When Are Easter School Holidays in 2026? Australia Guide
When Are the Easter School Holidays in 2026?
Planning family activities or travel around Easter school holidays in 2026? In Australia, these holidays—often called the autumn break—fall around Easter and vary by state and territory. Official dates are set by each education department and typically released 6-12 months in advance. Easter Sunday 2026 is April 5, with Good Friday on April 3 and Easter Monday on April 6. Expect holidays to span about two weeks, usually from late March or early April to mid-April.
Important: The dates below are tentative estimates based on historical patterns and the 2026 Easter timing. Families must verify exact dates with your state or territory’s education department website, as they can shift slightly for public holidays or adjustments.
Easter Dates in 2026
- Good Friday: Friday, April 3
- Easter Saturday: Saturday, April 4
- Easter Sunday: Sunday, April 5
- Easter Monday: Monday, April 6
These public holidays influence school calendars nationwide, but term ends and starts differ regionally.
State-by-State Easter School Holidays 2026 (Tentative)
Here’s a guide to expected dates. Always cross-check official sources, as 2026 calendars may be published by late 2025.
| State/Territory | Tentative Dates | Typical Duration | Official Verification Site |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales (NSW) | April 3 – April 17 | 2 weeks | NSW Education |
| Victoria (VIC) | March 30 – April 13 | 2 weeks + Easter | Victorian Government Schools |
| Queensland (QLD) | April 3 – April 17 | 2 weeks | Queensland Education |
| South Australia (SA) | April 3 – April 20 | 2 weeks + 1 day | SA Education |
| Western Australia (WA) | April 3 – April 17 | 2 weeks | WA Education |
| Tasmania (TAS) | March 30 – April 13 | 2 weeks | Tasmanian Education |
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | April 3 – April 17 | 2 weeks | ACT Education |
| Northern Territory (NT) | April 3 – April 20 | 2+ weeks | NT Education |
These estimates align with past years where holidays bookend Easter long weekend. For example, in 2024 (Easter March 29), NSW holidays were March 28–April 12. Non-government schools may vary slightly.
Planning Family Travel During Easter 2026 Holidays
Easter holidays are peak family travel time in Australia. With kids off school for up to two weeks, popular spots like the Gold Coast, Sydney beaches, or Great Ocean Road fill up fast.
Booking Tips
- Start Early: Flights and accommodations book out 6+ months ahead. Use sites like Skyscanner or Qantas for deals.
- Domestic Options: Drive to nearby regions—e.g., Blue Mountains from Sydney or Yarra Valley from Melbourne. Avoid peak Easter weekend (April 3-6) for lower costs.
- Budget Travel: Campgrounds via Hipcamp or national parks. Family passes for attractions like Sea World (QLD) save money.
- Weather Prep: Autumn brings mild weather (15-25°C), but pack layers for cooler southern states.
Road Trip Ideas
- NSW/VIC: Hunter Valley wine region (kid-friendly farms) or Phillip Island for penguins.
- QLD: Sunshine Coast for beaches and Australia Zoo.
- WA: Margaret River for chocolate factories and beaches.
Check RAC/AAA for road rules and NRMA for breakdowns.
Integrating with Full 2026 Term Dates
Easter holidays are Term 1’s end. Tentative full-year overview (verify officially):
- Term 1: Late Jan/early Feb – late March/early April
- Easter (Autumn) Break: As above
- Term 2: Mid-April – late June
- Winter Break: ~2 weeks July
- Term 3: Late July – late Sept
- Spring Break: ~2 weeks Oct
- Term 4: Late Oct – mid-Dec
Homeschoolers and private schools follow similar patterns but confirm individually.
Family Activities Beyond Travel
Stay local to save:
- Free Events: Easter egg hunts at community centres or markets (e.g., Canberra’s Floriade prep).
- Outdoor Fun: Bushwalks in national parks—download AllTrails app.
- Educational: Museums like Questacon (ACT) or Scienceworks (VIC) offer holiday programs.
- Screen-Free Ideas: Baking hot cross buns or DIY Easter crafts.
How to Stay Updated on School Holidays
- Bookmark your state’s education site.
- Sign up for newsletters (e.g., NSW DET alerts).
- Apps: School holidays Australia or Term Dates AU.
- Google Calendar integrations for multi-state families.
Changes can occur due to weather or policy—e.g., extra COVID adjustments in past years.
FAQs
Do all Australian schools have the same Easter holidays?
No, dates vary by state. Interstate families should check both.
Are Easter holidays public holidays?
Only Good Friday and Easter Monday are. Schools close fully for the break.
What if my child attends a private school?
Calendars align closely but verify with the school.
Easter 2026 offers great family bonding time. Plan ahead, verify dates, and enjoy! (748 words)