School Holidays and Public Holidays 2026 Australia

· school holidays and public holidays 2026

Introduction to School Holidays and Public Holidays 2026

Planning family activities, trips, or work schedules around school holidays and public holidays 2026 is essential for Australian families. School terms vary by state and territory, typically following a four-term structure with holidays in between. Public holidays include national dates like Australia Day and state-specific ones.

Note: Dates below are based on typical patterns and projections. Families must verify exact dates with their state or territory education department websites and official public holiday calendars, as they can change due to government announcements or unforeseen events.

This guide covers expected school holiday periods, key public holidays, and practical tips for family travel.

School Holidays 2026 by State and Territory

Australia’s eight states and territories have slightly different calendars. Most follow Term 1 (late January to late March/April), Autumn holidays (1-2 weeks), Term 2 (late April to late June), Winter holidays (2 weeks), Term 3 (mid-July to late September), Spring holidays (2 weeks), and Term 4 (mid-October to mid-December) with summer holidays until late January.

New South Wales (NSW)

Expected:

  • Summer: Until 28 Jan
  • Autumn: 3-20 Apr
  • Winter: 27 Jun-11 Jul
  • Spring: 28 Sep-12 Oct NSW students often align closely with national patterns. Check nsw.gov.au or education.nsw.gov.au for confirmations.

Victoria (VIC)

Projected:

  • Summer: To 27 Jan
  • Autumn: 3-21 Apr
  • Winter: 27 Jun-12 Jul
  • Spring: 28 Sep-13 Oct Victorian holidays may include pupil-free days. Verify via education.vic.gov.au.

Queensland (QLD)

Typical:

  • Summer: Until 27 Jan
  • Easter: Around 3-20 Apr (varies with Easter)
  • Winter: 27 Jun-11 Jul
  • Spring: 28 Sep-12 Oct Queensland has unique Easter overlaps. See eq.edu.au.

South Australia (SA)

Anticipated:

  • Summer: To 28 Jan
  • Autumn: 6-24 Apr
  • Winter: 4-18 Jul
  • Spring: 28 Sep-12 Oct SA holidays are listed on education.sa.gov.au.

Western Australia (WA)

Expected:

  • Summer: Until 28 Jan (south), 2 Feb (north)
  • Autumn: 3-21 Apr
  • Winter: 27 Jun-13 Jul (south), later north
  • Spring: 28 Sep-13 Oct Regional variations exist; check education.wa.edu.au.

Tasmania (TAS)

Projected:

  • Summer: To 28 Jan
  • Autumn: 13 Apr-27 Apr
  • Winter: 27 Jun-13 Jul
  • Spring: 28 Sep-12 Oct Tasmanian details at education.tas.gov.au.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Aligns with NSW:

  • Similar to NSW, verify via act.gov.au/education.

Northern Territory (NT)

Typical:

  • Summer: Until 28 Jan
  • Autumn: 3-20 Apr
  • Winter: 29 Jun-13 Jul
  • Spring: 29 Sep-13 Oct Check education.nt.gov.au.

Public Holidays 2026

Public holidays provide extra breaks, often extending school holidays. Key national and state dates (projected; confirm officially):

National Public Holidays

  • New Year’s Day: 1 Jan (Thu)
  • Australia Day: 26 Jan (Mon)
  • Good Friday: 3 Apr (Fri, Easter varies yearly)
  • Easter Monday: 6 Apr (Mon)
  • ANZAC Day: 25 Apr (Sat, may observe Fri 24 Apr in some states)

Other Key Dates (Vary by State)

  • King’s Birthday: Varies (e.g., Jun in most states except WA Nov, QLD Oct)
    • NSW/VIC/TAS/ACT: 8 Jun (Mon)
    • QLD: 5 Oct (Mon, special)
    • SA: 12 Jun (Mon? Confirm)
    • WA: 2 Nov (Fri?)
    • NT: 5 Jul (Mon?)
  • Labour Day: Mar (VIC/ACT/TAS/NT), Oct (NSW/QLD/SA), varies WA
  • Christmas Day: 25 Dec (Fri)
  • Boxing Day: 26 Dec (Sat)

Full lists: Use fairwork.gov.au or state government sites like business.nsw.gov.au/public-holidays.

Overlaps: Maximising Family Time in 2026

School holidays often coincide with public holidays, creating long weekends ideal for travel:

  • Easter/Autumn: 3-21 Apr across most states—prime for short trips.
  • ANZAC: 24-27 Apr long weekend.
  • Winter: Late Jun aligns with King’s Birthday in many areas.
  • Christmas/New Year: Extended summer break.

Family Travel Tips During School Holidays 2026

Budgeting and Booking Early

Holidays see high demand for flights, accommodations, and attractions. Book 6-12 months ahead via sites like skyscanner.com.au or expedia.com.au. Use family passes for theme parks (e.g., Dreamworld, Sea World in QLD).

Domestic Destinations

  • Beaches: Gold Coast (QLD), Sydney (NSW) during summer.
  • Snow: Thredbo/Perisher (NSW/VIC) in winter.
  • Outback: Uluru (NT) or Broome (WA) avoiding peak heat.
  • Cities: Melbourne’s museums, Adelaide’s festivals.

Interstate Travel

Drive or fly: Sydney-Melbourne flights ~$100-200 return. Consider trains like The Ghan for family adventures.

Road Trips and Safety

Plan via racq.com.au or nrsp.org.au apps. Pack for weather—hot summers, cold winters. Rest stops every 2 hours.

Affordable Options

Camping: National parks via parksaustralia.gov.au. Staycations: Local zoos, beaches. Off-peak within holidays (e.g., mid-winter).

Health and Prep

COVID rules may apply; check smarttraveller.gov.au. Pack sunscreen, hats, first-aid. School holiday programs via local councils.

Planning Checklist for 2026

  1. Visit state education site for school dates.
  2. Check public holidays at fairwork.gov.au.
  3. Mark overlaps for long breaks.
  4. Budget: Allocate for fuel (~$2/L), accommodation ($150+/night family).
  5. Book transport/accommodation.
  6. Emergency contacts: 000, RAC services.

By aligning school holidays and public holidays 2026, families can create memorable experiences without stress. Stay updated—official sources are your best guide.

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