School Calendar Holidays 2026: Australia Guide

· school calendar holidays 2026

Understanding Australia’s School Calendar for 2026

Australia’s school year varies by state and territory, making it essential for families to check official sources for precise dates. While 2026 calendars are not yet finalized, they typically follow established patterns: four terms with holidays in between. Term 1 starts late January or early February, ending around Easter. Subsequent terms have autumn, winter, spring, and summer breaks.

This guide outlines expected school holidays and term dates based on historical trends. Families must verify exact dates with their state or territory education department websites, as pupil-free days, public holidays, and adjustments can shift schedules. Planning ahead helps with family travel, childcare, and events.

Typical School Term Dates Across States in 2026

Most states align closely, but differences exist due to local public holidays and Easter timing (projected April 3-6 in 2026). Here’s a general overview:

New South Wales (NSW)

  • Term 1: Late January to early April (approx. Jan 27 - Apr 3)
  • Autumn Holidays: Mid-April to late April (Apr 7-24)
  • Term 2: Late April to late June (Apr 28 - Jun 26)
  • Winter Holidays: Late June to mid-July (Jun 30 - Jul 13)
  • Term 3: Mid-July to late September (Jul 14 - Sep 25)
  • Spring Holidays: Late September to mid-October (Sep 29 - Oct 12)
  • Term 4: Mid-October to mid-December (Oct 13 - Dec 18)
  • Summer Holidays: Mid-December to late January 2027

NSW often has 200 student days. Check nsw.gov.au for updates.

Victoria (VIC)

  • Term 1: Late January to early April (Jan 27 - Apr 2)
  • Autumn Holidays: Early to late April (Apr 6-24)
  • Term 2: Late April to late June (Apr 28 - Jun 26)
  • Winter Holidays: Late June to mid-July (Jun 30 - Jul 14)
  • Term 3: Mid-July to late September (Jul 15 - Sep 25)
  • Spring Holidays: Late September to mid-October (Sep 29 - Oct 12)
  • Term 4: Mid-October to mid-December (Oct 13 - Dec 18)

Victorian calendars emphasize equity across government and independent schools. Visit education.vic.gov.au.

Queensland (QLD)

  • Term 1: Late January to early April (Jan 27 - Apr 3)
  • Easter Holidays: Apr 4-14 (extended due to public holidays)
  • Term 2: Mid-April to late June (Apr 15 - Jun 26)
  • Winter Holidays: Jun 30 - Jul 13
  • Term 3: Jul 14 - Sep 25
  • Spring Holidays: Sep 29 - Oct 12
  • Term 4: Oct 13 - Dec 11

Queensland has shorter Term 4. Confirm at qld.gov.au.

Western Australia (WA)

  • Term 1: Late January to early April (Jan 28 - Apr 3)
  • Autumn Holidays: Apr 7-24
  • Term 2: Apr 28 - Jun 27
  • Winter Holidays: Jul 1-18 (longer break)
  • Term 3: Jul 21 - Sep 25
  • Spring Holidays: Sep 29 - Oct 12
  • Term 4: Oct 13 - Dec 17

WA’s winter holiday is notably longer. See education.wa.edu.au.

South Australia (SA), Tasmania (TAS), Northern Territory (NT), and ACT

  • SA: Similar to VIC/NSW, with Term 1 ~Jan 28-Apr 3; holidays align closely.
  • TAS: Starts Feb 3; winter holidays Jul 6-20.
  • NT: Term 1 Jan 28-Apr 9; unique Top End adjustments.
  • ACT: Mirrors NSW closely.

State-specific variations include early finishes for exams. Always cross-check official calendars.

Key School Holidays in 2026

School holidays provide prime family time:

  • Autumn (Easter) Break: 2-3 weeks around April, coinciding with Easter long weekend (April 3-6).
  • Winter Holidays: 2 weeks in June/July—ideal for snow trips to NSW/VIC Alps.
  • Spring Break: 2 weeks late September/early October—perfect for school camps or city escapes.
  • Summer Holidays: 6-7 weeks from mid-December, great for beach holidays in QLD or WA.

Public holidays like Australia Day (Jan 26), Anzac Day (Apr 25), King’s Birthday (varies, often June), and Labour Day (March/October by state) often extend breaks.

Planning Family Travel Around 2026 School Holidays

Holidays mean peak travel seasons—book early for flights, accommodations, and attractions.

Domestic Travel Tips

  • Budget-Friendly: Winter holidays suit ski resorts (Thredbo, Perisher) or Great Ocean Road drives.
  • Summer Escapes: Gold Coast, Sydney beaches, or Uluru. Avoid peak December-January crowds.
  • Interstate Trips: Align with shared holiday periods (e.g., VIC/NSW autumn breaks).

International Travel

  • Spring or autumn breaks minimize jet lag for Asia/Europe trips. Check passport validity and COVID rules (if any).

Practical Advice

  • Use school holiday calendars for booking camps, sports clinics, or grandparent care.
  • Apps like School Holidays Australia provide reminders.
  • Fuel discounts and family passes save money—e.g., Theme Park passes in QLD.

Public Holidays Impacting 2026 School Calendars

National holidays: New Year’s Day (Jan 1), Australia Day (Jan 26), Good Friday (Apr 3), Easter Monday (Apr 6), Anzac (Apr 25), King’s Birthday (~June 8), Christmas (Dec 25-26).

State extras:

  • NSW: Queen’s Birthday alt. in some areas.
  • VIC: Labour Day (March 9).
  • QLD: Ekka (August).

These create ‘long weekends’ extending holidays.

Staying Updated on 2026 School Calendars

Education departments release calendars 12-18 months ahead:

  • NSW: education.nsw.gov.au
  • VIC: education.vic.gov.au
  • QLD: education.qld.gov.au
  • Others via state portals.

Subscribe to newsletters or follow social media. Independent schools may differ slightly.

By anticipating these patterns, families can maximize 2026 holidays for relaxation and adventure. Verify dates promptly as they finalize mid-2025.