What Dates Are School Holidays 2026 in Australia?

Planning ahead for school holidays is essential for Australian families, especially with family travel, childcare, and activities in mind. School holidays in 2026 will follow the standard four-term structure, but exact dates vary by state and territory due to differences in public holidays and local education policies. As of now, official 2026 calendars are being finalized or recently released by state education departments—families must verify dates directly with their state or territory’s education authority, as they can change.

This guide provides indicative dates based on announced or projected schedules from reliable sources like state education websites. Use it as a starting point for booking holidays, but cross-check for accuracy. We’ll cover each state and territory, plus tips for family planning.

Indicative School Holiday Dates 2026 by State and Territory

Australia’s eight states and territories set their own term dates. Here’s a breakdown of projected 2026 school holidays. Remember, these are indicative—confirm with official sources such as nsw.gov.au, education.vic.gov.au, or equivalent sites.

New South Wales (NSW)

Autumn Holidays: 3 April – 17 April (approx. 2 weeks)
Winter Holidays: 27 June – 11 July (2 weeks)
Spring Holidays: 28 September – 12 October (2 weeks)
Summer Holidays: 19 December 2026 – 29 January 2027 (about 6 weeks)

NSW public schools typically start Term 1 around late January. Check the NSW Department of Education for the student-free days and updates.

Victoria (VIC)

Autumn Holidays: 3 April – 20 April (incl. Easter)
Winter Holidays: 27 June – 11 July
Spring Holidays: 26 September – 10 October
Summer Holidays: 18 December 2026 – 27 January 2027

Victorian holidays often align closely with NSW but include unique public holidays. Visit education.vic.gov.au for the latest calendar.

Queensland (QLD)

Easter Holidays: 3 April – 14 April
Winter Holidays: 29 June – 13 July
Spring Holidays: 23 September – 5 October
Summer Holidays: 12 December 2026 – 23 January 2027

Queensland has distinct Easter and summer breaks. Queensland families should consult education.qld.gov.au.

Western Australia (WA)

Autumn Holidays: 27 March – 14 April (longer due to early Easter)
Winter Holidays: 27 June – 13 July
Spring Holidays: 28 September – 13 October
Summer Holidays: 17 December 2026 – 28 January 2027

WA’s dates reflect its time zone and holidays. Verify via education.wa.edu.au.

South Australia (SA)

Autumn Holidays: 3 April – 20 April
Winter Holidays: 27 June – 13 July
Spring Holidays: 28 September – 13 October
Summer Holidays: 17 December 2026 – 28 January 2027

SA aligns with eastern states often. Official info at education.sa.gov.au.

Tasmania (TAS)

Autumn Holidays: 3 April – 21 April
Winter Holidays: 29 June – 13 July
Spring Holidays: 22 September – 6 October
Summer Holidays: 19 December 2026 – 2 February 2027

Tasmania’s island location influences dates. Check education.tas.gov.au.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Autumn Holidays: 30 March – 14 April
Winter Holidays: 29 June – 13 July
Spring Holidays: 29 September – 13 October
Summer Holidays: 17 December 2026 – 28 January 2027

ACT mirrors NSW closely. Visit act.gov.au for details.

Northern Territory (NT)

Autumn Holidays: 27 March – 14 April
Winter Holidays: 29 June – 13 July
Spring Holidays: 28 September – 12 October
Summer Holidays: 11 December 2026 – 28 January 2027

NT has tropical adjustments. Confirm with education.nt.gov.au.

How to Find Official School Holiday Dates for 2026

Visit State Education Websites: Each department publishes calendars 12-18 months in advance. Search “[state] school term dates 2026”.
Government Apps and Newsletters: Sign up for alerts from bodies like the NSW Department of Education.
School-Specific Calendars: Individual schools may vary slightly for pupil-free days.
National Resources: Use sites like schoolholidays.com.au for summaries, but always verify.

Dates can shift due to elections, weather events, or policy changes—stay proactive.

Planning Family Travel During 2026 School Holidays

School holidays mean peak travel times, so book early for flights, accommodations, and attractions.

Domestic Destinations: Head to the Great Barrier Reef (QLD summer hols), Snowy Mountains (VIC/NSW winter), or Uluru (NT spring). Family-friendly spots like Gold Coast theme parks see crowds—arrive mid-week.
International Trips: Align with summer breaks for Europe or Asia. Watch for passport renewals and travel insurance.
Budget Tips: Use school holiday sales from Qantas or Virgin Australia. Campgrounds in national parks offer affordable options.
Road Trips: Drive the Great Ocean Road (VIC) or Tassie’s east coast—pack for variable weather.

Consider working parent needs: book holiday programs via council websites.

Fun Activities and Ideas for 2026 School Holidays

Keep kids engaged without breaking the bank:

Free or Low-Cost: Beach days, bushwalks, library storytime, or National Gallery visits.
Paid Experiences: Sydney Aquarium, Melbourne Zoo, or Adventure World (WA).
At-Home Fun: STEM kits, backyard camps, or online classes from ABC Education.
Sport and Camps: AFL clinics, surf lessons, or Scouts holiday programs.

State tourism sites like visitvictoria.com list holiday events.

Final Tips for Stress-Free Holidays

Create a shared family calendar using Google Calendar or apps like Cozi. Budget for extras like fuel or entry fees. Prioritize rest—holidays recharge everyone.

By checking official sources now, you’ll be set for 2026 adventures. Safe travels and happy holidays!

(Word count: 812. All dates are indicative; verify with your state education department for official 2026 schedules.)