When is Term 1 School Holidays 2026 in Australia?
When are the Term 1 School Holidays in 2026?
For Australian families planning ahead, the question “when is term 1 school holidays 2026” is top of mind. The direct answer is that there is no single national date. School term dates, including holidays, are set independently by each state and territory’s Department of Education. This means the break after Term 1 will fall on different weeks across the country.
This article provides the expected and typical dates for the 2026 Term 1 holidays based on historical patterns. However, these are estimates only. You must confirm the exact dates with your relevant state or territory education authority closer to the time.
Why Dates Differ Across Australia
Australia’s education system is managed at the state/territory level, not federally. Each jurisdiction sets its own academic calendar, considering local factors like public holidays, climate (e.g., avoiding the hottest part of summer in the north), and teacher professional development days. Consequently, while the school year generally starts in late January/early February and ends in mid-December, the mid-year and end-of-year breaks vary.
For 2026, the Term 1 holiday period will follow the first term, which typically runs for about 10 weeks. The holiday break is usually 1-2 weeks long.
Estimated 2026 Term 1 Holiday Dates by State/Territory
Based on the standard term structures for 2024-2025 and projected calendars, here are the likely dates for the Term 1 school holidays in 2026. Treat these as a planning guide only.
| State/Territory | Estimated Term 1 Holidays 2026 | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales (NSW) | Friday, 10 April – Sunday, 25 April 2026 | 2 weeks |
| Victoria (VIC) | Saturday, 4 April – Sunday, 19 April 2026 | 2 weeks |
| Queensland (QLD) | Friday, 3 April – Sunday, 19 April 2026 | 2 weeks |
| South Australia (SA) | Friday, 10 April – Sunday, 25 April 2026 | 2 weeks |
| Western Australia (WA) | Friday, 3 April – Sunday, 19 April 2026 | 2 weeks |
| Tasmania (TAS) | Thursday, 9 April – Sunday, 25 April 2026 | 2.5 weeks* |
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | Friday, 10 April – Sunday, 25 April 2026 | 2 weeks |
| Northern Territory (NT) | Friday, 3 April – Sunday, 19 April 2026 | 2 weeks |
*Tasmania often has an extended break that includes the Easter Monday public holiday.
Important Note on Easter 2026: Easter Sunday falls on 5 April 2026. Good Friday is 3 April, and Easter Monday is 6 April. This public holiday period directly influences the timing of the Term 1 holidays in most states, as schools typically break after the Easter long weekend.
How to Get the Official, Verified Dates
To avoid any planning mistakes, you must check the official sources. Here is how to find the confirmed 2026 term dates:
- New South Wales (NSW): NSW Department of Education website – “School Term Dates”
- Victoria (VIC): Victorian Department of Education website – “Term dates”
- Queensland (QLD): Queensland Department of Education website – “School holidays”
- South Australia (SA): Department for Education SA website – “School term dates”
- Western Australia (WA): Department of Education WA website – “School term dates”
- Tasmania (TAS): Department for Education, Children and Young People website – “School calendar”
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT): ACT Education Directorate website – “School term dates”
- Northern Territory (NT): Department of Education website – “School calendar”
Additionally, always check your specific school’s calendar. Independent, Catholic, and some government schools may have slight variations for staff professional development days or school-specific events.
Practical Planning Tips for the 2026 April Holidays
Once you have the confirmed dates for your state, you can start planning:
- Book Travel Early: The April school holidays coincide with good weather in many parts of Australia and are a popular time for family trips. Flights, accommodation, and major attractions book out months in advance.
- Consider Domestic Options: From the autumnal colours of Tasmania to the dry season beginning in the Northern Territory and Queensland, April is an ideal time to explore different regions within Australia.
- Check for Local Events: Many towns and cities host festivals, agricultural shows, or holiday programs during the school break. Research your local area or potential destination.
- Plan for Rainy Days: In southern states, April can be unpredictable. Have a list of indoor activities like museums, galleries, or indoor play centres as backup.
- Childcare Coordination: If you’re not taking extended leave, book vacation care programs early, as they are in high demand during this period.
Key Takeaway
While the estimated 2026 Term 1 school holidays across most of Australia are likely to be from Friday, 3 April to Sunday, 19 April or Friday, 10 April to Sunday, 25 April, this is not official. The exact dates depend on your state’s final published calendar.
Your essential first step is to bookmark your state’s Department of Education website and verify the dates when the 2026 calendar is released (usually in mid-2025). This ensures your travel plans, leave requests, and holiday activities are perfectly timed for your family’s break.
Plan ahead, verify officially, and enjoy a well-deserved break!