When Are the First School Holidays 2026 in Australia?

For Australian families planning ahead, knowing when the first school holidays of 2026 fall is essential for booking family travel, organising childcare, or simply enjoying a break. The first school holidays typically mark the end of Term 1, often aligning with Easter and spanning about two weeks in late April. However, dates vary by state and territory, and are set by each education department. Always verify exact dates on official state websites, as they can shift slightly due to public holidays like Easter (Good Friday on April 3, 2026).

This guide provides approximate dates based on historical patterns and early 2026 projections. Use it as a starting point, but cross-check with your state’s education authority for confirmed schedules.

Understanding Australia’s School Holiday Calendar

Australia’s school year divides into four terms with holidays in between:

Term 1: Late January/early February to mid/late April (first holidays).
Term 2: Late April to end of June/early July (winter holidays).
Term 3: Mid-July to late September (spring holidays).
Term 4: Mid-October to mid-December (summer holidays).

The first holidays in 2026 will likely be the Easter/Autumn break, perfect for mild weather travel before winter sets in. Public holidays like Good Friday (April 3) and Easter Monday (April 6) often extend the break. Non-government schools may differ slightly.

Approximate First School Holidays 2026 by State and Territory

Here’s a state-by-state overview of projected Term 1 end and first holiday dates for 2026. These are estimates—families must confirm with official sources such as:

NSW: education.nsw.gov.au
VIC: education.vic.gov.au
QLD: qld.gov.au/education
And so on for other states.

State/Territory	Approx. Term 1 Ends	First Holidays	Term 2 Starts
New South Wales	Friday, April 3	Sat Apr 4 – Fri Apr 24	Mon Apr 27
Victoria	Thursday, April 2	Fri Apr 3 – Sun Apr 26	Mon Apr 27
Queensland	Thursday, April 2	Fri Apr 3 – Fri Apr 24	Mon Apr 27
South Australia	Friday, April 3	Sat Apr 4 – Sun Apr 26	Mon Apr 27
Western Australia	Friday, April 3	Sat Apr 4 – Fri Apr 24	Mon Apr 27
Tasmania	Thursday, April 9	Fri Apr 10 – Sun May 3	Mon May 4
Northern Territory	Fri Apr 3	Sat Apr 4 – Sun Apr 26	Mon Apr 27
Australian Capital Territory	Fri Apr 3	Sat Apr 4 – Fri Apr 24	Mon Apr 27

Note: Dates account for Easter but may adjust for local needs. Catholic and independent schools often follow similar patterns but check separately.

Planning Family Travel During First 2026 School Holidays

With advance notice, these holidays are ideal for affordable getaways. Autumn weather (15-25°C in many areas) suits outdoor adventures without summer crowds.

Domestic Travel Tips

Budget-Friendly Spots: Head to the Gold Coast (QLD) for theme parks like Dreamworld, or the Great Ocean Road (VIC) for scenic drives. Sydney families can explore the Blue Mountains.
Road Trips: Inter-state travel is easy—e.g., Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great Ocean Road (about 10 hours). Book campsites early via parks websites.
Flights and Accom: Airlines like Jetstar and Virgin offer family deals. Use sites like Booking.com for holiday homes; aim for mid-week stays to save 20-30%.

Interstate and International Considerations

Align trips if crossing states (e.g., NSW/VIC holidays overlap perfectly).
For overseas, Bali or New Zealand flights peak then—book 6 months ahead for deals under $500 return from major cities.

Practical Prep Checklist

Verify Dates: Contact your school or state education site.
Childcare/Activities: Enrol in holiday programs via council websites.
Budget: Allocate for fuel ($2.00/L expected), entry fees ($50/family for zoos).
Packing: Layered clothes for variable autumn weather; sunscreen still needed.
Health/Safety: Update vaccinations; download state park apps for alerts.

Fun Family Activities for the First Holidays

Make the most of the break:

Outdoor Adventures

Beaches and Parks: Byron Bay (NSW/QLD border) for whale watching (starts May, but prep now).
Hiking: Cradle Mountain (TAS) or Kosciuszko National Park (NSW)—easy family trails.

Indoor/Stay-Home Ideas

Museums: Free entry at National Gallery (ACT) or Scienceworks (VIC).
DIY Fun: Backyard Easter hunts extended, or baking Australian bush tucker recipes.

Events to Watch

Easter shows and festivals: Royal Easter Show (NSW, early April lead-in), or Adelaide Fringe tail-end.

Why Early Planning Matters

School holidays drive up prices—accommodation jumps 50% in popular spots. By searching ‘first school holidays 2026’ now, you’re ahead. Apps like School Holidays Australia provide reminders.

In summary, expect the first 2026 school holidays around early to late April, post-Easter. Tailor plans to your state, prioritise official verification, and create lasting memories. Safe travels!

(Word count: 748. All dates approximate—verify with your state/territory education department for accuracy.)