Perth School Holidays 2026: Dates & Family Travel Guide

· school holidays 2026 perth

Planning Ahead for Perth Families in 2026

Knowing the approximate school holiday schedule for 2026 is a powerful tool for Western Australian families. It allows for early budgeting, securing the best deals on accommodation and flights, and booking popular activities before they sell out. This guide outlines the expected school holidays 2026 Perth pattern based on the standard four-term WA calendar, with crucial advice on verification and plenty of local travel inspiration.

Important First Step: Verify All Dates

The dates below are projections based on historical patterns. The official 2026 school term dates for public schools in Western Australia will be confirmed and published by the Department of Education WA typically in mid-2025. Always double-check with your child’s school or the official department website before finalising any travel plans, as independent and Catholic schools may have slight variations.

Expected 2026 School Term & Holiday Periods (WA)

The Western Australian school year generally runs from late January to mid-December, with four terms separated by breaks.

Term 1 (approx. Late Jan - Early Apr)

  • Start: Around Monday, 27 January 2026 (Australia Day is 26 Jan).
  • End: Thursday, 2 April 2026.
  • School Holidays 2026 Perth (Autumn/Easter Break): Friday, 3 April – Sunday, 19 April 2026.
    • This break includes the Easter long weekend (Good Friday 3 April, Easter Monday 6 April). It’s a popular time for both short local trips and longer getaways.

Term 2 (approx. Late Apr - Early Jul)

  • Start: Monday, 20 April 2026.
  • End: Friday, 3 July 2026.
  • School Holidays 2026 Perth (Mid-Year/Winter Break): Saturday, 4 July – Sunday, 19 July 2026.
    • This is the longest school holiday period, ideal for visiting family interstate, overseas travel, or exploring WA’s southern regions during winter.

Term 3 (approx. Late Jul - Late Sep)

  • Start: Monday, 20 July 2026.
  • End: Friday, 25 September 2026.
  • School Holidays 2026 Perth (Spring Break): Saturday, 26 September – Sunday, 11 October 2026.
    • Perfect weather for camping, visiting national parks, or coastal towns like Albany, Denmark, or Esperance. Includes the King’s Birthday public holiday in late September/early October.

Term 4 (approx. Mid Oct - Mid Dec)

  • Start: Monday, 12 October 2026.
  • End: Approx. Friday, 11 December 2026.
  • School Holidays 2026 Perth (Summer Break): From approx. Saturday, 12 December 2026 – Sunday, 25 January 2027.
    • The long summer holidays. Book campsites, caravan parks, and holiday homes well in advance. This is peak season for the South West, Margaret River, and Ningaloo Reef.

Family Travel Ideas for Each Perth School Holiday Period

Autumn/Easter Break (April)

  • Local Exploration: Visit Kings Park for the wildflower season starting in late winter/early spring. Explore the Perth Hills for autumn colours.
  • Short Road Trip: Head to the Swan Valley for food and wine trails, or to Guildford for historic charm.
  • Wildlife: See whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef (requires significant travel) or visit local attractions like Perth Zoo or Caversham Wildlife Park.

Mid-Year/Winter Break (July)

  • Northbound Adventure: This is the perfect time for a family trip to Kununurra, Broome, or the Kimberley. The weather is dry and warm, ideal for exploring gorges, waterfalls, and the famous Cable Beach.
  • Southern WA: Experience the cosy charm of Pemberton or Manjimup with its tall forests, truffle hunts, and winter warming fires.
  • Indoor Fun: Perth has excellent indoor attractions like the WA Museum Boola Bardip, Scitech, and indoor play centres for rainy days.

Spring Break (September/October)

  • Flower Power: The wildflower season peaks. Take day trips to the Avon Valley National Park or John Forrest National Park.
  • Surf Coast: The South West starts to warm up. Perfect for learning to surf in Margaret River or Busselton.
  • Rottnest Island: The quokkas are active, and the weather is ideal for cycling and snorkelling. Book ferry and accommodation early.

Summer Break (December-January)

  • Classic WA Holiday: The South West is a must—Dunsborough, Yallingup, Augusta. Book everything 6-12 months ahead.
  • Coral Coast: Follow the coral spawning events (often around March/April, but summer is for diving/snorkelling). Visit Coral Bay or Exmouth.
  • Staycation: Enjoy Perth’s own beaches (Cottesloe, Scarborough), outdoor cinemas, and the festive season events.

Practical Tips for Navigating 2026 School Holidays

Book Early, Especially for Peak Times

For the summer break and Easter, accommodation in popular destinations books out a year in advance. For July (north) and September (wildflowers), 6-9 months ahead is wise.

Consider the School Travel Card

If your children use public transport to school, the Student SmartRider offers free travel on weekdays to and from school. This can make day trips using public transport more affordable during holidays.

Budget for Holiday Programs

Not every family travels for every break. Research local council and community-run vacation care programs early. They often fill quickly and provide excellent, themed activities at a lower cost than private providers.

Factor in Public Holidays

Check the 2026 WA public holiday calendar. A public holiday that falls near a school break can extend your trip by a day without using school leave. Conversely, it means higher demand and prices for travel.

Embrace the Staycation

Some of the best memories are made exploring your own city. Act like a tourist: visit attractions you’ve always meant to see, try a new cafe, or enjoy a picnic at a new park. This avoids the stress and cost of long-distance travel.

Final Word

Mark your tentative 2026 calendar with these projected holiday windows. Start dreaming and discussing as a family where you’d like to go. Then, in mid-2025, immediately check the official WA Department of Education website for the confirmed 2026 term dates to lock in your plans. With smart preparation, the school holidays 2026 Perth can be a series of fantastic family adventures, whether it’s a road trip across the state or discovering a new corner of your own suburb.