School Holidays in 2026 Australia: Dates by State

· school holidays in 2026 australia

Planning School Holidays in 2026 Australia

School holidays in 2026 Australia offer families precious time for rest, travel, and bonding. With six public school terms across most states and territories, holidays include summer (December-January), autumn (April), winter (June-July), and spring (September-October) breaks. Dates vary by state due to local education policies, public holidays, and occasional adjustments for events like Easter.

This guide provides indicative dates based on historical patterns and early projections. Families must verify exact dates with their state or territory education department, as calendars are typically finalised mid-year prior. Check official websites like nsw.gov.au/education or education.vic.gov.au for updates. Early planning helps avoid crowds and secure deals on flights, accommodations, and activities.

Overview of the 2026 Australian School Calendar

Australia’s school year generally spans late January to mid-December, with four terms separated by two-week holidays (except the longer summer break). Key influences include:

  • Easter: Falls 5-6 April 2026, impacting autumn holidays.
  • Public holidays: ANZAC Day (25 April), King’s Birthday (varies, often June), AFL Grand Final (VIC only, late September).
  • State differences: Queensland has shorter winter breaks; private schools may differ.

Total holiday weeks: About 13-15 per year, plus pupil-free days. Use tools like the Australian Government’s myGov app or state calendars for reminders.

Indicative School Holiday Dates for 2026 by State and Territory

Always cross-check these with official sources, as dates can shift by 1-2 days.

New South Wales (NSW)

  • Summer: 19 December 2025 – 28 January 2026
  • Autumn: 4 April – 21 April 2026
  • Winter: 4 July – 21 July 2026
  • Spring: 28 September – 12 October 2026

NSW holidays align closely with Sydney’s peak tourism. Popular spots: Blue Mountains or coastal beaches.

Victoria (VIC)

  • Summer: 20 December 2025 – 27 January 2026
  • Autumn: 3 April – 20 April 2026
  • Winter: 3 July – 20 July 2026
  • Spring: 26 September – 13 October 2026

Note AFL Grand Final public holiday (TBC, ~late September) extends spring break for some.

Queensland (QLD)

  • Summer: 12 December 2025 – 27 January 2026
  • Autumn: 3 April – 14 April 2026 (shorter due to Easter)
  • Winter: 29 June – 13 July 2026
  • Spring: 23 September – 6 October 2026

QLD’s tropical climate suits year-round adventures like Great Barrier Reef trips.

South Australia (SA)

  • Summer: 19 December 2025 – 28 January 2026
  • Autumn: 3 April – 20 April 2026
  • Winter: 4 July – 21 July 2026
  • Spring: 28 September – 13 October 2026

Adelaide Fringe (February-March) overlaps early term 1.

Western Australia (WA)

  • Summer: 19 December 2025 – 28 January 2026
  • Autumn: 3 April – 21 April 2026
  • Winter: 4 July – 22 July 2026
  • Spring: 28 September – 13 October 2026

WA’s longer winter break suits family road trips to Margaret River.

Tasmania (TAS)

  • Summer: 20 December 2025 – 28 January 2026
  • Autumn: 10 April – 27 April 2026 (extended for Easter)
  • Winter: 4 July – 21 July 2026
  • Spring: 28 September – 13 October 2026

Cooler weather perfect for Cradle Mountain hikes.

Northern Territory (NT)

  • Summer: 19 December 2025 – 28 January 2026
  • Autumn: 3 April – 20 April 2026
  • Winter: 6 July – 21 July 2026
  • Spring: 28 September – 13 October 2026

Darwin’s dry season (May-October) aligns with terms.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

  • Summer: 19 December 2025 – 28 January 2026
  • Autumn: 4 April – 21 April 2026
  • Winter: 4 July – 21 July 2026
  • Spring: 28 September – 12 October 2026

Mirrors NSW closely.

Public Holidays Overlapping School Holidays in 2026

Boost your break with these:

  • Australia Day: 26 January (during summer hols)
  • Good Friday/Easter: 3-6 April (autumn)
  • ANZAC Day: 25 April (start of term 2)
  • King’s Birthday: Varies (June-July, winter hols in most states)

Full lists on fairwork.gov.au.

Family Travel and Activity Tips for 2026 Holidays

Budgeting and Booking

Book domestic flights 3-6 months ahead via Qantas or Virgin Australia for 20-30% savings. Use school holiday finders on skyscanner.com.au. Campgrounds via hipcamp.com.au fill fast.

Domestic Destinations

  • Summer: Gold Coast (QLD/NSW border) or Tasmania’s Freycinet National Park.
  • Winter: Snowy Mountains (NSW) for skiing or Perth’s Rottnest Island.
  • Autumn/Spring: Great Ocean Road (VIC) or Uluru (NT/QLD edge).

Interstate Travel

Align with neighbouring states—e.g., NSW/VIC summer hols overlap perfectly for Sydney-Melbourne drives.

Staycations and Free Activities

Parks, libraries, and beaches are free. Apps like Eventbrite list school holiday programs. Museums offer kid discounts.

Working Parents

Explore vacation care via state education sites or apps like CareforKids.com.au.

Staying Updated and Resources

Subscribe to newsletters:

  • NSW: education.nsw.gov.au
  • VIC: education.vic.gov.au
  • QLD: qld.gov.au/education

Use School Holidays Australia app for widgets. For private/independent schools, check associations like AIS.

Proactively plan 2026 school holidays in Australia to create lasting memories. Verify dates early, pack flexibly, and enjoy Australia’s diverse landscapes—from beaches to outback. Safe travels!

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