Term 1 School Holidays 2026: Australiawide Dates & Planning Tips
Planning Ahead for Term 1 School Holidays 2026
For Australian families, looking ahead to the Term 1 school holidays 2026 is a smart move. This break, often falling in mid-April, typically signals the end of the first school term and frequently includes the Easter long weekend. Planning early helps secure the best deals on travel and activities. However, it’s crucial to remember that school term dates are set by each state and territory’s education department, meaning the exact start and end dates for the 2026 Term 1 holidays will vary.
This article provides a general guide based on historical patterns and announced calendars where available. You must verify the exact dates with your relevant state or territory education authority or your school’s official calendar once released.
Why Term 1 Holidays in 2026 Are Unique
The 2026 school calendar has a notable feature: Easter Sunday falls on 5 April 2026, with the Good Friday and Easter Monday public holidays on 3 and 4 April respectively. In most jurisdictions, the Term 1 holidays are scheduled to encompass this period, creating a longer break that is ideal for a short family getaway. This makes the 2026 Term 1 holidays particularly significant for travel planning.
Typical Term 1 Holiday Periods by State/Territory (2026)
Based on the cyclical nature of school calendars, here is a projected overview of when the Term 1 school holidays are likely to begin and end in 2026. These are estimates for planning purposes only.
New South Wales (NSW)
- Likely Period: Friday, 3 April 2026 (or the week prior) to Sunday, 19 April 2026.
- Note: NSW schools typically have a two-week break, often starting the Friday before Easter or the week after. Students usually return to school on the Monday or Tuesday following the second weekend after Easter.
Victoria (VIC)
- Likely Period: Friday, 3 April 2026 to Sunday, 19 April 2026.
- Note: Victorian school terms are structured to include the Easter break. The holiday period is usually two weeks, with students returning on the Monday after the second weekend following Easter Monday.
Queensland (QLD)
- Likely Period: Friday, 3 April 2026 to Sunday, 19 April 2026.
- Note: Queensland’s calendar also aligns with Easter. The break is typically two weeks, starting on the Friday before Good Friday. Term 2 usually commences on the Monday after the second weekend after Easter.
South Australia (SA)
- Likely Period: Friday, 3 April 2026 to Sunday, 19 April 2026.
- Note: SA schools generally have a two-week holiday that includes the Easter long weekend. The first day of Term 2 is commonly the Monday following the second weekend after Easter.
Western Australia (WA)
- Likely Period: Friday, 3 April 2026 to Sunday, 19 April 2026.
- Note: WA’s term dates are also designed to cover Easter. The two-week holiday typically starts on the Friday before Good Friday, with Term 2 beginning on the Monday after the second weekend post-Easter.
Tasmania (TAS)
- Likely Period: Thursday, 2 April 2026 (or Friday 3rd) to Sunday, 19 April 2026.
- Note: Tasmanian schools often have a slightly longer break, sometimes starting on the Thursday before Good Friday. The return to school is usually the Monday after the second weekend following Easter Monday.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) & Northern Territory (NT)
- Likely Period: Friday, 3 April 2026 to Sunday, 19 April 2026.
- Note: Both the ACT and NT align their dates closely with NSW and SA/WA patterns respectively, resulting in a two-week holiday encompassing Easter.
| State/Territory | Probable Start Date 2026 | Probable End Date 2026 | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, NT | Fri 3 Apr 2026 | Sun 19 Apr 2026 | 2-week break over Easter |
| TAS | Thu 2 Apr 2026 (likely) | Sun 19 Apr 2026 | May start Thurs/Fri |
| ACT | Fri 3 Apr 2026 | Sun 19 Apr 2026 | Aligns with NSW |
Important: These dates are projections. The inclusion of the Easter public holidays means the actual school-free period will be at least 17 days, but the pupil-free days (often the Friday before and/or the Monday after) define the official holiday period.
Travel and Activity Planning Considerations
With this long break anchored by Easter, demand for family travel will be high. Here’s how to plan effectively:
1. Book Early
Accommodation, flights, and popular holiday parks or resorts, especially in coastal areas, national parks, or family-friendly cities, will be booked out months in advance. If you have a specific destination in mind, aim to book by late 2025 or early 2026.
2. Consider the Weather
- North Queensland, NT, WA’s North: This is the end of the wet season/start of the dry. Humidity can be high, but it’s a great time for waterfalls and tropical scenery.
- Southern States (VIC, TAS, SA, NSW Southern regions): It’s autumn. Weather is generally mild and pleasant, perfect for hiking, visiting wine regions, or city explorations. Pack layers.
- Central Australia (Uluru): Autumn is one of the best times to visit, with warm days and cool nights.
3. Domestic vs. International Travel
This is a popular time for both. For international travel, be aware that school holidays in other countries (like Japan’s Golden Week or China’s holidays) may also cause increased crowds and prices in popular Asian destinations. A domestic road trip or visit to a nearby state can be an excellent, often more affordable, alternative.
4. Local Staycations & Activities
Don’t underestimate local exploration. Check your local council and tourism websites for special holiday programs, agricultural shows, or community events often scheduled during this break. Visiting a national park or a different part of your own state can feel like a getaway without the long travel.
How to Get the Official 2026 Dates
This is the most critical step. To get the confirmed, legally binding dates for your child’s school:
- Visit your State/Territory’s Department of Education website. Search for “[Your State] school term dates 2026”.
- Check your school’s official website or newsletter. Schools will publish the exact dates, including any pupil-free days or professional development days that may extend the break.
- Mark your calendar as soon as the dates are announced, usually a year or more in advance.
Final Tips for a Smooth Holiday
- Plan for the crowds: Easter is a peak travel time. Expect busy roads, airports, and attractions. Patience and pre-bookings are key.
- Budget: Factor in that prices for holidays will be at a premium during this period.
- Schoolwork: If your child has holiday homework or assignments, plan a quiet time early in the break to complete it.
- Childcare: If you need care for only part of the break, book vacation care programs early, as they fill quickly.
Conclusion
The Term 1 school holidays 2026 present a fantastic, extended break for Australian families, conveniently timed with the Easter public holidays. While the projected dates above give you a solid framework for initial planning—likely a two-week period from around Friday 3 April to Sunday 19 April—your final plans must be based on the official dates released by your state’s education authority. Start dreaming of your autumn adventure now, but anchor your bookings to the confirmed calendar when it becomes available.
Disclaimer: All dates in this article are projections based on historical patterns and the 2026 Easter date. They are not official. Parents and carers must confirm all school holiday dates with their relevant state or territory education department or their school’s official communications.