WA 2026 School Holidays: Planning Guide
Planning Ahead for WA 2026 School Holidays
For Western Australian families, looking two years ahead at school holidays is a smart move for budgeting, booking travel, and organising childcare. While the official, confirmed term dates for 2026 are yet to be published by the WA Department of Education, we can provide a highly reliable forecast based on the standard four-term academic calendar and historical patterns. This guide helps you start planning with confidence, but always verify final dates with your school or the Department closer to 2025/2026.
Why Estimates Are Used for 2026
The Department of Education typically releases official term dates about 18-24 months in advance. For 2026, the pattern is well-established: WA schools operate on a four-term system with relatively stable start and end dates, punctuated by public holidays. The dates below follow the standard structure, factoring in where fixed public holidays (like Labour Day) fall within the school calendar. Catholic and Independent schools may have slight variations, so check with your specific school.
Forecast WA 2026 School Term Dates
The following table outlines the expected term structure for 2026. These are projections, not final government dates.
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Holiday Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Monday, 2 February | Thursday, 9 April | 2 weeks |
| Term 2 | Monday, 26 April | Friday, 2 July | 2 weeks |
| Term 3 | Monday, 19 July | Friday, 24 September | 2 weeks |
| Term 4 | Monday, 11 October | Friday, 10 December | 5-6 weeks (Christmas) |
Key Notes on the Forecast:
- The first Tuesday in February is a public holiday (WA Day/Foundation Day is in June, not Feb). Term 1 typically begins in early February after the Australia Day holiday.
- The April holiday includes the Easter break. The exact dates will shift with Easter 2026 (which is from March 29 - April 5). The holiday period will encompass these dates.
- The mid-year break (Term 2 end/Term 3 start) is WA’s longest winter break, ideal for potential ski trips or family travel.
- Term 4 finishes in early to mid-December, leading into the long Christmas/summer holidays.
WA Public Holidays Impacting 2026 School Days
Public holidays create extra long weekends for families. In 2026, the following fixed-date public holidays will likely fall within school term time (always confirm with the school calendar as some holidays may be observed on different Mondays):
- Labour Day: First Monday in March (2 March 2026).
- Good Friday & Easter Monday: Part of the April holiday period.
- ANZAC Day: 25 April 2026 (Saturday). If it falls on a weekend, the following Monday is often a public holiday, potentially extending the Term 1 break.
- Western Australia Day (Foundation Day): First Monday in June (1 June 2026). This will fall within Term 2.
- Queen’s Birthday: Last Monday in September (28 September 2026). This will likely be during the final week of Term 3.
Strategic Planning Tips for 2026 Holidays
- Book Travel Early: For the popular July and December/January periods, flights and accommodation book out 12-18 months in advance, especially for destinations like Queensland or overseas. Use these projected dates to set price alerts.
- Budget for Two Major Trips: Most families plan one major holiday during the long winter break (June/July) and a second during the summer break (December/January). Factor in the shorter April and September breaks for smaller, local getaways.
- Check School-Specific Dates: Some schools have their own “pupil-free days” or staff development days at the start or end of a term. Your child’s school will publish its specific calendar, which may differ by a day or two from the system-wide dates.
- Consider Long Weekends: Plan short breaks around the public holidays mentioned above. A three-day weekend is perfect for a regional WA trip, visiting family, or a local adventure.
- Childcare Planning: If you require vacation care during the two-week breaks, popular programs at leisure centres and community hubs fill quickly. Note the projected holiday periods and contact providers in early 2025 to understand their booking windows.
Long Weekends & Opportunities in 2026
The alignment of public holidays with term breaks creates some extended opportunities:
- The Easter break in April will likely provide at least 10 consecutive days off school.
- The June long weekend (WA Day) falls early in the Term 2 holidays, potentially making that break feel even longer.
- The September long weekend (Queen’s Birthday) is right at the end of Term 3, making the transition to the final term smoother.
The Essential Reminder: Verification is Crucial
This guide is a planning tool based on precedent. Do not book non-refundable travel relying solely on these dates. The final, authoritative 2026 school term calendar will be published by the WA Department of Education. You must:
- Check the official Department of Education website (education.wa.edu.au) from late 2024/early 2025.
- Confirm the exact dates with your child’s school in their 2025/2026 information pack.
- Look out for any changes to the school calendar structure, though this is rare.
By using these projected dates to start your research and dreaming, you can secure the best options early. Then, a quick final check against the official 2026 calendar will give you complete peace of mind for a fantastic year of family adventures in Western Australia and beyond.