School Holidays 2026 April: Australian State Dates

· school holidays 2026 april

Planning Ahead for April 2026 School Holidays

For Australian families planning future trips or childcare, knowing the approximate timing of the April school holidays is useful. The term break in April 2026 will centre around the Easter public holiday period, but exact dates vary significantly by state and territory. It is crucial to remember that official term dates for 2026 are not yet published by most state education departments. The following information is based on historical patterns and standard term structures, but you must verify with your relevant state or territory education authority before making any firm plans.

Why April 2026 Dates Are Not Final

Government school term dates are typically published about a year in advance. As of now, most states have only released 2025 dates. The 2026 calendar will be confirmed later in 2025 or early 2026. The April holiday is always scheduled to include Good Friday and Easter Monday, which in 2026 fall on Friday, 3 April and Monday, 6 April. This anchors the break, but the start and end dates depend on each state’s term calendar.

State-by-State Overview (Based on Typical Patterns)

New South Wales (NSW)

NSW schools typically have a three-week holiday in April. Based on recent years, the April 2026 school holidays are expected to run from Friday, 27 March 2026, to Sunday, 19 April 2026 (Term 1 ends, holidays begin after school on Thursday 26 March). However, this is an estimate. The official dates will be set by the NSW Department of Education.

Victoria (VIC)

Victorian schools usually have a two-week holiday. For 2026, the break is anticipated from Friday, 27 March 2026, to Sunday, 12 April 2026 (Term 1 ends, holidays begin after school on Thursday 26 March). Verify with the Victorian Department of Education closer to the time.

Queensland (QLD)

Queensland’s term structure often results in a shorter April break. It is likely to be from Friday, 27 March 2026, to Sunday, 12 April 2026, aligning with the Easter long weekend. Confirm with the Queensland Department of Education.

South Australia (SA)

SA schools generally follow a pattern similar to NSW. The April 2026 holidays are projected from Friday, 27 March 2026, to Sunday, 19 April 2026. Check the South Australian Department for Education for the official calendar.

Western Australia (WA)

WA’s term dates can differ. The April break is expected from Friday, 27 March 2026, to Sunday, 19 April 2026. The WA Department of Education will publish the finalised schedule.

Tasmania (TAS)

Tasmanian schools usually have a two-week holiday. For 2026, it is likely from Friday, 27 March 2026, to Sunday, 12 April 2026. Refer to the Tasmanian Department of Education for confirmation.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

The ACT typically aligns with NSW. The April 2026 school holidays are anticipated from Friday, 27 March 2026, to Sunday, 19 April 2026. The ACT Education Directorate will release the official dates.

Northern Territory (NT)

NT schools have different term structures. The April break is expected to be from Friday, 27 March 2026, to Sunday, 19 April 2026. Verify with the NT Department of Education.

How to Get the Official 2026 Dates

  1. Visit Your State’s Education Department Website: Search for “[Your State] Department of Education school term dates 2026”.
  2. Check Your School’s Newsletter or Website: Schools often publish the confirmed term dates once they are released by the department.
  3. Mark Your Calendar Tentatively: Use the typical patterns above for initial planning (e.g., booking travel), but always have a flexible cancellation policy until dates are official.

Key Considerations for April 2026 Travel

  • Easter Period: The holidays will encompass the Easter long weekend (3-6 April 2026). Expect higher demand and prices for travel and accommodation during this peak period.
  • Autumn Weather: April is an autumn month in Australia. Weather varies from warm in the north (e.g., Queensland, NT) to cool and crisp in the south (e.g., Melbourne, Hobart). Pack accordingly.
  • Public Holidays: Besides Easter, some states may have additional public holidays in April, such as Anzac Day on 27 April 2026 (if it falls on a weekday). This could extend the holiday feel if it’s near the term break.

Final Advice

While the patterns suggest a two or three-week break starting around Friday, 27 March 2026, do not book non-refundable travel based solely on these projections. The most responsible step is to wait for the official 2026 term calendars to be published by your state’s education authority in late 2025. Use this information to start thinking about options and to understand the likely timeframe, but always double-check before committing.

Remember: Your state’s education department website is the only authoritative source for confirmed 2026 school holiday dates.