School Holidays 2026 List: Australia State Guide

· school holidays 2026 list

Introduction to School Holidays 2026 in Australia

Planning ahead for school holidays 2026 is essential for Australian families looking to book family travel, organise childcare, or simply enjoy downtime. This school holidays 2026 list provides projected dates based on historical patterns and preliminary announcements from state education departments. However, families must verify exact dates with their state or territory education department, as calendars are typically finalised 12-18 months in advance and can shift due to public holidays like Easter or Anzac Day.

Australia’s school year divides into four terms with holidays in between: autumn (around Easter), winter, spring, and a long summer break. Dates vary by state and territory—New South Wales (NSW), Victoria (VIC), Queensland (QLD), South Australia (SA), Western Australia (WA), Tasmania (TAS), Northern Territory (NT), and Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Non-government schools may differ slightly.

Use this guide as a starting point for your school holidays 2026 list, and bookmark official websites for updates.

Projected School Term Dates and Holidays 2026

Below is a state-by-state school holidays 2026 list with approximate dates. These are derived from 2025 patterns and early 2026 projections (e.g., Easter on April 5, 2026). Confirm with official sources like NSW Education, VIC Education, or your local department.

New South Wales (NSW) and Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

  • Summer Holidays: End ~January 28 (Term 1 starts late Jan).
  • Autumn Holidays: ~April 6–24 (Easter/Anzac influence).
  • Term 2: ~April 27–June 26.
  • Winter Holidays: ~June 27–July 12.
  • Term 3: ~July 13–September 25.
  • Spring Holidays: ~September 26–October 9.
  • Term 4: ~October 12–December 18.
  • Summer Holidays: ~December 19, 2026–January 29, 2027.

NSW and ACT often align closely. Check NSW public schools calendar.

Victoria (VIC)

  • Summer: To ~January 27.
  • Autumn: ~April 6–27.
  • Winter: ~July 4–18.
  • Spring: ~September 26–October 9.
  • Summer: From ~December 19.

VIC holidays are student-free days inclusive. Verify at Victorian school term dates.

Queensland (QLD)

  • Summer: To ~January 27.
  • Easter Holidays: ~April 3–14.
  • Winter: ~June 29–July 13.
  • Spring: ~September 26–October 12.
  • Summer: From ~December 12.

QLD has shorter breaks. See QLD school calendar.

Western Australia (WA)

  • Summer: To ~January 28.
  • Autumn: ~April 6–24.
  • Winter: ~July 3–18.
  • Spring: ~September 28–October 12.
  • Summer: From ~December 9.

WA South/West zones may vary slightly. Check WA Department of Education.

South Australia (SA)

  • Summer: To ~January 28.
  • Autumn: ~April 6–27.
  • Winter: ~July 4–18.
  • Spring: ~September 28–October 12.
  • Summer: From ~December 12.

Details at SA Education.

Tasmania (TAS)

  • Summer: To ~January 28.
  • Autumn: ~April 13–27.
  • Winter: ~July 6–20.
  • Spring: ~September 28–October 12.
  • Summer: From ~December 19.

Visit TAS Education.

Northern Territory (NT)

  • Summer: To ~February 2.
  • Autumn: ~April 6–24.
  • Winter: ~June 29–July 13.
  • Spring: ~September 28–October 12.
  • Summer: From ~December 12.

NT calendar at NT Education.

Family Travel Ideas for School Holidays 2026

With your school holidays 2026 list in hand, plan trips that align with breaks:

  • Autumn (Easter): Beach escapes in QLD/NSW or Great Ocean Road (VIC). Book early for Easter peaks.
  • Winter: Skiing in VIC/NSW (Thredbo, Perisher) or warm QLD getaways.
  • Spring: Gold Coast theme parks or Tasmania’s wilderness.
  • Summer: Road trips to Uluru (NT), Sydney-Harbour cruises, or WA’s Margaret River.

Consider school holiday programs like Camp Quality for family support.

Public Holidays Impacting 2026 School Breaks

Key 2026 dates:

  • Australia Day: Jan 26 (Term 1 start varies).
  • Good Friday: April 3; Easter Monday: April 6.
  • Anzac Day: April 25.
  • King’s Birthday: June (varies by state).
  • AFL Grand Final (VIC): Late Sept.

These extend holidays—check for long weekends.

Practical Tips for Planning School Holidays 2026

  1. Verify Dates: Use state sites or apps like SchoolMyKids.
  2. Book Early: Flights/hotels fill fast—aim 6-12 months ahead.
  3. Budget Travel: Opt for regional spots; use Qantas Holidays packages.
  4. Childcare: Explore vacation care via MyGov.
  5. Staycations: Local parks, museums—e.g., Melbourne Museum.
  6. Health/Safety: Pack sunscreen, check weather via BOM.

Final Thoughts

This school holidays 2026 list equips you to plan confidently, but official confirmation is key. By cross-checking with your state’s education department, you’ll avoid surprises and maximise family time. Happy planning!

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