WA School Holidays 2026: Term Dates & Planning Guide
Planning Ahead for 2026: WA School Holidays
For Western Australian families, marking the 2026 school calendar early is a smart move. It allows for strategic planning of family holidays, childcare, and activities well in advance. This guide outlines the anticipated structure of the 2026 school year based on historical patterns and the standard 40-week teaching year. However, it is critical that all dates are confirmed with your child’s specific school or the WA Department of Education closer to the time, as variations can occur, especially for independent and Catholic schools.
The Standard WA School Year Structure
Western Australian public schools typically operate on a four-term structure, with each term lasting around 10 weeks. The year usually begins in late January and concludes in mid-December. Between terms are two-week holiday periods, except for the summer break, which is approximately six weeks. The dates below are projections based on this standard model.
Projected 2026 Term & Holiday Dates
| Term | Start Date (Projected) | End Date (Projected) | Holiday Period (Projected) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Monday, 2 February 2026 | Friday, 10 April 2026 | Saturday, 11 April – Sunday, 26 April |
| Term 2 | Monday, 27 April 2026 | Friday, 3 July 2026 | Saturday, 4 July – Sunday, 19 July |
| Term 3 | Monday, 20 July 2026 | Friday, 25 September 2026 | Saturday, 26 September – Sunday, 11 October |
| Term 4 | Monday, 12 October 2026 | Friday, 18 December 2026 | Saturday, 19 December 2026 – Sunday, 1 February 2027 |
Important Note: These dates are a guide only. The first day of Term 1 is often a public holiday (Australia Day is 26 Jan 2026, a Monday), which may shift the start. Always verify.
Key 2026 Holiday Periods for Family Travel
Understanding the length and timing of each break is essential for travel planning.
1. April School Holidays (Term 1 Break)
This is a two-week break in mid-April. It includes the Easter period. In 2026, Easter Sunday falls on 5 April, meaning Easter Monday (6 April) and Good Friday (3 April) will likely fall within the very end of Term 1 or the start of the holidays. This is a popular time for a short autumn getaway, either within WA (e.g., exploring the south-west forests or the Coral Coast) or to warmer interstate destinations like Queensland or the Northern Territory.
2. July School Holidays (Term 2 Break)
The mid-year break occurs in early July. This is winter in WA, making it ideal for tropical holidays north, exploring the Kimberley (dry season), or even an interstate ski trip to the Australian Alps. It’s also a great time for cultural trips to cities like Melbourne or Sydney, avoiding their summer heat.
3. September/October School Holidays (Term 3 Break)
Spring brings this two-week break. The weather in WA is becoming milder and warmer, perfect for outdoor activities. This is a fantastic time for a road trip to explore national parks, visit Perth’s festival season, or take a longer trip to South Australia or Tasmania before the summer rush.
4. Summer School Holidays (Term 4 Break)
The long summer break runs from before Christmas until late January/early February 2027. This is the longest and most coveted holiday period. Planning is essential as accommodation and flights book out months in advance for popular family destinations. Consider a mix of local beach time in WA (Margaret River, Esperance, Exmouth) and a potential interstate or overseas adventure.
Public Holidays Overlapping with School Holidays
WA public holidays that fall within or immediately adjacent to school holidays can impact travel costs and availability. For 2026, key dates to watch include:
- Australia Day: 26 January 2026 (Monday). This is just before the projected Term 1 start.
- Easter: Good Friday (3 April) & Easter Monday (6 April) – likely around the April holiday period.
- Western Australia Day: 1 June 2026 (Monday). This falls within Term 2.
- Christmas & Boxing Day: 25 & 26 December 2026 – squarely in the middle of the summer holidays.
When a public holiday falls during a school holiday, it can mean a longer continuous break for families but also means many services and attractions may have special hours or be closed.
Practical Tips for Planning 2026 Family Travel
- Verify Everything: The single most important step. Contact your school’s administration or check the official Department of Education WA website for the confirmed 2026 schedule, usually released in Term 4 of 2025.
- Book Early for Summer: For the December/January break, aim to book major flights and accommodation by mid-2025 for the best prices and availability, especially for international travel or prime domestic locations.
- Consider the Shoulder Seasons: The April and September holidays offer good weather and often better value for money than the peak summer period.
- Check School Event Calendars: Be aware of important school dates like camps, sports carnivals, or assessment blocks that might fall just before or after holidays, limiting your travel window.
- Plan for Childcare: If you are not travelling, the long summer break requires significant childcare planning. Look into vacation care programs, which often book out quickly for the January period.
Final Thoughts
Having a clear view of the projected 2026 WA school holidays empowers your family to make informed decisions. Use this guide as a starting point for your budgeting and dreaming, but lock in your plans only after receiving the official dates from your education provider. With careful planning, you can maximise family time and create memorable breaks throughout the 2026 school year.