Secondary School Holidays 2026: Australia Guide

· secondary school holidays 2026

Secondary School Holidays 2026: What Australian Families Need to Know

Planning ahead for secondary school holidays in 2026 can help Australian families make the most of time off. Secondary schools, which cater to students from Year 7 to 12, typically follow the same holiday schedules as primary schools in each state and territory. This uniformity simplifies family coordination. However, exact dates are set annually by state education departments and can shift slightly due to public holidays or policy changes.

Important Disclaimer: The dates below are indicative, based on historical patterns and early projections. They are not official. Families must verify with their state or territory education department website or contact schools directly for confirmed 2026 calendars. Public holidays like Australia Day, Easter, and Queen’s Birthday may influence exact start and end dates.

Australia’s school year generally spans four terms, with holidays in between:

  • Summer Holidays: December to late January (longest break).
  • Autumn Holidays: Mid-April (2 weeks).
  • Winter Holidays: Late June to mid-July (2 weeks).
  • Spring Holidays: Late September (2 weeks).

Secondary school holidays 2026 will align with these, offering opportunities for family travel, skill-building activities, and rest.

Indicative Secondary School Term Dates for 2026 by State

Dates vary by jurisdiction due to local needs. Here’s a state-by-state overview for secondary schools:

New South Wales (NSW)

  • Term 1: 28 Jan – 10 Apr
  • Autumn: 13 Apr – 27 Apr
  • Term 2: 28 Apr – 26 Jun
  • Winter: 29 Jun – 13 Jul
  • Term 3: 14 Jul – 18 Sep
  • Spring: 21 Sep – 5 Oct
  • Term 4: 6 Oct – 17 Dec Summer break follows until late January 2027.

Victoria (VIC)

  • Term 1: 27 Jan – 2 Apr
  • Autumn: 3 Apr – 20 Apr
  • Term 2: 21 Apr – 26 Jun
  • Winter: 27 Jun – 11 Jul
  • Term 3: 14 Jul – 18 Sep
  • Spring: 21 Sep – 6 Oct
  • Term 4: 7 Oct – 18 Dec

Queensland (QLD)

  • Term 1: 27 Jan – 3 Apr
  • Autumn: 6 Apr – 20 Apr
  • Term 2: 21 Apr – 26 Jun
  • Winter: 29 Jun – 13 Jul
  • Term 3: 14 Jul – 18 Sep
  • Spring: 21 Sep – 5 Oct
  • Term 4: 6 Oct – 11 Dec Note: Queensland often has shorter terms in some regions.

South Australia (SA)

  • Term 1: 28 Jan – 9 Apr
  • Autumn: 14 Apr – 27 Apr
  • Term 2: 28 Apr – 26 Jun
  • Winter: 29 Jun – 13 Jul
  • Term 3: 14 Jul – 18 Sep
  • Spring: 22 Sep – 6 Oct
  • Term 4: 7 Oct – 16 Dec

Western Australia (WA)

  • Term 1: 28 Jan – 3 Apr
  • Autumn: 7 Apr – 21 Apr
  • Term 2: 22 Apr – 27 Jun
  • Winter: 30 Jun – 14 Jul
  • Term 3: 15 Jul – 18 Sep
  • Spring: 21 Sep – 6 Oct
  • Term 4: 7 Oct – 17 Dec WA holidays can differ slightly by district.

Tasmania (TAS)

  • Term 1: 28 Jan – 3 Apr
  • Autumn: 6 Apr – 21 Apr
  • Term 2: 22 Apr – 26 Jun
  • Winter: 29 Jun – 13 Jul
  • Term 3: 14 Jul – 18 Sep
  • Spring: 21 Sep – 5 Oct
  • Term 4: 6 Oct – 16 Dec

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Aligns closely with NSW:

  • Term 1: 28 Jan – 10 Apr
  • Autumn: 13 Apr – 27 Apr
  • And so on, matching NSW patterns.

Northern Territory (NT)

  • Term 1: 28 Jan – 2 Apr
  • Autumn: 6 Apr – 20 Apr
  • Term 2: 21 Apr – 26 Jun
  • Winter: 29 Jun – 13 Jul
  • Term 3: 14 Jul – 18 Sep
  • Spring: 21 Sep – 5 Oct
  • Term 4: 6 Oct – 17 Dec

Always cross-check via official sites like education.nsw.gov.au or equivalent.

Planning Family Travel During Secondary School Holidays 2026

With holidays confirmed, focus on practical travel. Summer 2025-2026 (ending Term 4 2025 to Term 1 2026) is ideal for interstate trips. Book early for popular spots like the Great Barrier Reef or Sydney’s beaches, as families flock during breaks.

Budget-Friendly Tips

  • Use school holiday calendars to avoid peak pricing; shoulder periods (e.g., early spring) are cheaper.
  • Opt for regional drives: NSW families to the Blue Mountains, Victorians to the Great Ocean Road.
  • Leverage Qantas or Virgin frequent flyer points for domestic flights.
  • Campgrounds via Parks Australia offer affordable stays.

Safe and Educational Travel

Incorporate learning: Visit science centres during autumn breaks or history sites in winter. Pack sunscreen, check road rules (e.g., fatigue laws), and monitor weather apps for bushfire risks.

Fun Activities for Teens During Holidays

Secondary students benefit from structured fun:

  • Sports Camps: AFL or surfing clinics align with 2-week breaks.
  • Online Courses: Platforms like Khan Academy for skill-building.
  • Local Events: Check holiday programs via council websites—free movies, markets.
  • Volunteering: Beach clean-ups foster responsibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do private secondary schools follow public holidays?

Most do, but some vary. Confirm with your school.

How do holidays affect part-time work?

Teens can work more during breaks; check Fair Work Australia for rules.

What if dates change?

Education departments announce updates mid-year prior; subscribe to newsletters.

By planning around secondary school holidays 2026, families can balance rest, adventure, and preparation for the year ahead. Verify dates soon to secure spots for travel and activities. Safe holidays!

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