Term 1 School Holidays 2026: Australia's Guide

· term 1 school holidays 2026

Planning Ahead for Term 1 2026 School Holidays

For Australian families, looking ahead to the 2026 school calendar is a smart move, especially if you’re considering a getaway during the first term break. The Term 1 school holidays 2026 will be the first major holiday period after the new school year begins. While exact dates are yet to be officially published by state and territory education departments, we can provide a reliable forecast based on historical patterns and the standard structure of the Australian school year. This guide helps you understand what to expect and start preliminary planning, with the critical reminder to always verify final dates with your state or territory’s education authority before booking anything.

Why Dates Vary and Why Verification is Essential

Australia does not have a single national school calendar. Each state and territory independently sets its term dates, often to accommodate public holidays, local events, and climatic considerations. The 2026 dates will be formally announced by the respective Departments of Education in late 2024 or early 2025. Factors like the timing of Easter (which falls on Sunday, 5 April 2026) often influence the length and placement of Term 1 holidays, as many states schedule a break that includes the Easter long weekend. Therefore, the information below is an informed projection to aid your early research, not the official word.

Expected Term 1 2026 Holiday Periods by State/Territory

Based on the typical pattern where Term 1 runs from late January/early February to late March/early April, here is a state-by-state overview of the likely holiday window.

New South Wales (NSW)

The NSW school year usually starts in late January. Term 1 holidays are typically a two-week break in mid-April, often scheduled to include the Easter period. For 2026, a similar timeframe of approximately Friday, 3 April to Monday, 20 April 2026 is plausible, but this must be confirmed by the NSW Department of Education.

Victoria (VIC)

Victorian schools also begin in late January. Their Term 1 holidays are commonly aligned with Easter, spanning about two weeks. The expected period is likely Thursday, 2 April to Monday, 20 April 2026, incorporating the Easter long weekend. The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) will release the official calendar.

Queensland (QLD)

Queensland’s school year starts a bit later, in late January. Term 1 holidays are usually a single week in early April, preceding the Easter break. The projected dates might be Saturday, 28 March to Sunday, 5 April 2026, with students returning on Monday, 6 April. The Queensland Department of Education will finalise this.

South Australia (SA)

SA schools typically have a two-week Term 1 holiday in mid-April, closely linked to Easter. An estimated window is Friday, 3 April to Monday, 20 April 2026. The Department for Education will publish the official 2026 calendar.

Western Australia (WA)

Western Australian schools often have a slightly different term structure. Term 1 holidays are usually a single week in mid-April. The likely dates could be Saturday, 4 April to Sunday, 12 April 2026, with a return on Monday, 13 April. Check the WA Department of Education for confirmation.

Tasmania (TAS)

Tasmanian school terms are similar to Victoria’s. Term 1 holidays are expected to be a two-week break around Easter, probably Thursday, 2 April to Monday, 20 April 2026. The Tasmanian Department of Education will issue the official dates.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

The ACT follows a calendar very similar to NSW. The Term 1 2026 holidays are most likely Friday, 3 April to Monday, 20 April 2026. The ACT Education Directorate will provide the definitive schedule.

Northern Territory (NT)

The NT often has a different calendar. Term 1 holidays are typically a single week in early April. A probable period is Saturday, 28 March to Sunday, 5 April 2026, with classes resuming on 6 April. The NT Department of Education will confirm this.

Key Considerations for Early Planning

Even with projected dates, you can take practical steps now.

  1. Monitor Official Sources: Bookmark your state’s Department of Education website. Set a reminder for late 2024 to check for the release of the 2026 calendar.
  2. Understand the Easter Factor: Since Easter 2026 is on 5 April, most states will schedule their break to include the Good Friday (3 April) and Easter Monday (6 April) public holidays. This means the holiday period will likely straddle the weekend.
  3. Travel Demand: The Term 1 break coincides with the Easter long weekend, which is a peak travel period across Australia. Expect higher prices and greater demand for flights, accommodation, and popular family destinations. Early booking will be crucial.
  4. Flexible Bookings: When making preliminary reservations, look for options with free cancellation or flexible change policies. This protects you if your state’s official dates shift slightly from the projections.

Destination Ideas for an Autumn Break

The Term 1 holidays fall in early to mid-autumn in Australia. This season offers pleasant weather in many parts of the country, making it ideal for various trips.

  • North Queensland & The Top End: Enjoy the dry, winter-like conditions in Cairns, the Whitsundays, or Darwin. Perfect for reef trips, rainforest walks, and exploring national parks before the humidity returns.
  • Southern Cities: Experience autumn in Melbourne, Adelaide, or Hobart. Enjoy food and wine festivals, vibrant arts scenes, and crisp days ideal for city exploration and nearby day trips.
  • Ski Fields (Late Season): While most ski resorts wind down by October, some Australian alpine areas like Perisher or Thredbo may still have late-season snow in early April, offering a unique, quieter ski experience. Conditions are never guaranteed, so check closer to the date.
  • Road Trips: Autumn is a fantastic time for a road trip. Consider the Great Ocean Road, the coastal routes of NSW, or the Red Centre Way (Uluru) for milder temperatures.

Final Word: Stay Informed, Book Wisely

Your search for “term 1 school holidays 2026” is the first step in a successful family holiday plan. Use the projected dates above to inspire your research and monitor the market. However, your booking decisions must wait until your state’s official 2026 term dates are published. This verification step is non-negotiable to avoid costly mistakes. By combining early research with patience for official confirmation, you can secure a wonderful autumn getaway that fits perfectly within your family’s school schedule.

Disclaimer: All dates provided in this article are projections based on historical patterns and the 2026 Easter calendar. They are not official. All Australian families must verify the exact Term 1 2026 holiday dates with their respective State or Territory Department of Education website before making any binding travel arrangements.