WA School Holidays 2026: Easter Break Guide

· school holidays wa 2026 easter

WA School Holidays Overview

Western Australia’s public schools follow a four-term calendar, with holidays between terms and at the end of the year. Term 1 typically runs from late January to early April, aligning with the Easter long weekend. This makes Easter a highlight of the school year for families, offering a two-week break filled with public holidays and opportunities for relaxation or adventure.

Private schools may vary slightly, so check with your child’s school. The WA Department of Education publishes term dates annually, usually mid-year prior. For 2026, expect announcements around July 2025. Families must verify exact dates on the official website (education.wa.edu.au) as they can shift due to weather or policy changes.

Easter 2026 School Holidays in WA

Easter 2026 falls early in the year, with Easter Sunday on April 5. Good Friday is April 3, and Easter Monday April 6. In WA public schools, the Easter break is part of the Term 1 holidays, typically spanning about two weeks.

Tentative dates for 2026 (subject to confirmation):

  • Term 1 likely ends Friday, April 3 (Good Friday public holiday).
  • Holidays from Saturday, April 4 to Sunday, April 19.
  • Term 2 starts Monday, April 20.

These are based on historical patterns—Term 1 holidays often start the week before Easter and extend two weeks after. Always cross-check with the WA Department of Education, as dates aren’t finalized until officially released. Regional variations may apply for country schools.

During this period, students enjoy a mix of public holidays and downtime. It’s prime time for family bonding, with cooler autumn weather ideal for outdoor pursuits.

Public Holidays Around Easter 2026

WA observes several public holidays during the Easter break:

Key Dates

  • Good Friday: April 3 – No school or work; services limited.
  • Easter Sunday: April 5 – Not a public holiday, but many events.
  • Easter Monday: April 6 – Full public holiday.
  • Easter Tuesday: April 7 – Public holiday in some regions, but not statewide in WA.

Other nearby holidays include Labour Day on March 2 (start of Term 1 holidays in some years). Public transport runs reduced schedules, and attractions may close. Plan ahead for shopping, as supermarkets often shut on Good Friday.

Fun Family Activities During WA Easter Holidays 2026

Easter in WA blends coastal vibes, wildflowers (if early bloom), and chocolate hunts. Here’s how to make the most:

Outdoor Adventures

  • Perth Beaches: Scarborough or Cottesloe for egg hunts and picnics. Water is still cool, perfect for building sandcastles.
  • Kings Park: Wildflower displays peak around September, but Easter offers playgrounds and playgrounds and botanic walks.
  • Rottnest Island: Ferry from Fremantle for quokka selfies and bike rides. Book early—holidays fill up.

Easter Events

  • Community egg hunts in parks like Lake Monger.
  • Chocolate festivals or markets in Fremantle.
  • Zoo visits: Perth Zoo’s Easter trails with animal encounters.

Indoor Options

  • AQWA (Aquarium of WA) for marine exhibits.
  • Sci-Tech for hands-on experiments.

For regional families:

  • Margaret River: Wine region trails (family-friendly), beaches.
  • Kalgoorlie: Mining history tours.
  • Broome (if north): Staircase to the Moon possible pre-Easter.

Budget tip: Free events via parks.wa.gov.au. Pack picnics to save.

Family Travel Tips for Easter 2026

Easter holidays coincide with school breaks nationwide, so popular spots book out.

Domestic Travel

  • By Car: Great for WA’s vast distances. Check mainroads.wa.gov.au for road conditions—Easter traffic peaks.
  • Flights: Qantas, Virgin to Perth from east coast. Book 6+ months ahead; prices spike.
  • Trains/Buses: Transwa for regional trips, e.g., Perth to Bunbury.

Interstate Trips

  • Fly to Sydney for Harbour Bridge or Melbourne’s Easter markets. Note NSW/VIC holidays align similarly.
  • Drive east? Long hauls; consider caravan parks.

Budgeting and Safety

  • Accom: NRMA parks or Airbnb; Easter rates 20-50% higher.
  • Fuel: Use apps like FuelWatch.
  • Health: UV protection, reef-safe sunscreen. COVID rules minimal, but check Smart Traveller.
  • Packing: Light jackets—Perth averages 22°C daytime.

Pro tip: Use school holiday calendars from education.wa.edu.au to align with other states for family reunions.

Full WA School Holidays 2026 Outlook

Beyond Easter:

  • Autumn: April 24-May 5 (tentative, 2 weeks).
  • Winter: July 3-18 (2 weeks).
  • Spring: September 25-October 6 (2 weeks).
  • Summer: December 23-January 30, 2027 (6+ weeks).

These help plan annual leave. Apps like School Holidays Australia provide reminders.

How to Stay Updated

  1. Bookmark education.wa.edu.au/school-term-dates.
  2. Subscribe to newsletters.
  3. Follow @WAEducation on social media.
  4. Check Catholic/Independent school calendars separately.

Changes are rare but possible. For 2026 specifics, monitor from late 2025.

Planning Easter 2026 holidays now ensures stress-free fun. Whether staying local or venturing out, WA’s diverse landscapes offer something for every family. Verify dates officially and enjoy the break!