When Are School Holidays for 2026 in Australia?

When Are the School Holidays for 2026 in Australia?

Planning ahead for school holidays is essential for Australian families juggling work, travel, and kids’ routines. The phrase “when are the school holidays for 2026” is a common search as parents look to book family trips or arrange childcare early. However, school calendars vary by state and territory, and even public vs private schools can differ slightly. Important: These are projected dates based on historical patterns and early releases where available. Families must verify exact dates with their state or territory education department websites, as they can change due to public holidays or other factors.

Australia’s school year typically runs four terms from late January to mid-December, with holidays in between: autumn (Easter), winter, spring, and a long summer break. In 2026, expect similar structures, influenced by fixed dates like Australia Day (January 26) and Easter (April 5-6). Private schools and homeschooling may follow different calendars, so check individually.

Projected School Term Dates for 2026 by State and Territory

Here’s a state-by-state breakdown of anticipated term dates and holidays for public schools in 2026. These projections align with past calendars (e.g., 2024-2025 patterns), but official 2026 calendars are being finalized now—visit department sites for updates.

New South Wales (NSW)

Summer Holidays: End ~January 28 (students start Term 1)
Term 1: January 28 – April 9
Autumn Holidays: April 10 – April 24
Term 2: April 27 – June 26
Winter Holidays: June 29 – July 13
Term 3: July 14 – September 25
Spring Holidays: September 28 – October 12
Term 4: October 13 – December 17
Summer Holidays: December 18, 2026 – January 29, 2027

NSW families often head to beaches like the Gold Coast during summer breaks. Verify at: education.nsw.gov.au

Victoria (VIC)

Summer Holidays: End ~January 27
Term 1: January 28 – April 2 (early finish for Easter)
Autumn Holidays: April 3 – April 20
Term 2: April 21 – June 26
Winter Holidays: June 29 – July 12
Term 3: July 13 – September 18
Spring Holidays: September 21 – October 5
Term 4: October 6 – December 18
Summer Holidays: December 19, 2026 – January 26, 2027

Melbourne families love the winter break for ski trips to the Alps. Check: education.vic.gov.au

Queensland (QLD)

Summer Holidays: End ~January 27
Term 1: January 27 – April 3
Autumn Holidays: April 6 – April 17
Term 2: April 20 – June 19
Winter Holidays: June 22 – July 6
Term 3: July 7 – September 11
Spring Holidays: September 14 – September 28
Term 4: October 1 – December 11
Summer Holidays: December 12, 2026 – January 26, 2027

QLD’s tropical climate makes summer holidays perfect for Great Barrier Reef adventures. Source: qld.gov.au/education

Western Australia (WA)

Summer Holidays: End ~January 28
Term 1: January 28 – April 3
Autumn Holidays: April 6 – April 24
Term 2: April 27 – July 3
Winter Holidays: July 6 – July 20
Term 3: July 21 – September 25
Spring Holidays: September 28 – October 12
Term 4: October 13 – December 17
Summer Holidays: December 18, 2026 – January 28, 2027

Perth families plan winter escapes to Rottnest Island. Verify: education.wa.edu.au

South Australia (SA)

Summer Holidays: End ~January 28
Term 1: January 28 – April 9
Autumn Holidays: April 10 – April 27
Term 2: April 28 – July 3
Winter Holidays: July 6 – July 20
Term 3: July 21 – September 25
Spring Holidays: September 28 – October 12
Term 4: October 13 – December 17
Summer Holidays: December 18, 2026 – January 28, 2027

Adelaide’s spring break aligns with wine region visits. Check: education.sa.gov.au

Tasmania (TAS)

Summer Holidays: End ~January 28
Term 1: January 28 – April 9
Autumn Holidays: April 13 – April 27
Term 2: April 28 – June 26
Winter Holidays: June 29 – July 13
Term 3: July 14 – September 25
Spring Holidays: September 28 – October 12
Term 4: October 13 – December 17
Summer Holidays: December 18, 2026 – January 28, 2027

TAS families enjoy Cradle Mountain in winter. Source: education.tas.gov.au

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Similar to NSW, with minor tweaks. Verify: det.act.gov.au

Northern Territory (NT)

Shorter terms; summer holidays often longer due to wet season. Check: education.nt.gov.au

Planning Family Travel During 2026 School Holidays

School holidays mean peak travel times, so book flights and accommodations 6-12 months ahead. Summer 2026 (Dec-Jan) sees domestic hotspots like Byron Bay or the Whitsundays crowded—expect 20-30% higher prices. Winter breaks (June-July) are ideal for interstate trips: QLD families to VIC snowfields, or SYD to PER for beaches.

Tips for Budget Travel:

Use school holiday ‘shoulder periods’ (last week of term) for cheaper rates.
Drive holidays save money; e.g., Sydney to Gold Coast road trip (~$300 fuel).
Campgrounds and Airbnbs offer family deals.
Look for school holiday packages from Qantas or Virgin Australia.

Pack for weather: 2026 summer could hit 40°C in the north; southern winters dip to 5°C.

Overlapping Public Holidays in 2026

Key dates affecting holidays:

Australia Day: Jan 26 (long weekend possible)
Easter: April 5-6 (extends autumn break)
Anzac Day: April 25
King’s Birthday: Varies (June/July/Oct by state)
Labour Day: March/Oct varies

These create ‘super long weekends’—perfect for quick getaways.

How to Stay Updated and Verify Dates

Bookmark your state education site (linked above).
Subscribe to newsletters from Department of Education.
Apps like School Holidays Australia provide reminders.
For private schools, contact directly.

Early planning avoids stress. By mid-2025, most 2026 calendars will be public.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do all Australian states have the same holidays? No, variations exist, especially around Easter and public holidays.

When does school start in 2026? Typically late January; check your state.

Are there pupil-free days? Yes, 4-5 per year—plan childcare.

What about inter-term breaks for high school? Minimal; focus on main holidays.

This guide equips your family for 2026 adventures. Safe travels!

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