Victorian School and Public Holidays 2026

· victorian school and public holidays 2026

Introduction to Victorian School and Public Holidays 2026

Planning ahead for school holidays and public holidays is essential for Australian families in Victoria. Whether you’re organising family travel, booking childcare, or scheduling work leave, knowing the dates helps avoid surprises. This guide covers projected Victorian school term dates and public holidays for 2026. Important: These are based on typical patterns and early announcements. Always verify exact dates with the Victorian Department of Education or official government websites, as they can change.

Victoria’s school year aligns with other Australian states but has unique public holidays. With four terms and holiday breaks, 2026 offers ample opportunities for beach trips to the Great Ocean Road, skiing in the Alps, or city escapes to Melbourne.

Victorian School Term Dates 2026 (Projected)

Victorian government schools follow a standard calendar set by the Department of Education. Non-government schools may vary slightly, so check with your school. Here’s a projected outline for 2026:

Term 1: Wednesday, 28 January – Friday, 3 April (approx. 9 weeks)

  • Start: After Australia Day long weekend.
  • End: Before Easter break.
  • This term includes Labour Day public holiday.

Autumn Holidays: Saturday, 4 April – Sunday, 19 April (2 weeks)

Coincides with Easter, perfect for family gatherings or short trips.

Term 2: Monday, 20 April – Friday, 26 June (10 weeks)

  • Includes Anzac Day.
  • Ends before Queen’s Birthday long weekend.

Winter Holidays: Saturday, 27 June – Sunday, 12 July (2 weeks)

Ideal for Victorian ski resorts like Falls Creek or family camps.

Term 3: Monday, 13 July – Friday, 18 September (10 weeks)

  • Features AFL Grand Final public holiday (tentative, usually late September).

Spring Holidays: Saturday, 19 September – Sunday, 4 October (2 weeks)

Great for spring festivals or coastal getaways.

Term 4: Monday, 5 October – Tuesday, 15 December (approx. 11 weeks)

  • Ends before Christmas/New Year rush.

Student-free days: Expect 4-5 per year for teacher professional development, often at the start of terms. Confirm with your school.

Key Public Holidays in Victoria 2026

Victoria observes 11-13 public holidays annually, including statewide and Melbourne-specific ones. Most create long weekends. Here’s the projected list for 2026 (verify via vic.gov.au):

  • New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January (public holiday).
  • Australia Day: Monday, 26 January (observed, as 26th is Mon).
  • Labour Day: Monday, 9 March.
  • Good Friday: Friday, 3 April.
  • Easter Saturday: Saturday, 4 April.
  • Easter Sunday: Sunday, 5 April (retail trading holiday in Melbourne).
  • Easter Monday: Monday, 6 April.
  • Anzac Day: Saturday, 25 April (observed Monday, 27 April? No, Anzac is always 25th, half-day if weekend).
  • Queen’s Birthday: Monday, 8 June.
  • Friday before AFL Grand Final: Friday, 25 September (tentative date).
  • AFL Grand Final Eve? Wait, standard is Grand Final Friday.
  • Melbourne Cup: Tuesday, 3 November (Melbourne metro only).
  • Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December.
  • Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December.

Long weekends to watch:

  • Australia Day (26 Jan Mon).
  • Labour Day (9 Mar Mon).
  • Easter (3-6 Apr).
  • Queen’s Birthday (8 Jun Mon).
  • AFL Grand Final (late Sep).
  • Melbourne Cup (3 Nov Tue, possible Mon off for some).
  • Christmas/New Year (25-28 Dec + 1 Jan).

School Holiday Periods and Family Activities

Victoria’s holidays total about 14-16 weeks, plus public holidays. Popular breaks:

  • Summer Holidays: Mid-December 2025 to late January 2026 – peak travel to beaches like Phillip Island or Wilsons Promontory. Book early for campsites.
  • Autumn (Easter): Surfing lessons or Easter egg hunts in regional towns.
  • Winter: Snow trips to Mt Buller; indoor options like Melbourne Museum.
  • Spring: Hiking in Grampians or events like Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

For families with student teachers or VCE exams, note exam period in Term 4 (October-November).

Planning Family Travel Around Holidays

Domestic Travel Tips

  • Budget flights: Jetstar or Virgin to regional Vic airports during holidays.
  • Road trips: V/Line trains or Great Ocean Road drive (avoid peak Easter traffic).
  • Accommodation: Book 6+ months ahead for schoolies or Christmas.

Interstate Considerations

Aligns somewhat with NSW/QLD, but Easter and Queen’s Birthday match nationally. Check schoolies laws for older teens.

Budgeting and Safety

  • Use apps like School Holidays Australia for updates.
  • Pack for variable weather: Snow in July, 40°C summers.
  • COVID or flu rules: Monitor health.vic.gov.au.

Work and Childcare During Holidays

Public holidays often mean paid days off (check Fair Work Australia). For working parents:

  • Childcare: Book vacation care early via council services.
  • Camps: YMCA or Girl Guides programs.
  • Remote work: Balance with family outings.

How to Stay Updated and Verify Dates

  1. Visit education.vic.gov.au for official term dates (released mid-2025 for 2026).
  2. Check vic.gov.au/public-holidays for holidays.
  3. Apps: School Holidays AU, Public Holidays Australia.
  4. School newsletters or principals.
  5. Non-gov schools: Contact directly.

By planning with these projections, Victorian families can maximise 2026’s 20+ holiday days. Whether it’s a Yarra Valley wine tour (sans kids) or Mornington Peninsula beaches, advance prep ensures stress-free fun. Always cross-check official sources for the latest.

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