School Holidays 2026-2027: Australian Guide

· school holidays 2026-2027

Introduction to School Holidays 2026-2027

Planning ahead for school holidays 2026-2027 is essential for Australian families looking to book family travel, organise childcare, or simply enjoy quality time together. Australia has eight states and territories, each with its own public school calendar set by the respective education department. Dates can shift slightly due to public holidays like Easter or local events, so always verify exact dates on official state education websites closer to the time. This guide provides anticipated holiday periods based on historical patterns, helping you start your planning for the 2026 and 2027 school years.

School years typically run from late January to mid-December, divided into four terms with holidays in between: autumn (April), winter (June-July), spring (September-October), and summer (December-January). Private schools may vary.

Overview of Typical School Terms

  • Term 1: Late January/early February to early April (around Easter).
  • Autumn Holidays: 2 weeks in April.
  • Term 2: Late April to early July.
  • Winter Holidays: 2 weeks in July.
  • Term 3: Late July/early August to late September.
  • Spring Holidays: 2 weeks in late September/early October.
  • Term 4: Mid-October to mid-December.
  • Summer Holidays: Mid-December to late January (6-7 weeks).

These are general; interstate variations exist, especially for Queensland’s shorter terms.

State-by-State Expected School Holidays 2026-2027

New South Wales (NSW)

NSW holidays often align closely with ACT. Anticipated for 2026:

  • Autumn: 3 April – 17 April
  • Winter: 4 July – 18 July
  • Spring: 26 September – 9 October
  • Summer: 19 December 2026 – 29 January 2027

For 2027, expect similar patterns post-Easter (Easter Monday 5 April 2027). Check nsw.gov.au or education.nsw.gov.au. Popular for Sydney family trips to beaches.

Victoria (VIC)

Victorian calendars emphasise alignment with Melbourne events. Expected 2026:

  • Autumn: 3 April – 20 April
  • Winter: 3 July – 18 July
  • Spring: 25 September – 9 October
  • Summer: 18 December 2026 – 27 January 2027

2027 shifts with Easter. Verify at education.vic.gov.au. Great for Great Ocean Road drives.

Queensland (QLD)

Queensland has unique regional variations (North, Central, South). State-wide expected 2026:

  • Autumn: 3 April – 17 April
  • Winter: 29 June – 13 July
  • Spring: 26 September – 10 October
  • Summer: 12 December 2026 – 23 January 2027

Check qld.gov.au/education. Ideal for Gold Coast holidays.

Western Australia (WA)

WA terms are longer with fixed holidays. Anticipated 2026:

  • Autumn: 3 April – 21 April
  • Winter: 3 July – 18 July
  • Spring: 25 September – 9 October
  • Summer: 17 December 2026 – 28 January 2027

Visit education.wa.edu.au. Plan Margaret River escapes.

South Australia (SA)

SA aligns somewhat with VIC. Expected 2026:

  • Autumn: 3 April – 20 April
  • Winter: 3 July – 18 July
  • Spring: 25 September – 12 October
  • Summer: 17 December 2026 – 28 January 2027

Confirm at education.sa.gov.au. Adelaide Fringe overlaps possible.

Tasmania (TAS)

Tasmanian holidays suit island pace. Anticipated 2026:

  • Autumn: 10 April – 27 April
  • Winter: 4 July – 18 July
  • Spring: 25 September – 9 October
  • Summer: 19 December 2026 – 2 February 2027

See education.tas.gov.au. Perfect for Cradle Mountain.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Mirrors NSW. Expected 2026 same as NSW above. Check act.gov.au.

Northern Territory (NT)

NT has two semesters. Anticipated 2026:

  • Semester 1 break: 3 April – 20 April, 29 June – 13 July
  • Semester 2 break: 25 September – 9 October
  • Summer: 17 December 2026 – 3 February 2027

Verify nt.gov.au.

Note: Dates are estimates based on prior years and Easter (5 April 2026, 29 March 2027 Sundays). Official calendars for 2026 are often released mid-2025; 2027 by mid-2026.

Planning Family Travel Around School Holidays 2026-2027

Book early for peak times—flights and accommodations fill fast. Consider off-peak within holidays, like early autumn. Domestic options:

  • Interstate: Fly Sydney-Melbourne (cheap via Jetstar) or drive Great Alpine Road.
  • International: Bali or NZ during summer (visa-free for Aussies).
  • Road trips: Big Lap around Australia, timing for cooler months.

Budget tips: Use school holiday deals from Qantas or Virgin. Camp via Hipcamp for affordability. Pack for variable weather—2026 El Niño patterns may mean wet winters.

Public Holidays Impacting 2026-2027

Key dates (national unless noted):

  • Australia Day: 26 Jan 2026/2027
  • Good Friday/Easter Monday: 3-5 Apr 2026; 26-28 Mar 2027
  • Anzac Day: 25 Apr
  • King’s Birthday: Varies (Oct NSW/VIC, June QLD)
  • Christmas: 25-26 Dec, 27-28 some states

These extend some holidays. Check fairwork.gov.au.

Fun Ideas for School Holidays

  • Autumn: Bushwalks, Easter hunts.
  • Winter: Snow trips to Perisher/Thredbo.
  • Spring: Whale watching (May-Oct Hervey Bay).
  • Summer: Beach camps, theme parks (Dreamworld open daily).

Free activities: National parks, libraries’ holiday programs. Apps like Eventbrite list family events.

How to Stay Updated

Subscribe to state education newsletters. Use apps like School Holidays Australia. Join Facebook groups like ‘Australian School Holidays’. For private schools, check directly.

This guide equips you to plan confidently for school holidays 2026-2027. Prioritise official verification for stress-free adventures.