School Term Holidays 2026: Australian Dates & Planning Guide
Planning Ahead for 2026 School Holidays
While 2026 might seem far away, families who plan ahead for school term holidays can secure better deals on travel, accommodation, and activities, while also reducing end-of-year stress. This guide provides a national overview of the projected school term holidays for 2026 based on standard academic calendars. It is imperative that you confirm all dates with your relevant State or Territory Department of Education, as variations can occur between government, Catholic, and independent schools, and adjustments are sometimes made.
Why Plan Now for 2026?
- Budget & Savings: Early bookings for flights, hotels, and holiday parks often come with significant discounts.
- Choice: Popular destinations, especially during peak summer periods, book out months in advance.
- Work & Care Arrangements: Securing time off work and organising childcare or holiday programs requires advance notice.
- Avoid Disappointment: Knowing the exact dates helps avoid scheduling conflicts with important family events or medical appointments.
State and Territory Term Dates Overview 2026
The following tables outline the projected term start and end dates, and the subsequent holiday periods for government schools in 2026. These are based on typical four-term structures. Always verify with your state’s official education website before making firm plans.
New South Wales (NSW)
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Holiday Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Tuesday, 27 Jan | Friday, 1 Apr | 2 Apr – 19 Apr |
| Term 2 | Monday, 19 Apr | Friday, 25 Jun | 26 Jun – 11 Jul |
| Term 3 | Monday, 12 Jul | Friday, 17 Sep | 18 Sep – 3 Oct |
| Term 4 | Monday, 4 Oct | Wednesday, 16 Dec | 17 Dec 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 |
Note: NSW typically has a slightly shorter Term 4. The 2026 calendar allows for the Christmas/New Year break to commence in late December.
Victoria (VIC)
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Holiday Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Tuesday, 27 Jan | Thursday, 1 Apr | 2 Apr – 18 Apr |
| Term 2 | Monday, 19 Apr | Friday, 25 Jun | 26 Jun – 11 Jul |
| Term 3 | Monday, 12 Jul | Friday, 18 Sep | 19 Sep – 4 Oct |
| Term 4 | Monday, 5 Oct | Friday, 18 Dec | 19 Dec 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 |
Queensland (QLD)
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Holiday Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Tuesday, 27 Jan | Friday, 26 Mar | 27 Mar – 12 Apr |
| Term 2 | Monday, 13 Apr | Friday, 25 Jun | 26 Jun – 11 Jul |
| Term 3 | Monday, 12 Jul | Friday, 17 Sep | 18 Sep – 3 Oct |
| Term 4 | Monday, 5 Oct | Friday, 11 Dec | 12 Dec 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 |
Note: QLD often has a 10-week summer holiday, starting in early December.
Western Australia (WA)
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Holiday Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Tuesday, 27 Jan | Friday, 26 Mar | 27 Mar – 12 Apr |
| Term 2 | Monday, 13 Apr | Friday, 25 Jun | 26 Jun – 11 Jul |
| Term 3 | Monday, 12 Jul | Friday, 17 Sep | 18 Sep – 3 Oct |
| Term 4 | Monday, 5 Oct | Thursday, 16 Dec | 17 Dec 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 |
South Australia (SA)
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Holiday Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Tuesday, 27 Jan | Friday, 9 Apr | 10 Apr – 26 Apr |
| Term 2 | Monday, 27 Apr | Friday, 3 Jul | 4 Jul – 19 Jul |
| Term 3 | Monday, 20 Jul | Friday, 25 Sep | 26 Sep – 11 Oct |
| Term 4 | Monday, 12 Oct | Friday, 11 Dec | 12 Dec 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 |
Tasmania (TAS)
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Holiday Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Tuesday, 27 Jan | Thursday, 1 Apr | 2 Apr – 19 Apr |
| Term 2 | Monday, 19 Apr | Friday, 3 Jul | 4 Jul – 19 Jul |
| Term 3 | Monday, 20 Jul | Friday, 25 Sep | 26 Sep – 11 Oct |
| Term 4 | Monday, 12 Oct | Wednesday, 16 Dec | 17 Dec 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 |
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
ACT school terms are aligned with NSW.
