When Are School Holidays 2026 in Australia?

Understanding School Holidays in Australia for 2026

Planning family holidays around school breaks is crucial for Australian parents. School holidays in 2026 follow the standard four-term structure across states and territories, but dates vary slightly due to local decisions. There are typically four main holiday periods: summer (December-January), autumn (April), winter (June-July), and spring (September-October).

Important disclaimer: The dates below are based on published calendars as of late 2024. Governments may adjust them. Always verify with your state or territory’s education department website for official confirmation. Links are provided at the end.

This guide helps you anticipate breaks, align with public holidays, and plan affordable family travel.

School Holiday Dates by State and Territory in 2026

Australia’s federated system means no national calendar—each jurisdiction sets its own. Here’s a breakdown of proposed 2026 holidays:

New South Wales (NSW)

Summer holidays: Saturday 20 December 2025 – Sunday 25 January 2026
Autumn holidays: Friday 3 April – Friday 17 April 2026
Winter holidays: Friday 3 July – Tuesday 20 July 2026
Spring holidays: Friday 25 September – Friday 9 October 2026
Summer holidays: Friday 18 December 2026 onwards

Check: NSW Education

Victoria (VIC)

Summer holidays: Saturday 20 December 2025 – Monday 26 January 2026
Autumn holidays: Friday 3 April – Sunday 19 April 2026
Winter holidays: Friday 26 June – Sunday 12 July 2026
Spring holidays: Friday 25 September – Friday 9 October 2026
Summer holidays: Friday 18 December 2026 onwards

Check: Victorian Department of Education

Queensland (QLD)

Summer holidays: Saturday 20 December 2025 – Tuesday 27 January 2026
Easter holidays: Friday 3 April – Monday 20 April 2026 (includes Easter)
Winter holidays: Saturday 27 June – Sunday 12 July 2026
Spring holidays: Friday 25 September – Friday 9 October 2026
Summer holidays: Friday 11 December 2026 onwards

Check: QLD Department of Education

Western Australia (WA)

Summer holidays: Saturday 20 December 2025 – Wednesday 28 January 2026
Autumn holidays: Friday 3 April – Friday 17 April 2026
Winter holidays: Friday 3 July – Friday 24 July 2026 (longer break)
Spring holidays: Saturday 26 September – Sunday 11 October 2026
Summer holidays: Thursday 17 December 2026 onwards

Check: WA Department of Education

South Australia (SA)

Summer holidays: Saturday 20 December 2025 – Monday 26 January 2026
Autumn holidays: Friday 3 April – Friday 17 April 2026
Winter holidays: Saturday 4 July – Sunday 19 July 2026
Spring holidays: Friday 25 September – Friday 9 October 2026
Summer holidays: Friday 11 December 2026 onwards

Check: SA Department for Education

Tasmania (TAS)

Summer holidays: Saturday 20 December 2025 – Monday 26 January 2026
Autumn holidays: Friday 27 March – Friday 10 April 2026 (earlier start)
Winter holidays: Friday 3 July – Monday 20 July 2026
Spring holidays: Friday 25 September – Friday 9 October 2026
Summer holidays: Friday 18 December 2026 onwards

Check: Tasmanian Department of Education

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Aligns closely with NSW:
Summer holidays: Saturday 20 December 2025 – Sunday 25 January 2026
Autumn holidays: Friday 3 April – Friday 17 April 2026
Winter holidays: Friday 3 July – Tuesday 20 July 2026
Spring holidays: Friday 25 September – Friday 9 October 2026
Summer holidays: Friday 18 December 2026 onwards

Check: ACT Education Directorate

Northern Territory (NT)

Summer holidays: Saturday 20 December 2025 – Monday 26 January 2026
Autumn holidays: Thursday 2 April – Monday 20 April 2026
Winter holidays: Friday 3 July – Monday 20 July 2026
Spring holidays: Friday 25 September – Tuesday 13 October 2026
Summer holidays: Thursday 10 December 2026 onwards

Check: NT Department of Education

Key Public Holidays Overlapping with 2026 School Breaks

Public holidays extend some breaks:

Australia Day: 26 January 2026 (Monday, during summer holidays)
Easter: Good Friday 3 April, Easter Monday 6 April (autumn holidays)
Anzac Day: 25 April 2026 (Friday, post-autumn)
King’s Birthday: Varies by state (June, winter holidays in most)
Christmas: 25-28 December 2026 (summer start)

These create longer weekends ideal for short trips.

Planning Family Travel During 2026 School Holidays

Budget-Friendly Domestic Destinations

Summer (Dec-Jan): Beach escapes like Gold Coast (QLD/NSW border) or Sydney Harbour. Book early for NYE fireworks.
Autumn (April): Cooler spots like Blue Mountains (NSW) or Great Ocean Road (VIC) for hiking.
Winter (July): Skiing in Thredbo (NSW) or Falls Creek (VIC); or warm Tassie wine trails.
Spring (Sept-Oct): Whale watching in Hervey Bay (QLD) or wildflower trails in WA.

Interstate and International Tips

Align trips with overlapping holidays (e.g., NSW/VIC autumn match).
Use school holiday calendars for cheap flights via Qantas or Virgin Australia deals.
Consider school camps or excursions that coincide—check with your child’s school.

Practical Booking Advice

Start early: Peak summer books out 6-12 months ahead.
Use apps: School holiday trackers like TermFinder or state education apps.
Accommodation hacks: Stayz or Airbnb for family homes; national parks camping.
Transport: Drive for flexibility; Regional Express for regional flights.
COVID/Weather prep: Monitor Bureau of Meteorology; have travel insurance.

Staying Updated on Changes

Education departments release final calendars 12-18 months ahead, but pupil-free days or weather events can shift student-free days. Subscribe to newsletters:

NSW: education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/going-to-a-public-school/calendars
VIC: similar state sites.

Join parent forums like Essential Baby for real-time tips.

By planning around these 2026 dates, your family can maximize relaxation and adventure. Verify locally and happy holidays!

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