WA School Holidays April 2026: Dates & Planning Guide

· school holidays april 2026 wa

Planning Ahead for WA’s April 2026 School Holidays

For Western Australian families, the April school holidays are a much-anticipated break, often coinciding with the Easter long weekend and ANZAC Day. While the exact dates for the 2026 school holidays are not yet published, you can plan effectively by understanding the state’s consistent term pattern and key influencing factors. This guide provides the framework you need to start organising a memorable and stress-free break.

Understanding WA’s Term Structure

Western Australian government schools operate on a stable four-term calendar. The April holidays always mark the end of Term 1 and the beginning of Term 2. Term 1 typically begins in late January or early February and runs for approximately 10 weeks. Therefore, the April school holidays almost always commence in the second week of April and last for two weeks.

For 2026, based on this pattern, the April school holiday period is expected to begin around Friday, 10 April 2026, and conclude on Sunday, 26 April 2026, with students returning to school on Monday, 27 April (Term 2 begins). However, this is an estimate. The first day of the holiday break is the day after the last day of Term 1.

Key Public Holidays Influencing the Break

The April holiday period is significantly shaped by two major public holidays:

  • Good Friday & Easter Monday: Easter in 2026 falls on Friday, 3 April (Good Friday) and Monday, 6 April (Easter Monday). This means the Easter long weekend occurs before the official school holidays begin. Families often take extra leave around this time to extend their break, leading to increased travel and accommodation demand from late March through the April holidays.
  • ANZAC Day: Tuesday, 25 April 2026 is ANZAC Day, a major national public holiday. This day falls squarely within the expected school holiday period. This creates a natural three-day weekend (with 26 April being a Sunday) and is a key date for commemorative services and family activities.

Why Exact Dates Must Be Verified

It is crucial to note that the above are projections. The Western Australian Department of Education publishes official term dates well in advance, usually two years prior. For absolute certainty, you must check the official sources:

  1. Visit the Western Australian Department of Education website and look for the ‘School Term Dates’ calendar.
  2. Always confirm with your specific school, as some independent and Catholic schools may have slight variations in their start/end dates or professional development days (student-free days) that can slightly alter the effective holiday period.

Planning Your April 2026 Break: Practical Tips

With the holiday framework clear, start your planning now:

  1. Book Early, Especially for Easter Adjacent Travel: Because Easter is just before the holidays, demand for popular destinations (both domestic and international) will be extremely high. If you plan to travel during the first week of the April holidays, book flights, accommodation, and major attractions as soon as your dates are confirmed.
  2. Consider a ‘Staycation’: With two full weeks, exploring Western Australia is perfect. The autumn weather in the South West is ideal for hiking, visiting wineries, or coastal drives. The Coral Coast offers milder temperatures for snorkelling at Ningaloo or exploring the Pinnacles.
  3. Plan Around ANZAC Day: Use the public holiday for a relaxed day. Many towns hold dawn services—attending one can be a meaningful family tradition. Plan a special picnic or visit a local museum in the afternoon.
  4. Check for Local Events: Shire and city councils often program special holiday activities, sports clinics, and library events for the April school holidays. Keep an eye on your local council’s website closer to the time.

Family Travel Ideas Within WA

  • Perth & Surrounds: Enjoy the final autumn sun at Kings Park, explore Rottnest Island by ferry, or take a day trip to the Swan Valley for food and wildlife encounters.
  • South West: Discover the caves of Margaret River, walk the Cape to Cape Track, or visit the historic town of Albany. The region is stunning in April.
  • Golden Outback: Experience the stark beauty of places like Kalgoorlie, Wave Rock, or the historic towns of the wheatbelt. It’s a fantastic educational road trip.
  • Indian Ocean Drive: A classic family road trip. Visit the Pinnacles, swim with sea lions at Jurien Bay, or snorkel the coral reefs of Ningaloo (though travel time from Perth is significant).

Final Checklist for April 2026

  • Mark Your Provisional Calendar: Tentatively block out the two weeks from ~10 April to 26 April 2026.
  • Set a Reminder: In late 2025, check the WA Department of Education’s official term date release.
  • Consult Your School’s Newsletter/Website: They will confirm their exact dates and any student-free days.
  • Finalise Travel Plans: Once dates are official, lock in your bookings, especially if travelling near the Easter period.

By using the state’s reliable term pattern as your planning scaffold and committing to verify the official dates later this year, you can confidently organise a fantastic April 2026 school holiday break for your family in Western Australia.