When Are the Easter School Holidays 2026?

· when are the easter school holidays 2026

Planning Ahead for Easter 2026 School Holidays

For Australian families, knowing the school holiday dates well in advance is crucial for planning vacations, booking accommodation, and organising childcare. The Easter school holidays in 2026 will vary significantly by state and territory, as each Department of Education sets its own term calendar. This article provides a clear, state-by-state overview based on typical patterns and announced provisional dates, but you must always verify the final dates with your state or territory’s education department before making firm travel plans.

Why the Dates Vary Across Australia

Unlike some fixed public holidays, school term dates are determined locally. The Easter break typically coincides with the Christian festival of Easter, which in 2026 falls on Sunday, 5 April. However, schools do not simply close for the long weekend; most states schedule a one or two-week holiday period that encompasses Good Friday and Easter Monday. The exact start and end dates depend on where the Easter weekend falls within the term structure and how each state allocates its public holidays and term breaks. Some states, like Western Australia and Queensland, often have different term date patterns compared to the eastern states.

State-by-State Breakdown for 2026

Based on provisional calendars released by state education departments, here is a guide to the expected Easter school holiday periods for 2026. Remember, these are subject to change.

New South Wales (NSW)

The NSW school term is structured with a two-week break over Easter. For 2026, the Easter holidays are scheduled from Friday, 27 March, to Friday, 10 April (inclusive). This period includes the Easter long weekend (Good Friday 3 April, Easter Monday 4 April) and extends both before and after it.

Victoria (VIC)

Victorian schools typically have a two-week autumn break that includes Easter. The 2026 holidays are slated for Friday, 27 March, to Friday, 10 April. This aligns closely with NSW, providing a consistent two-week break across much of the south-east.

Queensland (QLD)

Queensland’s term structure often differs. In 2026, the Easter holidays are planned as a one-week break, from Saturday, 28 March, to Sunday, 5 April. Note that this period ends on Easter Sunday itself. Students return to school on Monday, 6 April. Families in QLD should check if their school has any additional pupil-free days adjacent to this week.

South Australia (SA)

South Australian schools are scheduled for a two-week holiday. The 2026 Easter break runs from Friday, 27 March, to Friday, 10 April, matching the pattern of NSW and Victoria.

Western Australia (WA)

Western Australia’s term dates are often offset. For 2026, the first term break is scheduled for Friday, 27 March, to Sunday, 12 April. This is a two-week plus one-day break, giving WA families a slightly longer period that includes the Easter long weekend (Good Friday 3 April, Easter Monday 4 April, and Easter Tuesday is a public holiday in WA).

Tasmania (TAS)

Tasmania follows a similar pattern to the southern states. The 2026 Easter school holidays are from Thursday, 26 March (after school), to Friday, 10 April (inclusive). This provides a two-week break starting at the end of the final school day in March.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

The ACT aligns its school terms closely with NSW. The 2026 Easter holidays are therefore expected from Friday, 27 March, to Friday, 10 April.

Northern Territory (NT)

The Northern Territory’s 2026 calendar shows a two-week break from Friday, 27 March, to Friday, 10 April. This period includes the Easter public holidays observed in the NT (Good Friday and Easter Monday).

Public Holidays Within the Break

It’s useful to note the exact public holiday dates for 2026, which all fall within the school holiday periods listed above:

  • Good Friday: 3 April 2026
  • Easter Saturday: 4 April 2026 (public holiday in some states/territories)
  • Easter Monday: 5 April 2026
  • Easter Tuesday: 6 April 2026 (public holiday only in Tasmania and some parts of Victoria, not a national public holiday)

Key Considerations for Family Travel

  1. Verify Your Exact Dates: The dates above are based on provisional 2026 calendars. Your specific school may have slight variations (e.g., different start/end times, system-specific pupil-free days). Always confirm with your school or state education department website. Search for “[Your State] Department of Education 2026 school term dates”.
  2. Travel Demand & Costs: The Easter period is a major travel window in Australia. Flights, accommodation, and popular attractions (especially coastal or holiday destinations) will be in high demand and priced accordingly. Book as early as possible.
  3. Interstate Travel: If you are travelling to another state during this period, be aware that their school holidays may start or end on different dates. This can mean that popular tourist spots in your destination state might be busier or quieter than your home state during your visit.
  4. Autumn Weather: Easter falls in early autumn in Australia. Weather varies from still-warm in the north (e.g., Queensland, NT) to cooling and potentially rainy in the southern states (VIC, TAS, SA). Pack layers and research typical conditions for your destination.
  5. Alternative Timing: For better prices and fewer crowds, consider travelling either the week immediately before the holidays begin (if your children can be absent) or the week after they end. Some families use the long weekend (Good Friday to Easter Monday) for a short, local trip.

Conclusion

For 2026, most Australian states and territories will have a two-week school holiday break spanning late March and early April, directly encompassing the Easter long weekend on 3-5 April. Queensland is the main exception with a one-week break ending on Easter Sunday. The consistent message is to plan early and verify officially. Use the state-specific information here as a strong starting point for your family’s 2026 calendar, but finalise all bookings only after checking the definitive term dates published by your relevant education authority. This proactive approach will help you secure the best travel options and enjoy a stress-free Easter holiday.