School Holidays Perth WA 2026: Dates & Family Tips

· school holidays perth wa 2026

School Holidays in Perth WA 2026: What Families Need to Know

Perth families are already looking ahead to 2026 school holidays, a key time for family bonding, travel and relaxation. Western Australia’s public school calendar structures the year into four terms, with holidays in between providing breaks from mid-December to late January (summer), late March to mid-April (autumn), late June to mid-July (winter), and late September to mid-October (spring). These periods align with opportunities for local adventures or interstate trips.

While exact dates for 2026 are not yet finalised by the WA Department of Education, they follow predictable patterns based on previous years. Families must verify official dates directly from the WA Department of Education website or your school’s calendar, as dates can shift slightly due to public holidays or policy changes. Private and independent schools may vary.

Expected Term Dates for Perth Public Schools in 2026

Drawing from historical patterns (e.g., 2025 dates released in 2024), here’s a tentative outline for 2026 Perth public schools. These are estimates only—confirm with official sources:

Term 1 (January to March/April)

  • Students return: Late January (around 28-30 January, post-Australia Day long weekend).
  • Ends: Late March (approx. 27-30 March).
  • Autumn holidays: Approx. 30 March to 14 April (two weeks, including Easter).

Easter in 2026 falls on 5 April (Good Friday), creating a potential four-day long weekend if aligned with holidays.

Term 2 (April to June)

  • Starts: Mid-April (around 15-17 April).
  • Ends: Late June (approx. 26 June).

Term 3 (July to September)

  • Starts: Mid-July (around 13-17 July).
  • Ends: Late September (approx. 25 September).
  • Spring holidays: Approx. 28 September to 13 October.

Term 4 (October to December)

  • Starts: Mid-October (around 14 October).
  • Ends: Mid-December (approx. 11 December).
  • Summer holidays: Mid-December to late January 2027 (about six weeks).

These breaks total around 14-15 weeks off per year, plus public holidays. For the most accurate info, check the WA Department of Education’s annual calendar release, typically out by mid-2025.

Key Public Holidays Impacting Perth School Holidays 2026

Public holidays extend breaks, perfect for family outings. Expected 2026 dates (subject to confirmation):

  • New Year’s Day: 1 January.
  • Australia Day: 26 January (Monday long weekend).
  • Labour Day: March (early, around 2 March—may bridge into holidays).
  • Good Friday & Easter Monday: 3-6 April.
  • Anzac Day: 25 April (Friday).
  • Western Australia Day: 1 June (Monday long weekend).
  • King’s Birthday: 1 June? (WA observes early; confirm).
  • Christmas & Boxing Day: 25-28 December.

Long weekends like Australia Day or WA Day offer mini-breaks even during terms.

Family Travel Ideas During Perth WA School Holidays 2026

Perth’s location makes it ideal for affordable family holidays. With direct flights from eastern states and scenic drives, plan around peak summer crowds.

Summer Holidays (Dec 2026-Jan 2027)

Escape the heat with a Rottnest Island ferry trip—spot quokkas, snorkel and bike around (book early, family passes from $100). Or head to Margaret River for beaches, wineries (family-friendly) and caves. Road trip south: 3-hour drive, stay in holiday parks.

Autumn Break (March/April)

Easter timing suits caravan parks or Busselton Jetty adventures. Fly to Exmouth for Ningaloo Reef whale sharks (April school holiday overlap).

Winter Holidays (June/July)

Cooler weather? Indoor fun at Perth Zoo, Scitech or AQWA Aquarium. Drive to Pemberton for karri forests and treetop walks—budget family cabins available.

Spring Break (September/October)

Wildflower season! Explore Kings Park or day trip to Yanchep National Park for koalas and caves. Whale watching peaks in Albany (5-hour drive or scenic train).

Budget tips: Use School Holidays WA app for free events. Book accommodations via Booking.com or Airbnb early. Qantas/ Virgin frequent flyer points cover domestic flights to Broome or Karijini National Park.

Fun Things to Do in Perth During School Holidays

Stay local to save:

  • Free/Cheap: Cottesloe Beach picnics, Caversham Wildlife Park, playgrounds at Elizabeth Quay.
  • Events: Expect holiday programs like Perth Festival (Feb/March fringe), Winter Jazz or NAIDOC Week activities.
  • Rainy Days: Indoor trampoline parks (Skyzone), bowling or cinema deals.

WA’s Family Pass for attractions like Fremantle Markets or Perth Mint offers value.

Practical Tips for Perth Families Planning 2026 Holidays

  1. Mark Calendars Early: Download the WA Education app; join school newsletters.
  2. Budget Smart: Holidays inflate costs—use Kmart camping gear, meal prep.
  3. Childcare/Activities: Book holiday programs via Camp Australia (from $50/day).
  4. Health & Safety: Pack sunscreen, check Bureau of Meteorology for bushfire risks.
  5. Interstate Travel: Align with NSW/VIC calendars for joint family trips (e.g., shared summer break).
  6. Sustainability: Choose eco-tours like eco-beach camps in WA’s national parks.

With Perth’s sunny climate (average 8 hours sunshine daily), 2026 holidays promise memorable times. Start planning now—official dates will be key. Visit education.wa.edu.au for updates.

(Word count: 748)