for “VIC school holidays 2025 and 2026” often means coordinating trips, childcare, or work leave. This article provides projected dates for government schools based on announcements from the Department of Education Victoria (DETV). Important disclaimer: These are indicative dates only. Always verify exact term dates, student-free days, and holidays on the official DETV website or your school’s calendar, as they can change due to public health directives or policy updates. Independent and Catholic schools may differ slightly.

Victorian school years typically include four terms with holidays in between: summer (December-January), autumn (late April), winter (late June-early July), spring (late September), and the long summer break. Public holidays like Australia Day, Easter, and Queen’s Birthday often align with or extend these periods.

Projected 2025 VIC School Holidays for Government Schools

Here are the projected term and holiday dates for 2025. These follow DETV’s standard pattern, released in late 2024.

Term 1 2025

  • Start: Tuesday, 28 January (after Australia Day long weekend)
  • End: Friday, 4 April
  • Holidays: Monday, 7 April to Friday, 25 April (includes Easter long weekend: Good Friday 18 April to Easter Monday 21 April)

Term 2 2025

  • Start: Monday, 28 April
  • End: Friday, 6 June
  • Holidays: Monday, 9 June to Friday, 27 June (winter break; Queen’s Birthday is Monday, 9 June—a public holiday)

Term 3 2025

  • Start: Monday, 14 July
  • End: Friday, 19 September
  • Holidays: Monday, 22 September to Friday, 10 October (spring break)

Term 4 2025

  • Start: Monday, 13 October (after Labour Day public holiday on 13 October in some regions)
  • End: Friday, 19 December
  • Summer Holidays: Saturday, 20 December 2025 to Tuesday, 27 January 2026

Note: Student-free days (e.g., before Term 1 start) are usually 1-2 days prior—check school-specific calendars.

Projected 2026 VIC School Holidays for Government Schools

Dates for 2026 follow a similar structure, typically shifting slightly due to calendar alignment. Confirm via DETV closer to the year.

Term 1 2026

  • Start: Tuesday, 27 January
  • End: Thursday, 2 April
  • Holidays: Monday, 6 April to Friday, 24 April (Easter influences timing)

Term 2 2026

  • Start: Monday, 27 April
  • End: Friday, 5 June
  • Holidays: Monday, 8 June to Friday, 26 June (Queen’s Birthday likely 8 June)

Term 3 2026

  • Start: Monday, 13 July
  • End: Friday, 18 September
  • Holidays: Monday, 21 September to Friday, 9 October

Term 4 2026

  • Start: Monday, 12 October
  • End: Friday, 18 December
  • Summer Holidays: Saturday, 19 December 2026 to at least late January 2027

These projections account for fixed public holidays like Australia Day (26 January) and AFL Grand Final public holiday (likely late September).

Key Differences Across School Sectors

  • Government Schools: Follow DETV dates uniformly across Victoria.
  • Catholic Schools: Often align closely but may start a week earlier in Term 1 or have different pupil-free days. Check the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CECV).
  • Independent Schools: Most flexible; many follow government dates but add extras. Contact your school directly.

Regional variations exist—rural schools might adjust for local events. Interstate families note VIC holidays differ from NSW (e.g., shorter winter break) or QLD.

Planning Family Travel During VIC School Holidays

School holidays are peak family travel times in Australia. Book early to avoid crowds and high prices.

Domestic Destinations

  • Melbourne & Surrounds: Free zoo visits, Scienceworks, or Luna Park during autumn/winter breaks.
  • Great Ocean Road: Ideal for summer 2025/2026 road trips from Melbourne (4-5 hours drive). Camp at Twelve Apostles.
  • Phillip Island: Penguin Parade and beaches—perfect spring getaway.
  • High Country: Bright or Falls Creek for winter school holidays skiing (June/July 2025).
  • Yarra Valley: Wine tours (family-friendly options) and hot air ballooning in October.

Interstate and International Tips

  • Align with other states for joint family trips—e.g., VIC and NSW summer holidays overlap.
  • Budget for fuel surcharges during peaks. Use apps like SchoolMyKids or DETV’s holiday planner.
  • Consider staycations: Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens or Sovereign Hill for history buffs.

Practical Advice:

  • Accommodation: Campgrounds fill fast—book via Parks Victoria.
  • Flights/Trains: V/Line for regional VIC; Jetstar/Qantas for Sydney/Brisbane.
  • Costs: Expect 20-50% premium on holiday peaks. Look for family deals on Expedia or Booking.com.
  • Weather: Summer 40°C+; winter snow in Alps—pack accordingly.

Public Holidays Impacting VIC School Holidays

Key 2025/2026 dates:

  • Australia Day: 26 Jan (long weekend)
  • Easter: Varies (April)
  • ANZAC Day: 25 April
  • Queen’s Birthday: June
  • AFL Grand Final: Late Sept (Melbourne public holiday)
  • Labour Day: March (Term 1), October (some regions)
  • Melbourne Cup: First Tuesday November

These often create 4-day weekends, extending holidays.

Resources for Verification and More

  • Official Site: education.vic.gov.au (search “school term dates”)
  • Apps: School Holidays Australia app for all states.
  • Family Support: DETV’s holiday programs for camps/childcare.

By planning with these projected VIC school holidays 2025 and 2026 dates, you can make the most of family time. Verify updates annually—dates are set 12-18 months ahead. Safe travels!

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