April School Holidays 2026: Australia's State Guide

· when are april school holidays 2026

April 2026 School Holidays: Why Dates Differ Across Australia

Families searching for “when are april school holidays 2026” need to know a crucial fact: there is no single national date. Each state and territory sets its own school term calendar, meaning the April holiday break will start and end on different weeks across the country. This variation is due to local public holidays (like Easter and Anzac Day), historical term lengths, and state-specific teacher professional development days.

For 2026, the exact official dates have not yet been published by any state education department. However, based on the standard four-term structure and the typical placement of the Easter long weekend (which in 2026 falls on Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April), we can provide a reliable projection of when the two-week April holiday period is likely to occur. This guide is for planning purposes only. You must verify the final dates with your state’s education authority in late 2025.

State-by-State Projections for April 2026

Here is a breakdown of the most likely scenario for each jurisdiction, assuming a standard term calendar. The April holidays typically encompass the Easter weekend.

  • New South Wales (NSW) & Australian Capital Territory (ACT): These jurisdictions usually have a two-week holiday break in mid-April. For 2026, the most probable dates are Monday 13 April to Friday 24 April (inclusive). This would mean Term 1 ends on Thursday 9 April.
  • Victoria (VIC): Similar to NSW, Victoria’s April holidays are typically a two-week break. The projected dates are Monday 13 April to Friday 24 April. Term 1 would conclude on Thursday 9 April.
  • Queensland (QLD): Queensland often has a slightly different term structure. The April holiday is usually a two-week break, but it may start a week earlier or later than southern states. The most likely projection is Monday 6 April to Friday 17 April. This would see Term 1 finishing on Friday 3 April.
  • South Australia (SA): SA’s holidays frequently align with the Easter period. The projected two-week break is Monday 6 April to Friday 17 April, with Term 1 ending on Friday 3 April.
  • Western Australia (WA): WA’s term dates can vary more. A common pattern is for the April holidays to start after Anzac Day (25 April). The projected dates are Monday 27 April to Friday 8 May. This means Term 1 would end on Thursday 23 April.
  • Tasmania (TAS): Tasmania generally follows a similar pattern to the southern mainland states. The projected two-week break is Monday 13 April to Friday 24 April, with Term 1 concluding on Thursday 9 April.
  • Northern Territory (NT): The NT often has a different calendar. The April holiday is typically a two-week break. The most likely projection is Monday 6 April to Friday 17 April, with Term 1 finishing on Friday 3 April.

Important: These are educated projections. The actual 2026 calendars will be confirmed by each state’s education department throughout 2025.

How to Plan Your Family Break Now

Even without the exact dates, you can start planning a successful April 2026 holiday.

1. Book Travel with Flexibility. If you’re planning interstate or overseas travel, book flights and accommodation with options for free cancellation or changes. Target your booking for the projected holiday window (e.g., mid-April for most) but be prepared to adjust by a week once official dates are released.

2. Research Local Events & Activities. Look into what’s on in your local area or your intended travel destination for the April 2026 period. Major events like the Sydney Royal Easter Show (typically around Easter) or regional festivals are often scheduled years in advance. Securing tickets early is wise.

3. Consider a ‘Staycation’ with a Plan. If staying home, research your local council’s holiday program, library activities, and outdoor attractions. Many organizations release their April 2026 programs in February/March 2026. Draft a loose weekly plan to avoid the “I’m bored” chorus.

4. Factor in Public Holidays. Easter (3-6 April 2026) and Anzac Day (25 April 2026) fall within or near the projected holiday period. This means some attractions may have special hours, and public transport may run to a holiday timetable. It also creates a potential four-day weekend that can be integrated into your break.

How to Get the Official, Verified Dates

You must check with your state’s official education authority. Here is how and when to do it:

  • When: Official 2026 school term dates are typically published in the second half of 2025 (August-October).
  • Where to Look: Visit the official website of your state’s Department of Education. Search for “school term dates 2026” or “school calendar 2026”.
  • Key Websites:
    • NSW: NSW Department of Education
    • VIC: Department of Education (Victoria)
    • QLD: Queensland Department of Education
    • SA: Department for Education (South Australia)
    • WA: Department of Education (Western Australia)
    • TAS: Department for Education, Children and Young People
    • ACT: Education Directorate
    • NT: Department of Education
  • Final Check: Always confirm the dates directly from your child’s specific school (government, Catholic, or independent) as they sometimes have slight variations for staff development days or local events.

The Bottom Line

While the April school holidays 2026 are projected to fall in mid-April for most states (with WA likely later), the only dates that matter are the official ones released by your state education department in 2025. Use the projections to inspire early planning—research destinations, budget, and potential activities—but lock in all bookings and finalize your schedule only after you have the verified dates from your school or education department. This approach ensures a stress-free and perfectly timed family break.

Disclaimer: All dates in this article are projections based on historical term patterns and the 2026 Easter calendar. They are not official. Families must verify the exact 2026 term dates with their relevant state or territory education department and their child’s school.