Western Australia Public School Holidays 2026

· western australia public school holidays 2026

Planning Western Australia Public School Holidays 2026

For Australian families in Western Australia, understanding public school holidays is essential for booking family travel, organising childcare, and making the most of time off. The 2026 school year for WA public schools follows the standard four-term structure, but exact dates are typically released by the Department of Education Western Australia (DoE WA) in the year prior. As of now, 2026 dates are tentative and based on patterns from previous years. Families must verify all dates directly with the official DoE WA website or their local school, as changes can occur.

This guide provides a practical overview of expected holidays, public alignments, and family-friendly planning advice to help you prepare.

Tentative Term Dates for WA Public Schools 2026

WA public schools generally operate from late January to early December, with four terms separated by holidays. Private and independent schools may vary slightly, so check individually. Here’s a projected calendar based on recent DoE patterns (subject to confirmation):

Term 1: Late January to Early April

  • Start: Tuesday, 27 January 2026 (Australia Day public holiday on Monday, 26 January)
  • End: Friday, 3 April 2026
  • Holiday Break: Saturday, 4 April to Sunday, 19 April (two weeks, aligning with Easter long weekend)

This term kicks off the year post-summer break, ideal for settling into routines.

Term 2: Mid-April to Late June

  • Start: Monday, 20 April 2026
  • End: Friday, 26 June 2026
  • Holiday Break: Saturday, 27 June to Sunday, 12 July (two weeks, including King’s Birthday public holiday on Monday, 1 June)

Mid-year holidays offer a chance for cooler-weather escapes.

Term 3: Mid-July to Late September

  • Start: Monday, 13 July 2026
  • End: Friday, 25 September 2026
  • Holiday Break: Saturday, 26 September to Sunday, 11 October (two weeks)

Spring break aligns with warming weather, perfect for outdoor adventures.

Term 4: Mid-October to Mid-December

  • Start: Monday, 12 October 2026
  • End: Friday, 11 December 2026
  • Summer Holidays: Saturday, 12 December 2026 to Tuesday, 26 January 2027 (about six weeks)

The longest break allows for extended family trips across Australia.

Total student-free days and pupil-free days may add 1-2 extra non-teaching days per term—confirm with your school.

WA Public Holidays Aligning with School Breaks 2026

Several public holidays in Western Australia coincide with or extend school holidays, creating longer weekends:

  • New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January 2026
  • Australia Day: Monday, 26 January 2026 (Term 1 start day off)
  • Good Friday to Easter Monday: 3-6 April 2026 (extends Autumn break)
  • Anzac Day: Thursday, 25 April 2026
  • Western Australia Day: Monday, 1 June 2026 (during Term 2)
  • King’s Birthday: Not observed separately in WA
  • Labour Day: Monday, 2 March 2026 (early Term 1)

These create natural long weekends. For a full list, check the WA Government public holidays page.

Family Travel Tips for WA School Holidays

School holidays mean peak travel times, so plan ahead:

Booking Early

Book flights, accommodation, and campsites 6-9 months in advance, especially for summer (December-January) when domestic travel surges. Airlines like Qantas and Virgin Australia offer family deals to Perth Airport (PER) or regional hubs like Broome (BME).

Budgeting for Families

Expect 20-50% higher costs during holidays. Use school holiday passes on Transperth public transport. Look for family packages at attractions like Perth Zoo or Rottnest Island ferries.

Domestic Destinations

  • Summer: Margaret River for beaches and wineries (family-friendly with surf lessons); Exmouth for Ningaloo Reef snorkelling.
  • Autumn/Winter: Pemberton for karri forests and treetop walks; Albany for whale watching (June-September peak).
  • Spring: Karijini National Park for gorges and swimming holes.

Interstate Trips

Align with other states’ holidays for visits to Sydney (Term 1 overlaps) or Melbourne. Drive the Nullarbor for an epic road trip during summer break.

Road Trips and Staycations

WA’s vast size suits self-drive holidays. Rent campervans from Britz or Apollo. For staycations, explore free beaches like Cottesloe or Yanchep National Park.

Fun Activities During WA School Holidays 2026

Keep kids entertained without breaking the bank:

Free or Low-Cost Options

  • Bushwalks in Kings Park, Perth.
  • Markets like Fremantle or Subiaco.
  • Beach days with picnics.
  • AQWA (Aquarium of Western Australia) holiday programs.
  • Scitech science centre interactive exhibits.
  • Theme parks like Adventure World (seasonal openings).

Holiday Programs

DoE WA and local councils offer vacation care, sports camps, and STEM workshops. Register early via school portals.

Regional Variations and Special Considerations

Regional WA schools (e.g., Kimberley, Pilbara) may have slight adjustments for weather or remoteness. Aboriginal community schools follow similar calendars but prioritise cultural events. Homeschoolers align with public dates for flexibility.

For students with disabilities, additional supports like therapy breaks align with holidays.

Key Reminders for Families

  • Verify Dates: Visit education.wa.edu.au/school-term-dates or call 1800 199 055. Dates can shift due to elections or events.
  • Private Schools: Use associations like AISWA for independents.
  • COVID/Health: Monitor for any restrictions; holidays are great for catch-up vax.
  • Sustainability: Choose eco-friendly travel—WA’s parks emphasise Leave No Trace.

By planning now, your 2026 holidays can be stress-free and memorable. Safe travels!

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