WA School Holidays and Public Holidays 2026
Planning Ahead: WA School Holidays and Public Holidays 2026
For Western Australian families, knowing school holidays and public holidays is key to organising family trips, work leave, and fun activities. This guide provides provisional dates for 2026 based on typical patterns from the Western Australia Department of Education. Important: These are estimates only. Always verify exact dates on the official WA Department of Education website or your school’s calendar, as they can change due to government announcements or unforeseen events. Public holidays are set by the WA government and may shift if they fall on weekends.
With school holidays aligning often with public holidays like Easter and ANZAC Day, 2026 offers great opportunities for extended breaks. Whether you’re planning a beach getaway in Perth or a road trip to the Kimberley, this info helps you book flights, accommodations, and activities early—spots fill up fast in peak times.
Provisional WA Public School Term Dates 2026
WA public schools typically follow a four-term structure, with holidays in between. Here’s a provisional outline for 2026:
| Term | Dates (Provisional) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Wednesday, 28 January – Thursday, 2 April | 9 weeks |
| Autumn Holidays | Friday, 3 April – Monday, 27 April | 3.5 weeks (includes Easter) |
| Term 2 | Tuesday, 28 April – Friday, 26 June | 10 weeks |
| Winter Holidays | Monday, 29 June – Sunday, 19 July | 3 weeks |
| Term 3 | Monday, 20 July – Friday, 25 September | 10 weeks |
| Spring Holidays | Monday, 28 September – Friday, 16 October | 2.5 weeks |
| Term 4 | Monday, 19 October – Thursday, 17 December | 9 weeks |
| Summer Holidays | Friday, 18 December 2026 – Tuesday, 26 January 2027 | ~5.5 weeks |
Note: Student-free days and pupil-free days at the start of terms are common (e.g., 1-2 days before students return). Private and independent schools may vary slightly. Check the WA Department of Education calendar for updates.
WA Public Holidays 2026
Public holidays mean no school or work for most, creating long weekends perfect for family outings. Here’s the expected list for WA in 2026 (provisional, confirm via the WA Government Gazette):
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January
- Australia Day: Monday, 26 January (public holiday on the day)
- Labour Day: Monday, 2 March
- Good Friday: Friday, 3 April
- Easter Sunday: Sunday, 5 April (retail trading restricted)
- Easter Monday: Monday, 6 April
- ANZAC Day: Thursday, 25 April
- Western Australia Day: Monday, 1 June
- King’s Birthday: Monday, 28 September (Perth metro area; dates vary regionally)
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December
- Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December
Regional public holidays may apply, like Foundation Day in some areas or show days (e.g., Perth Royal Show around late September). If a holiday falls on a weekend, it often shifts to the nearest weekday—check official sources.
These align well with school breaks: Easter long weekend spills into autumn holidays, ANZAC into the same, and King’s Birthday into spring break.
Overlaps: School Holidays and Public Holidays
Key overlaps in 2026 create super-long breaks:
- Easter/Autumn (3 April – 27 April): Includes Good Friday, Easter Monday, and ANZAC Day—up to 18 days off!
- Winter (29 June – 19 July): Mid-year recharge.
- Spring (28 Sep – 16 Oct): Ties into King’s Birthday.
Compare to other states: WA’s terms start later than NSW/VIC (end Jan vs. late Jan), so interstate family travel needs coordination.
Family Travel Tips for WA School Holidays 2026
Book early—holidays see spikes in domestic travel. Airlines like Qantas and Virgin Australia offer family deals; check for school holiday sales.
Short Getaways (Autumn/Winter/Spring Holidays)
- Perth and Surrounds: Rottnest Island ferry for quokkas (2-hour trip). Fremantle markets or AQWA aquarium.
- South West: Margaret River for beaches, wineries (family-friendly), caves. 3-hour drive from Perth.
Big Trips (Summer/Autumn)
- North: Exmouth Ningaloo Reef for whale sharks (Easter peak). Fly into Learmonth.
- Karri Forests: Pemberton or Walpole for tree-top walks.
Budget tips: Use school holiday passes for attractions. Camp in national parks via Parks WA—affordable and educational. Drive times: Perth to Broome is 35+ hours, so fly for far north.
Road rules: WA’s vast—pack water, check RAC WA for conditions. Fuel up in remote areas.
Fun Family Activities During WA School Holidays
Keep kids entertained:
Autumn Holidays (Easter/ANZAC)
- Easter egg hunts at Kings Park. Beach days at Cottesloe.
Winter Holidays
- Indoor: Scitech or WA Museum. Outdoor: Penguin Island if mild.
Spring Holidays
- Perth Zoo or Caversham Wildlife Park. Spring wildflowers in the Wheatbelt.
Summer Holidays
- Wave Rock, Hyden. Or beach camping at Esperance.
Free/cheap options: Local council events, library programs, playgrounds like Elizabeth Quay.
Staying Informed and Healthy
Subscribe to Dept of Education newsletters. Apps like Schoolbox for school-specific info.
Health: Sunscreen essential—UV high year-round. Holiday food safety for picnics.
In summary, 2026’s WA school holidays and public holidays offer 13-14 weeks off, ideal for bonding and adventure. Verify dates officially, plan flexibly, and make memories. Safe travels!
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