Victoria School Holidays 2026: Dates & Planning Guide
Introduction to Victoria School Holidays 2026
Planning family time around school holidays is essential for Australian families, especially in Victoria where term dates structure the year. The Victorian school calendar typically features four terms with holidays in between, aligning with public holidays like Easter, Anzac Day, and Queen’s Birthday. For 2026, official dates from the Victorian Department of Education are expected to follow established patterns, but they are subject to confirmation.
Important note: These are indicative dates based on historical trends and early announcements. Families must verify exact dates directly with the Victorian Department of Education or your child’s school, as dates can shift due to public health, weather, or policy changes. Student calendars are usually released 12-18 months in advance.
This guide covers expected 2026 term and holiday dates, plus practical tips for family travel and activities across Victoria.
Indicative School Term Dates for 2026
Victorian government and most independent schools follow a similar calendar. Here’s a breakdown of projected dates for 2026:
Term 1 (January to April)
- Start: Tuesday, 27 January 2026 (Australia Day public holiday on Monday, 26 January)
- End: Thursday, 2 April 2026
- Autumn Holidays: Friday, 3 April to Friday, 24 April 2026 (includes Easter long weekend: Good Friday 3 April, Easter Monday 6 April, and Anzac Day on Tuesday 28 April)
Term 1 kicks off the school year post-summer break, ideal for settling into routines before the first holiday period.
Term 2 (April to July)
- Start: Monday, 27 April 2026
- End: Friday, 3 July 2026
- Winter Holidays: Saturday, 4 July to Sunday, 19 July 2026 (includes Queen’s Birthday public holiday on Monday 8 June)
This term covers mid-year with cooler weather, perfect for indoor family planning.
Term 3 (July to September)
- Start: Monday, 20 July 2026
- End: Friday, 25 September 2026
- Spring Holidays: Saturday, 26 September to Sunday, 11 October 2026 (AFL Grand Final public holiday on Friday 3 October)
Spring brings warmer days, great for outdoor adventures.
Term 4 (October to December)
- Start: Monday, 12 October 2026
- End: Friday, 18 December 2026
- Summer Holidays: Saturday, 19 December 2026 to Tuesday, 27 January 2027
The year ends with the longest break, prime for interstate or international travel.
These dates apply to government schools; Catholic and independent schools may vary slightly—check with your school.
Planning Family Travel During 2026 Holidays
School holidays mean peak travel times, so book early for flights, accommodations, and attractions. Victoria offers diverse options for families:
Autumn Holidays (April 2026)
Head to the Mornington Peninsula for beaches and wildlife parks like the Peninsula Hot Springs. Drive the Great Ocean Road for a scenic road trip, stopping at the Twelve Apostles. Budget tip: Camp at Great Otway National Park for affordable family stays.
Winter Holidays (July 2026)
Escape the cold in the High Country—ski at Falls Creek or Mt Buller (snow season peaks then). For non-skiers, explore indoor fun at Melbourne Museum or Scienceworks. Regional trains via V/Line make day trips easy from Melbourne.
Spring Holidays (September-October 2026)
Visit Phillip Island for penguin parades and koala conservation centre. The Yarra Valley wineries have family-friendly orchards and hot air balloon rides. Whale watching along the coast peaks in September.
Summer Holidays (December 2026-January 2027)
Beach time at Wilsons Promontory or the Bellarine Peninsula. Theme parks like Luna Park Melbourne or Waterworld in Dandenong buzz with holiday crowds. For longer trips, fly to Queensland’s Gold Coast or Tasmania’s wilderness.
Travel tips:
- Use the PTV app for public transport during holidays.
- Look for family deals on Visit Victoria website.
- Pack for variable weather—Victoria’s climate shifts quickly.
- Consider school holiday programs via local councils for free or low-cost activities.
Family Activities and Budgeting
Beyond travel, holidays are for local fun:
- Melbourne: Free entry to Royal Botanic Gardens, Federation Square events, or Imax Melbourne.
- Regional: Healesville Sanctuary for animal encounters; Sovereign Hill for gold rush history.
- Events: Watch for 2026 Moomba Festival (March, pre-Term 1) or Australian Open (January).
Budget wisely:
| Category | Estimated Cost (Family of 4) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (1 week) | $800-$2000 |
| Fuel/Transport | $200-$500 |
| Attractions/Meals | $500-$1000 |
| Total | $1500-$3500 |
Save with RACV memberships for discounts or Kmart camping gear.
Key Reminders and Resources
- Public Holidays Impact: Extra days off around Easter, Anzac, and AFL Grand Final extend breaks.
- Rural vs Urban: Some rural schools have slight variations.
- COVID/Health Policies: Monitor for any restrictions.
Resources:
- Victorian Department of Education: School Term Dates
- School Holiday Guide: racv.com.au or visitvictoria.com
- Apps: SchoolMyKids or Term Dates AU for reminders.
By planning ahead, 2026 holidays can create lasting family memories. Always double-check official sources for the most accurate information. (Word count: 812)