School Holidays All States Australia 2026 Guide
Planning School Holidays All States Australia 2026
School holidays all states Australia 2026 are a key consideration for families planning vacations, family reunions, and school-free adventures. With eight states and territories—New South Wales (NSW), Victoria (VIC), Queensland (QLD), South Australia (SA), Western Australia (WA), Tasmania (TAS), Northern Territory (NT), and Australian Capital Territory (ACT)—holiday periods vary slightly due to local education policies and public holidays.
Australian public schools typically follow four terms per year, with holidays in summer (December-January), autumn (April), winter (June-July), and spring (September-October). Private schools may align closely but can differ. Dates for 2026 are based on published calendars from state education departments as of late 2025, but families must verify exact dates on official websites, as they are subject to change for weather, health events, or policy updates.
This guide provides indicative term dates to help with early planning. Use it alongside tools like school holiday calendars from the Australian Government or state sites. Peak travel times coincide with these breaks, so book flights, accommodations, and activities early, especially for popular spots like the Gold Coast, Great Barrier Reef, or Sydney Harbour.
Indicative School Term Dates for 2026 by State and Territory
Below is a summary table of expected student-free days, term starts/ends, and holiday periods. Dates include public holidays where relevant. Always cross-check with your school’s calendar.
| State/Territory | Term 1 (Jan-Apr) | Autumn Holidays | Term 2 (Apr-Jun) | Winter Holidays | Term 3 (Jul-Sep) | Spring Holidays | Term 4 (Oct-Dec) | Summer Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | 27 Jan - 10 Apr | 11 Apr - 27 Apr | 28 Apr - 26 Jun | 29 Jun - 13 Jul | 14 Jul - 25 Sep | 26 Sep - 12 Oct | 13 Oct - 18 Dec | 19 Dec 2026 - 28 Jan 2027 |
| VIC | 27 Jan - 2 Apr | 3 Apr - 20 Apr | 21 Apr - 26 Jun | 27 Jun - 12 Jul | 13 Jul - 18 Sep | 19 Sep - 6 Oct | 7 Oct - 18 Dec | 19 Dec 2026 - 26 Jan 2027 |
| QLD | 27 Jan - 3 Apr | 4 Apr - 21 Apr | 22 Apr - 26 Jun | 27 Jun - 14 Jul | 15 Jul - 25 Sep | 26 Sep - 13 Oct | 14 Oct - 11 Dec | 12 Dec 2026 - 26 Jan 2027 |
| SA | 27 Jan - 9 Apr | 10 Apr - 27 Apr | 28 Apr - 26 Jun | 29 Jun - 13 Jul | 14 Jul - 25 Sep | 28 Sep - 12 Oct | 13 Oct - 17 Dec | 18 Dec 2026 - 27 Jan 2027 |
| WA | 28 Jan - 3 Apr | 6 Apr - 24 Apr | 25 Apr - 27 Jun | 30 Jun - 21 Jul | 22 Jul - 25 Sep | 28 Sep - 13 Oct | 14 Oct - 17 Dec | 18 Dec 2026 - 27 Jan 2027 |
| TAS | 27 Jan - 27 Mar | 30 Mar - 14 Apr | 15 Apr - 26 Jun | 29 Jun - 13 Jul | 14 Jul - 25 Sep | 28 Sep - 13 Oct | 14 Oct - 18 Dec | 19 Dec 2026 - 27 Jan 2027 |
| NT | 28 Jan - 27 Mar | 30 Mar - 14 Apr | 15 Apr - 26 Jun | 29 Jun - 13 Jul | 14 Jul - 25 Sep | 28 Sep - 13 Oct | 14 Oct - 4 Dec | 7 Dec 2026 - 26 Jan 2027 |
| ACT | 27 Jan - 9 Apr | 10 Apr - 27 Apr | 28 Apr - 26 Jun | 29 Jun - 13 Jul | 14 Jul - 25 Sep | 28 Sep - 12 Oct | 13 Oct - 18 Dec | 19 Dec 2026 - 28 Jan 2027 |
Notes:
- Dates are for public schools and approximate; pupil-free days precede term starts.
- Easter and Anzac Day affect autumn terms variably.
- Verify via: NSW Education (education.nsw.gov.au), VIC DET (education.vic.gov.au), etc.
Family Travel Tips During School Holidays All States 2026
Summer Holidays (Dec 2026 - Jan 2027)
The longest break, perfect for beach trips. Expect crowds in QLD and NSW. Consider domestic flights to WA’s Margaret River or TAS’s Freycinet National Park. Budget for peak pricing—save by traveling mid-January when some states resume.
Autumn Holidays (April 2026)
Milder weather suits road trips. VIC families might head to the Grampians; SA to Kangaroo Island. Check for school development days that shorten holidays.
Winter Holidays (June-July 2026)
Snow season in VIC (Mt Buller), NSW (Thredbo), and TAS. NT offers dry season outback adventures. Indoor options like museums in major cities help with rain.
Spring Holidays (September-October 2026)
Whale watching in NSW/VIC, wildflowers in WA. Lighter crowds make it ideal for national parks.
Budgeting and Practical Advice
School holidays all states Australia 2026 mean higher costs for fuel, flights (e.g., Sydney-Melbourne $200+ return), and attractions. Use apps like School Holidays Australia for reminders. Government rebates like Family Tax Benefit may align with terms.
Plan around public holidays: Australia Day (26 Jan), Easter (12-15 Apr), King’s Birthday (8 Jun varies), etc. Multi-state families note overlaps—e.g., most align winter from late June.
Activities for All Ages
- Free/Cheap: Parks, libraries, community pools.
- Paid: Theme parks (Dreamworld QLD, Luna Park NSW), zoos (Taronga, Cleland).
- Educational: Science centres, historical sites.
Remote learning options exist for extended travel. Check airline family deals via Qantas/Virgin Australia.
Why Verify Official Sources?
Education departments finalize calendars 12-18 months ahead but adjust rarely. Visit sites like qld.gov.au/education or education.wa.edu.au. Apps and widgets from Tourism Australia sync updates.
By planning ahead with this school holidays all states Australia 2026 overview, your family can maximize fun and minimize stress. Safe travels!
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