School Holidays 2026: Australian Dates & Planning Guide

· school holidays 2026

Planning Ahead for School Holidays 2026

For Australian families, knowing the school holiday dates for 2026 well in advance is a powerful tool. It allows for smarter budgeting, better booking deals on travel and accommodation, and reduces the stress of last-minute planning. While exact term dates are set by each state and territory’s education department, we’ve compiled the generally expected 2026 calendars based on historical patterns. Crucially, families must verify all dates with their relevant state or territory education authority before making firm plans.

This guide provides a clear overview to help you map out the year, understand how public holidays create extended breaks, and start thinking about potential family adventures or quality staycations.

Expected 2026 School Term & Holiday Dates by State

School terms typically follow a similar structure across Australia, but start and end dates vary. Below are the projected dates for 2026. These are based on standard four-term years and should be used for early planning only.

New South Wales (NSW)

  • Term 1: Wed 28 Jan – Thu 1 Apr | Holidays: Fri 2 Apr – Sun 18 Apr
  • Term 2: Mon 19 Apr – Fri 25 Jun | Holidays: Sat 26 Jun – Sun 11 Jul
  • Term 3: Mon 12 Jul – Fri 17 Sep | Holidays: Sat 18 Sep – Sun 3 Oct
  • Term 4: Mon 4 Oct – Tue 15 Dec | Holidays: From Wed 16 Dec

Victoria (VIC)

  • Term 1: Tue 27 Jan – Thu 1 Apr | Holidays: Fri 2 Apr – Sun 18 Apr
  • Term 2: Mon 19 Apr – Fri 25 Jun | Holidays: Sat 26 Jun – Sun 11 Jul
  • Term 3: Mon 12 Jul – Fri 17 Sep | Holidays: Sat 18 Sep – Sun 3 Oct
  • Term 4: Mon 4 Oct – Tue 15 Dec | Holidays: From Wed 16 Dec

Queensland (QLD)

Note: QLD often has a slightly different term structure.

  • Term 1: Tue 27 Jan – Thu 1 Apr | Holidays: Fri 2 Apr – Sun 18 Apr
  • Term 2: Mon 19 Apr – Fri 25 Jun | Holidays: Sat 26 Jun – Sun 11 Jul
  • Term 3: Mon 12 Jul – Fri 17 Sep | Holidays: Sat 18 Sep – Sun 3 Oct
  • Term 4: Mon 4 Oct – Fri 11 Dec | Holidays: From Sat 12 Dec

South Australia (SA)

  • Term 1: Tue 27 Jan – Thu 1 Apr | Holidays: Fri 2 Apr – Sun 18 Apr
  • Term 2: Mon 19 Apr – Fri 25 Jun | Holidays: Sat 26 Jun – Sun 11 Jul
  • Term 3: Mon 12 Jul – Fri 17 Sep | Holidays: Sat 18 Sep – Sun 3 Oct
  • Term 4: Mon 4 Oct – Fri 11 Dec | Holidays: From Sat 12 Dec

Western Australia (WA)

  • Term 1: Tue 27 Jan – Thu 1 Apr | Holidays: Fri 2 Apr – Sun 18 Apr
  • Term 2: Mon 19 Apr – Fri 25 Jun | Holidays: Sat 26 Jun – Sun 11 Jul
  • Term 3: Mon 12 Jul – Fri 17 Sep | Holidays: Sat 18 Sep – Sun 3 Oct
  • Term 4: Mon 4 Oct – Fri 11 Dec | Holidays: From Sat 12 Dec

Tasmania (TAS)

  • Term 1: Tue 27 Jan – Thu 1 Apr | Holidays: Fri 2 Apr – Sun 18 Apr
  • Term 2: Mon 19 Apr – Fri 25 Jun | Holidays: Sat 26 Jun – Sun 11 Jul
  • Term 3: Mon 12 Jul – Fri 17 Sep | Holidays: Sat 18 Sep – Sun 3 Oct
  • Term 4: Mon 4 Oct – Fri 11 Dec | Holidays: From Sat 12 Dec

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) & Northern Territory (NT)

These jurisdictions typically align closely with NSW and SA respectively. Expect similar date patterns, but always confirm with the ACT Education Directorate or NT Department of Education.

Key Public Holidays & Long Weekends in 2026

Public holidays that fall near weekends or during school terms can create extended breaks, perfect for mini-trips without using leave. Key 2026 dates to note include:

  • Australia Day (26 Jan): Falls on a Monday, potentially extending the start-of-year break for some.
  • Easter (Good Friday 3 Apr, Easter Monday 5 Apr): Directly coincides with the Term 1/2 holidays in all states.
  • Anzac Day (25 Apr): A Saturday in 2026, seamlessly extending the Term 1/2 break.
  • King’s Birthday (June): Varies by state (e.g., second Monday in June for most, first Monday in WA/QLD). This often creates a three-term-week break.
  • Labour Day (Oct): Varies (first Monday in Oct for most, second Monday in NSW/SA). Can extend the Term 3/4 break.
  • Christmas/New Year: The long summer holidays naturally encompass these public holidays.

These long weekends are highly sought after for travel, so book accommodation and transport as early as possible.

Using the Calendar for Family Travel Planning

With the 2026 framework in place, you can strategically plan.

1. Budget & Save Early

Identify your desired holiday window. The April, July, and October breaks are prime times for domestic travel. If you’re eyeing a major trip during these periods, start a dedicated savings plan now. Booking flights and accommodation 6-12 months ahead often secures the best prices and availability.

2. Consider the Shoulder Seasons

The first two weeks of Term 1 (late January) and the final weeks of Term 4 (early December) are often quieter for travel, with potentially better deals and fewer crowds, especially at family-friendly resorts and national parks.

3. Bookmark Key Booking Windows

For popular Australian destinations like the Gold Coast, Great Barrier Reef, or ski fields in the July holidays, accommodation releases can be 9-12 months in advance. Mark your calendar for these release dates.

4. Plan Staycations Too

Not every break requires a trip away. The shorter June and September holidays are perfect for exploring your own region—visit local museums, national parks, or plan a weekend camping trip. Having a mix of big and small breaks makes the year manageable.

Practical Tips for a Smooth 2026 School Holiday Year

  • Create a Master Calendar: Plot all projected holidays and public long weekends on a family calendar (physical or digital) as soon as your state’s dates are officially released.
  • Check School-Specific Dates: Some independent or Catholic schools may have slightly different term dates or additional pupil-free days. Always check your child’s specific school calendar.
  • Flexible Leave: If possible, coordinate with your employer to take a day or two of leave adjacent to a long weekend. This can turn a 3-day break into a 5-day getaway without using a full week of annual leave.
  • Travel Insurance: For any significant pre-booked trip, comprehensive travel insurance is a wise investment, especially when booking so far ahead.

Final Checklist Before You Book

  1. Verify: Confirm 2026 dates with your state’s education department website once they are published (usually by mid-2025).
  2. Confirm School: Check for any school-specific variations.
  3. Budget: Finalise your travel budget based on the confirmed dates.
  4. Book: Secure major travel and accommodation once dates are locked in.

By using the projected 2026 school holiday calendar as your initial blueprint, you can transform the upcoming year from a series of unpredictable breaks into a series of well-planned family experiences, whether they’re across the country or in your own backyard.