Western Australian School Holidays 2026 Guide

· western australian school holidays 2026

Planning Ahead for WA School Holidays 2026

For Western Australian families, marking the school calendar is the first step to planning a great year. While the official 2026 school term dates are yet to be published by the Department of Education Western Australia, we can provide a highly reliable forecast based on the state’s consistent historical patterns. This allows you to start thinking about family trips, childcare, and activities well in advance. Crucially, all families must verify the finalised dates with the WA Department of Education closer to the time.

How Western Australian School Terms Are Set

The Western Australian school year typically begins in late January and concludes in mid-December. The term structure is designed to provide balanced learning periods with breaks that often align with seasonal changes and public holidays. The four-term pattern is:

  • Term 1: Late January to early/mid-April.
  • Term 2: Late April to early July.
  • Term 3: Late July to late September/early October.
  • Term 4: Early October to mid-December.

These dates are influenced by the timing of Easter (which falls in Term 1 or 2) and the need to accommodate the long weekend for the Queen’s Birthday (now the King’s Birthday) in September/October. The dates also ensure the Christmas/New Year break is sufficiently long.

Expected 2026 Term Dates (Forecast Only)

Based on the standard calendar cycle, here is a projected schedule for 2026. This is an estimate for planning purposes only.

  • Term 1: Wednesday, 28 January 2026 – Thursday, 9 April 2026
  • School Holidays: Friday, 10 April – Sunday, 26 April 2026
  • Term 2: Monday, 27 April 2026 – Friday, 3 July 2026
  • School Holidays: Saturday, 4 July – Sunday, 19 July 2026
  • Term 3: Monday, 20 July 2026 – Friday, 25 September 2026
  • School Holidays: Saturday, 26 September – Sunday, 11 October 2026
  • Term 4: Monday, 12 October 2026 – Friday, 18 December 2026
  • Christmas Holidays: Saturday, 19 December 2026 – Sunday, 25 January 2027

Key Forecasted Holiday Periods:

  • Easter Break: Coincides with the start of the Term 1 holidays (around 10-13 April 2026).
  • July Holidays: A two-week break in the middle of winter, perfect for indoor activities or a warm getaway.
  • September/October Holidays: Often includes the King’s Birthday public holiday (typically in September/October). This is a popular time for family travel.
  • Christmas Break: The longest holiday, running from just before Christmas through to the last week of January.

Impact of Public Holidays

Western Australian school holidays frequently incorporate or neighbour public holidays, extending break times. Key 2026 public holidays to note include:

  • Australia Day: 26 January 2026 (Tuesday). If the school year starts on the 28th, this is a short break after the first two days.
  • Easter: Public holidays will fall on Friday 10 April and Monday 13 April 2026.
  • Anzac Day: 25 April 2026 (Saturday). This often falls within the Term 1 holiday break.
  • King’s Birthday: Monday, 28 September 2026 (projected). This will almost certainly be within the Term 3 holidays.
  • Christmas & Boxing Day: 25 & 26 December 2026.

Practical Planning Tips for Families

  1. Verify Dates: Bookmark the Western Australian Department of Education website and check for the official 2026 calendar, usually released in mid-2025.
  2. Book Early: For popular travel periods (July, September/October, Christmas), book accommodation and flights as soon as your plans are firm, especially for interstate destinations.
  3. Check School-Specific Dates: While the state sets the term dates, some independent and Catholic schools may have slightly different start/finish dates or professional development days (pupil-free days). Always check your child’s specific school newsletter or calendar.
  4. Consider Childcare: If you need vacation care, research and book programs early. Many local councils, recreation centres, and organisations like the YMCA run highly sought-after holiday programs.
  5. Plan Around Weather: WA’s seasons are opposite to the northern hemisphere. The July holidays are winter (cool, rainy in the south, dry in the north), while the September/October holidays are spring (beautiful weather). The December holidays are summer peak – book coastal spots early.

Family Travel Ideas for WA School Breaks

  • July Holidays (Winter): Head north to escape the cool. Explore the Ningaloo Reef (snorkelling with whale sharks!), Coral Bay, or the Kimberley region. Alternatively, enjoy cosy indoor activities in Perth: museums, science centres, and indoor play centres.
  • September/October Holidays (Spring): Perfect for outdoor adventures. Visit Margaret River for caves, forests, and beaches before the summer crowds. Take a road trip along the Great Southern region to see wildflowers. Camping in national parks is ideal.
  • Christmas/Summer Holidays: Classic beach time. Book months ahead for Rottnest Island, Esperance, or Broome. Consider a staycation in Perth to enjoy the foreshore, Kings Park, and pop-up summer events.
  • April Holidays (Autumn): A great time for a Perth Hills or Avon Valley escape, with milder weather for hiking and exploring historic towns.

Interstate Travel Considerations

When travelling interstate during WA school holidays, remember you are often travelling against the holiday calendar of eastern states (NSW, VIC, QLD). This can be an advantage for finding better flight and accommodation deals, as you’re not competing with their school holiday periods. However, always double-check the school dates of your destination state if you’re visiting family or want to avoid their local holiday crowds.

Conclusion

While the official 2026 Western Australian school calendar is still pending, the projected dates provide a solid framework for your family’s annual planning. The key is flexibility and early verification. By understanding the typical term pattern, aligning with public holidays, and considering WA’s diverse seasonal offerings, you can turn each school break into a memorable family adventure. Start dreaming now, confirm the dates next year, and get ready to explore everything Western Australia has to offer during your 2026 school holidays.