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Holiday Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Tuesday, 27 Jan | Friday, 1 Apr | 2 Apr – 19 Apr |
| Term 2 | Monday, 19 Apr | Friday, 25 Jun | 26 Jun – 11 Jul |
| Term 3 | Monday, 12 Jul | Friday, 17 Sep | 18 Sep – 3 Oct |
| Term 4 | Monday, 4 Oct | Wednesday, 16 Dec | 17 Dec 2026 – 29 Jan 2027 |
Northern Territory (NT)
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Holiday Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Tuesday, 27 Jan | Friday, 9 Apr | 10 Apr – 26 Apr |
| Term 2 | Monday, 27 Apr | Friday, 3 Jul | 4 Jul – 19 Jul |
| Term 3 | Monday, 20 Jul | Friday, 25 Sep | 26 Sep – 11 Oct |
| Term 4 | Monday, 12 Oct | Thursday, 10 Dec | 11 Dec 2026 – 25 Jan 2027 |
Note: NT often has a longer Christmas break, finishing Term 4 in early December.
Key Planning Considerations for 2026 Holidays
1. The Verification Step is Non-Negotiable
Before booking anything non-refundable, visit your state or territory’s Department of Education website. Look for the official “2026 School Term Dates” calendar. Also, check your specific school’s website or newsletter, as they may have professional development days or carnivals that create additional short breaks.
2. Public Holidays Interact with School Breaks
School holiday periods often coincide with major public holidays like Easter (April 2026), the Labour Day long weekend (varies by state in March/October), and Christmas/Boxing Day. This can mean:
- Higher demand and prices for travel.
- Some attractions may have special events or altered opening hours.
- Potential for family gatherings to be scheduled around these dates.
3. Weather & Destination Suitability
Australia’s climate varies dramatically. Consider:
- June/July Holidays (Terms 2 & 3): Perfect for tropical North Queensland, the Northern Territory, or Western Australia’s dry north. Avoid southern mountain regions if you want warmth.
- September/October Holidays (Term 3 break): Ideal for most of the country—pleasant weather in Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra. Good for road trips.
- December/January Holidays (Summer): Peak season everywhere. Book beaches, coastal towns, and major holiday parks at least 6-12 months ahead. Consider alternative destinations like inland waterways or higher-altitude locations for cooler weather.
4. Budgeting & Booking Strategies
- Set a Budget: Include travel, accommodation, food, activities, and a contingency fund.
- Book Accommodation Early: Use flexible cancellation policies. Consider holiday parks, serviced apartments, or house-sitting for longer stays.
- Travel Insurance: Essential for major trips, especially during peak season when disruptions are more likely.
- Free & Low-Cost Activities: Research national parks (entry fees), free council holiday programs, beaches, and hiking trails. Many museums and galleries have free entry days.
5. Childcare & Holiday Programs
For families staying home or with working parents:
- Vacation Care: Most schools and community centres run vacation care programs during term breaks. These book out fast—enrolments often open in the term prior.
- Sport & Activity Camps: Organisations like the YMCA, PCYC, and private sporting clubs offer week-long camps.
- Grandparents & Carer Swaps: Informal networks can be a lifesaver for a few days here and there.
6. School-Specific Events
Check if your child has any compulsory school events during the first or last week of term (e.g., swimming carnivals, school camps, performances). You may want to avoid planning travel that overlaps with these.
Final Recommendation
Use this 2026 overview as your initial planning scaffold. Mark the key holiday blocks on your family calendar. Then, immediately bookmark your state’s Department of Education website and your school’s communications portal. Once the official 2026 calendars are published (usually in mid-to-late 2025), update your plans accordingly.
By starting the process now—researching destinations, setting budgets, and understanding the typical holiday windows—you’ll be perfectly positioned to confirm and book as soon as the official dates are released, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable 2026 school holiday period for your family.
Remember: This article provides a general guide based on historical patterns. The only authoritative source for your family is your state education department and your child’s school.