When Are School Holidays 2026 in Victoria?

· when are school holidays 2026 victoria

When Are School Holidays 2026 in Victoria?

Planning family holidays or travel around school breaks is essential for Australian parents. If you’re searching for ‘when are school holidays 2026 Victoria’, you’re likely looking ahead to make the most of those precious breaks. Victoria’s government schools follow a standard four-term calendar set by the Department of Education. However, exact dates for 2026 are not yet finalized as calendars are typically released 12-18 months in advance.

This article provides projected dates based on historical patterns from recent years (like 2024 and 2025 calendars). Families must verify all dates directly with the Victorian Department of Education website or their school’s calendar, as changes can occur due to public holidays, teacher days, or policy updates. Non-government schools may vary slightly.

Victoria’s School Term Structure

Victorian schools run four terms per year, with holidays in between:

  • Autumn holidays: 2 weeks after Term 1.
  • Winter holidays: 2 weeks after Term 2.
  • Spring holidays: 2 weeks after Term 3.
  • Summer holidays: 6-7 weeks after Term 4.

Terms usually start on a Wednesday (except Term 1, often a Tuesday or Wednesday post-Australia Day). Student-free days precede most terms for teacher professional development.

Public holidays like Easter, ANZAC Day, Queen’s Birthday, AFL Grand Final (public holiday in 2025+), and Labour Day influence the calendar. For 2026, Easter falls 3-6 April, ANZAC Day 25 April, and Queen’s Birthday 8 June.

Projected School Term Dates for 2026

Disclaimer: These are estimates based on patterns from 2023-2025 calendars. Official 2026 dates will be published on education.vic.gov.au. Always check for your child’s school.

Term 1 2026 (Approximately 9-10 weeks)

  • Starts: Wednesday, 28 January (after Australia Day long weekend).
  • Ends: Friday, 27 March.
  • Autumn holidays: Saturday, 28 March – Sunday, 12 April (includes Easter long weekend).

Term 1 often aligns with Australia Day (26 Jan) and Labour Day (March), plus a twilight sports day.

Term 2 2026 (Approximately 9 weeks)

  • Starts: Monday, 13 April (student-free day may precede).
  • Ends: Friday, 26 June.
  • Winter holidays: Saturday, 27 June – Sunday, 12 July (includes Queen’s Birthday on 8 June).

This term features mid-year reports and King’s Birthday public holiday.

Term 3 2026 (Approximately 10 weeks)

  • Starts: Monday, 13 July.
  • Ends: Friday, 25 September.
  • Spring holidays: Saturday, 26 September – Sunday, 11 October.

AFL Grand Final Friday (likely 25 September) is a public holiday from 2025 onward.

Term 4 2026 (Approximately 7-8 weeks)

  • Starts: Monday, 12 October.
  • Ends: Friday, 18 December.
  • Summer holidays: Saturday, 19 December 2026 – Wednesday, 27 January 2027 (or later).

Includes Melbourne Cup Day (first Tuesday in November) as a public holiday.

Total student days: Around 195-200, per national standards.

How Dates Compare to Other Australian States

School holidays vary across states, so if travelling interstate:

  • NSW: Similar to Victoria, but Term 1 often ends earlier (projected autumn holidays 28 March-11 April 2026).
  • Queensland: Shorter winter break (27 June-11 July).
  • SA/WA: Align closely with Vic.
  • Tasmania: Spring holidays may shift slightly.

Use tools like the Australian Government School Holidays app for cross-state planning.

Planning Family Travel During 2026 Holidays

With Victoria’s holidays forecasted above, here’s practical advice:

Autumn and spring breaks see crowds at Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, or Grampians. Summer is peak for interstate flights to Gold Coast or Tasmania ferries. Aim to book 6-9 months ahead via sites like Expedia or directly with Qantas/Virgin Australia.

Budget-Friendly Tips

  • Drive holidays: Explore Yarra Valley wineries (family-friendly distilleries) or Mornington Peninsula beaches during shorter breaks.
  • Camping: Book national parks via Parks Victoria—autumn is ideal weather-wise.
  • Staycations: Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building events or Scienceworks suit rainy winter days.

Interstate and International Travel

Align with overlapping holidays (e.g., all states off late June-early July). For Bali or NZ, summer holidays offer best value post-school.

Family Activity Ideas by Holiday Period

Autumn (March-April)

Visit Healesville Sanctuary for wildlife or Wilsons Promontory hikes.

Winter (June-July)

Indoor fun: Melbourne Aquarium, Luna Park, or ski trips to Mt Buller (snow season peaks).

Spring (September-October)

Phillip Island penguin parade or Dandenong Ranges hot air balloon rides.

Summer (December-January)

Beach camps at Twelve Apostles or Sydney NYE fireworks (driveable).

Key Reminders for Victorian Families

  • Verify dates: Check education.vic.gov.au/school-term-dates or your school’s newsletter. Catholic/independent schools list on their sites.
  • Pupil-free days: Add 4-5 extra non-student days yearly.
  • Regional variations: Rural schools may adjust for shows like Royal Melbourne or local events.

By planning with these projections, you can secure affordable family memories. Stay updated via the Department’s newsletter signup. Safe travels!

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