When Are the School Holidays for Easter 2026 in Australia?

· when are the school holidays for easter 2026

When Are the School Holidays for Easter 2026?

For Australian families planning ahead, knowing when the school holidays for Easter 2026 fall is essential for booking family travel, arranging childcare, or simply enjoying a break. Easter Sunday in 2026 is on April 5, with Good Friday on April 3 and Easter Monday on April 6—public holidays nationwide. However, school holidays vary by state and territory, typically aligning with the end of Term 1 for a two-week autumn break that incorporates Easter.

Important disclaimer: Exact dates are set by each state’s education department and can shift slightly based on policy or calendar adjustments. Always verify with official sources like your state education website, as these projections are based on historical patterns where holidays run from the second Friday in April (or around Easter) for about two weeks. Calendars for 2026 may not be finalised yet, so check closer to the time.

Easter 2026 Key Dates

  • Good Friday: April 3 (public holiday, schools closed)
  • Easter Sunday: April 5
  • Easter Monday: April 6 (public holiday)

Most states schedule holidays to include these dates, providing a long weekend extended into a full break. This setup allows families to travel without mid-holiday school days.

Projected Easter 2026 School Holidays by State and Territory

Here’s a guide to expected dates based on typical Term 1 endings (last day before holidays) and returns (start of Term 2). These are approximations—confirm with authorities.

State/TerritoryLast Day of Term 1Holiday PeriodFirst Day of Term 2
New South Wales (NSW)Friday, April 3April 4 – April 20Monday, April 21
Victoria (VIC)Thursday, April 2April 3 – April 20Monday, April 21
Queensland (QLD)Friday, April 3April 4 – April 14*Monday, April 15*
South Australia (SA)Thursday, April 2April 3 – April 20Monday, April 21
Western Australia (WA)Friday, April 10April 13 – May 4**Monday, May 5**
Tasmania (TAS)Thursday, April 9April 10 – April 27Monday, April 28
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)Friday, April 3April 4 – April 20Monday, April 21
Northern Territory (NT)Friday, April 3April 6 – April 24Monday, April 27

*QLD often has shorter Easter breaks, with Anzac Day holidays separate (April 27 is Monday public holiday). **WA’s holidays are later, sometimes extending into early May to balance the year.

These patterns hold from past years (e.g., 2024 Easter holidays were early April in most states). Non-government schools may vary by a day or two.

Planning Family Travel During Easter 2026 Holidays

With holidays clustering around early April, demand for family-friendly destinations spikes. Here’s practical advice:

  • Domestic flights and drives: Sydney to Gold Coast or Melbourne to Tasmania fill fast. Aim to book by late 2025.
  • Accommodations: Beach houses in QLD or VIC’s Great Ocean Road go quickly. Use sites like Airbnb or Booking.com with flexible dates.

Budget-Friendly Ideas

  • Staycations: Explore local parks, Easter markets, or home-based hunts. Free community events often feature egg hunts.
  • Road trips: From Perth to Margaret River (WA holidays align well) or Adelaide to Kangaroo Island (SA).
  • Camping: National parks like Kosciuszko (NSW/ACT) offer affordable sites—book via state park websites.

Travel with Kids in Mind

Pack for variable autumn weather: cooler in the south (10-20°C), warmer north (25°C+). Include Easter activities like chocolate factory tours (e.g., Cadbury in TAS) or wildlife parks.

Consider school holiday programs: Many councils offer free or low-cost camps, sports, or arts from April 4-18.

Public Holidays and Extra Breaks

Easter long weekend (April 3-6) extends naturally into holidays. Anzac Day (April 25, Saturday in 2026) may add a Monday public holiday in some states, bridging to Term 2.

How to Stay Updated and Verify Dates

  1. Official Websites:

    • NSW: education.nsw.gov.au
    • VIC: education.vic.gov.au
    • QLD: qld.gov.au/education
    • SA: education.sa.gov.au
    • WA: education.wa.edu.au
    • TAS: education.tas.gov.au
    • ACT: education.act.gov.au
    • NT: education.nt.gov.au

  2. Apps and Calendars: Download ‘School Holidays Australia’ app or subscribe to newsletters.

  3. Your School: Principals notify families directly; check parent portals.

  4. Government Portals: education.gov.au for national overviews.

Calendars are usually published by Term 4 of the prior year (October 2025 for 2026).

Making the Most of Easter 2026

Easter holidays offer a perfect reset before Term 2. Use the time for family bonding—bake hot cross buns, visit relatives, or tackle home projects. If travelling interstate, note varying dates (e.g., WA families have more time).

By planning now, you avoid last-minute stress. Whether it’s a quiet beach day or an adventure, these breaks recharge everyone for the school year ahead.

Word count: 748 (Verify dates officially for your state.)