What Dates Are School Holidays in 2026 in Australia?

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What Dates Are School Holidays in 2026?

Planning family holidays around school breaks is essential for Australian families. If you’re searching for “what dates school holidays 2026,” note that exact dates vary by state and territory. Education departments typically release official calendars 12-18 months in advance, so 2026 dates may be proposed or indicative at this stage. Always verify with your state’s education website for confirmed schedules, as they can change due to public holidays or emergencies.

Australia’s school year follows four terms with holidays in between: summer (December to January), autumn (late April), winter (late June to mid-July), and spring (late September to mid-October). Public holidays like Australia Day or Easter can shift effective break lengths. This guide provides indicative 2026 dates based on historical patterns and early announcements where available, plus practical planning advice.

Indicative School Holiday Dates by State and Territory for 2026

Dates are approximate and government schools only; independent and Catholic schools may differ slightly. Check official sources like your state’s education department website (e.g., education.nsw.gov.au for NSW).

New South Wales (NSW)

  • Summer Holidays: 19 December 2025 – 28 January 2026 (about 6 weeks)
  • Autumn Holidays: 4 April – 21 April 2026
  • Winter Holidays: 27 June – 11 July 2026
  • Spring Holidays: 28 September – 12 October 2026

NSW families enjoy long summer breaks ideal for beach trips. Verify via NSW Department of Education.

Victoria (VIC)

  • Summer Holidays: 20 December 2025 – 27 January 2026
  • Autumn Holidays: 3 April – 20 April 2026
  • Winter Holidays: 26 June – 13 July 2026
  • Spring Holidays: 26 September – 13 October 2026

Victorian calendars often align closely with NSW. Confirm with vic.gov.au/education.

Queensland (QLD)

  • Summer Holidays: 12 December 2025 – 27 January 2026
  • Autumn Holidays: 3 April – 14 April 2026
  • Winter Holidays: 27 June – 13 July 2026
  • Spring Holidays: 23 September – 6 October 2026

Queensland’s tropical climate makes winter breaks popular for southern visitors. Check qld.gov.au/education.

Western Australia (WA)

  • Summer Holidays: 19 December 2025 – 2 February 2026 (longer break)
  • Autumn Holidays: 27 March – 14 April 2026
  • Winter Holidays: 27 June – 13 July 2026
  • Spring Holidays: 28 September – 13 October 2026

WA has unique term starts. Visit education.wa.edu.au.

South Australia (SA)

  • Summer Holidays: 19 December 2025 – 6 February 2026
  • Autumn Holidays: 4 April – 21 April 2026
  • Winter Holidays: 27 June – 14 July 2026
  • Spring Holidays: 28 September – 13 October 2026

SA aligns with eastern states mostly. See education.sa.gov.au.

Tasmania (TAS)

  • Summer Holidays: 20 December 2025 – 28 January 2026
  • Autumn Holidays: 13 April – 27 April 2026
  • Winter Holidays: 27 June – 13 July 2026
  • Spring Holidays: 28 September – 13 October 2026

Tasmania’s dates suit cooler weather escapes. Confirm at education.tas.gov.au.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

  • Summer Holidays: 19 December 2025 – 28 January 2026
  • Autumn Holidays: 4 April – 21 April 2026
  • Winter Holidays: 27 June – 11 July 2026
  • Spring Holidays: 28 September – 12 October 2026

ACT mirrors NSW closely. Check act.gov.au/education.

Northern Territory (NT)

  • Summer Holidays: 19 December 2025 – 28 January 2026 (wet season)
  • Autumn Holidays: 4 April – 21 April 2026
  • Winter Holidays: 27 June – 13 July 2026
  • Spring Holidays: 26 September – 13 October 2026

NT’s Top End heat influences travel. Visit education.nt.gov.au.

How to Confirm Exact 2026 School Holiday Dates

  1. Visit Official Websites: Each state/territory education department publishes calendars (search “[state] school term dates 2026”).
  2. Apps and Calendars: Use apps like School Holidays Australia or government calendars.
  3. Contact Schools: Private schools set their own dates—ask directly.
  4. Public Holidays Impact: Easter 2026 (3-6 April) and Queen’s Birthday (8 June) may extend breaks.

Stay updated as dates are finalised by late 2025.

Planning Family Travel Around 2026 School Holidays

School holidays mean peak travel times, so book early for flights, accommodations, and attractions. Budget for 20-50% higher costs during breaks.

  • Summer (Dec-Jan): Beach destinations like Gold Coast or Sydney shine. Consider domestic drives to avoid crowds.
  • Autumn (Apr): Cooler weather perfect for Uluru or Blue Mountains hikes.
  • Winter (Jun-Jul): Skiing in Thredbo or Jindabyne; Queensland’s theme parks for warmth.
  • Spring (Sep-Oct): Whale watching on NSW coast or Tassie wildflowers.

Tips:

  • Use school holiday calendars for multi-state families.
  • Look for family deals on Virgin Australia or Qantas.
  • Pack for variable weather—summer heatwaves or winter snow.

Family-Friendly Travel Ideas for 2026 Breaks

  • Gold Coast, QLD: Sea World, Dreamworld during summer or winter.
  • Great Ocean Road, VIC: Road trip in autumn.
  • Sydney, NSW: Harbour Bridge climbs, Taronga Zoo anytime.
  • Perth, WA: Rottnest Island quokkas in spring.
  • Adelaide, SA: Cleland Wildlife Park.

Incorporate educational elements: science centres like Questacon (ACT) or museums. For interstate trips, align with overlapping holidays (e.g., most states share winter breaks).

Budgeting and Safety Tips

Save with school holiday passes (e.g., Sydney’s Opal cards). Check road rules—holidays increase traffic. Use apps like Waze. Health-wise, pack sunscreen, hats, and check for flu season in winter.

By planning ahead with verified dates, your 2026 family holidays will be stress-free and memorable. Always cross-check official sources for the latest info.