Public and School Holidays 2026: Australia Guide

· public and school holidays 2026

Public and School Holidays 2026 in Australia

Planning ahead for public and school holidays 2026 is essential for Australian families. With school terms varying by state and territory, and public holidays adding extra breaks, knowing these dates helps with family travel, childcare arrangements, and work-life balance. This guide provides an overview based on typical patterns and projected dates. Important: Dates are indicative only. Always verify exact public and school holidays 2026 with your state or territory education department and official government websites, as they can change.

Australia’s holiday calendar blends national observances with state-specific events, creating opportunities for short getaways or extended vacations during school holidays.

National Public Holidays 2026

Most Australians enjoy these nationwide public holidays, though exact dates may shift if they fall on weekends:

  • New Year’s Day: Monday, 1 January 2026
  • Australia Day: Monday, 26 January 2026 (observed on the nearest Monday)
  • Good Friday: Friday, 3 April 2026
  • Easter Monday: Monday, 6 April 2026
  • ANZAC Day: Monday, 27 April 2026 (observed on the nearest Monday)
  • King’s Birthday: Varies by state (typically June or September/October)
  • Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December 2026
  • Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December 2026

These dates provide long weekends perfect for family outings. For instance, the Easter long weekend in early April aligns with school holidays in many states.

State-Specific Public Holidays 2026

Each state and territory adds unique public holidays. Here’s a summary—confirm with state government sites:

New South Wales (NSW)

  • Labour Day: Monday, 5 October 2026

Victoria (VIC)

  • Labour Day: Monday, 9 March 2026
  • AFL Grand Final: Friday, 3 October 2026 (approximate)

Queensland (QLD)

  • Queensland Day: Friday, 30 January? No, typically late January if not observed; check for 2026.

South Australia (SA)

  • Adelaide Cup Day: Monday, 9 March 2026 (approximate)

Western Australia (WA)

  • Labour Day: Monday, 2 March 2026
  • WA Day: Monday, 1 June 2026

Tasmania (TAS)

  • Eight Hours Day: Monday, 9 March 2026

Northern Territory (NT)

  • May Day: Monday, 4 May 2026

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

  • Similar to NSW, with possible Canberra Day: Monday, 9 March 2026

These extra days off can extend school holiday breaks, ideal for regional travel.

School Term Dates 2026 by State and Territory

School holidays 2026 follow four terms, with summer, autumn, winter, and spring breaks. Dates are approximate based on historical patterns (about 10 weeks summer holidays, 2 weeks others). Verify with your state education department for precise public and school holidays 2026.

New South Wales (NSW) and ACT

  • Term 1: 28 January – 10 April (Autumn: 13 April – 27 April)
  • Term 2: 28 April – 26 June (Winter: 29 June – 13 July)
  • Term 3: 14 July – 18 September (Spring: 21 September – 5 October)
  • Term 4: 6 October – 18 December (Summer: 19 December – 29 January 2027)

Victoria (VIC)

  • Term 1: 28 January – 2 April (Autumn: 3 April – 20 April)
  • Term 2: 21 April – 26 June (Winter: 27 June – 12 July)
  • Term 3: 13 July – 18 September (Spring: 21 September – 5 October)
  • Term 4: 6 October – 18 December

Queensland (QLD)

  • Term 1: 27 January – 3 April (Easter: 6–20 April)
  • Term 2: 21 April – 26 June (Winter: 29 June – 13 July)
  • Term 3: 14 July – 18 September (Spring: 21 September – 5 October)
  • Term 4: 6 October – 11 December

South Australia (SA)

  • Term 1: 27 January – 3 April (Autumn: 6–20 April)
  • Term 2: 21 April – 26 June (Winter: 29 June – 13 July)
  • Term 3: 14 July – 18 September (Spring: 21 September – 6 October)
  • Term 4: 7 October – 4 December

Western Australia (WA)

  • Term 1: 28 January – 3 April (Autumn: 6–20 April)
  • Term 2: 21 April – 27 June (Winter: 30 June – 14 July)
  • Term 3: 15 July – 18 September (Spring: 21 September – 5 October)
  • Term 4: 6 October – 17 December

Tasmania (TAS)

  • Term 1: 28 January – 27 March (Autumn: 30 March – 14 April)
  • Term 2: 15 April – 26 June (Winter: 29 June – 13 July)
  • Term 3: 14 July – 18 September (Spring: 21 September – 5 October)
  • Term 4: 6 October – 16 December

Northern Territory (NT)

  • Term 1: 28 January – 2 April (Autumn: 3–20 April)
  • Term 2: 21 April – 3 July (Winter: 6–20 July)
  • Term 3: 21 July – 18 September (Spring: 21 September – 5 October)
  • Term 4: 6 October – 4 December

Planning Public and School Holidays 2026 for Families

Align family schedules early. Use apps like School Holidays Australia or state calendars. Book childcare or camps during breaks. Public holidays often mean crowded attractions—plan mid-week trips.

Budget tips: Summer holidays (December 2026–January 2027) see peak travel costs. Opt for shoulder periods like spring break.

Family Travel Ideas for 2026 Holidays

  • Summer: Beach escapes to Gold Coast (QLD) or Sydney (NSW).
  • Autumn/Easter: Great Ocean Road (VIC) or Blue Mountains (NSW).
  • Winter: Snow trips to Thredbo (NSW) or family stays in Tasmania.
  • Spring: Wine regions in SA or outback adventures in NT.

Interstate holidays? Check varying dates—QLD’s shorter summer suits NSW families. Drive or fly affordably via budget airlines.

Pack essentials: sunscreen, hats, first-aid kits. Follow biosecurity rules for travel.

In summary, public and school holidays 2026 offer ample family time. Cross-check all dates officially to avoid surprises. Happy planning!

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