When are Queensland School Holidays in 2026?

· when is qld school holidays 2026

Planning Ahead for Queensland School Holidays 2026

For Australian families in Queensland, knowing the school holiday schedule well in advance is crucial for planning vacations, childcare, and activities. While the exact, official 2026 calendar is yet to be released by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA), we can provide a highly reliable forecast based on the standard Queensland school term structure and historical patterns. It is imperative that you verify all dates with the official QCAA calendar once it is published, typically in mid-2025.

This guide outlines the expected term and holiday periods for state and most non-state schools in Queensland for 2026, helping you get a head start on your family planning.

The Standard Queensland Term Structure

Queensland schools operate on a consistent four-term pattern each year. Term durations are typically 10 weeks, with holidays of approximately 2 weeks between each term and a longer 6-week break over the summer. Public holidays that fall during school terms do not extend the holiday period but provide single days off.

Expected 2026 Queensland School Term & Holiday Dates

Term 1

  • Expected Start: Tuesday, 27 January 2026 (Australia Day public holiday on Monday, 26 January)
  • Expected Finish: Friday, 3 April 2026
  • Expected Autumn Holidays: Saturday, 4 April – Sunday, 19 April 2026 (2 weeks)
  • Note: Easter Sunday falls on 5 April 2026, meaning the long weekend aligns with the start of these holidays.

Term 2

  • Expected Start: Monday, 20 April 2026
  • Expected Finish: Friday, 26 June 2026
  • Expected Winter Holidays: Saturday, 27 June – Sunday, 11 July 2026 (2 weeks)

Term 3

  • Expected Start: Monday, 12 July 2026
  • Expected Finish: Friday, 18 September 2026
  • Expected Spring Holidays: Saturday, 19 September – Sunday, 3 October 2026 (2 weeks)

Term 4

  • Expected Start: Monday, 4 October 2026
  • Expected Finish: Friday, 11 December 2026 (for most students)
  • Expected Summer Holidays: Saturday, 12 December 2026 – Sunday, 24 January 2027 (approximately 6 weeks)
  • Note: The precise last day of Term 4 can vary slightly between schools. Year 12 students typically finish earlier, in late November.

Key Public Holidays in 2026 Affecting Family Plans

When planning holidays around school breaks, be aware of these 2026 Queensland public holidays:

  • Australia Day: Monday, 26 January 2026
  • Good Friday: Friday, 3 April 2026
  • Easter Monday: Monday, 5 April 2026
  • Anzac Day: Tuesday, 27 April 2026 (falls in Term 2)
  • Queen’s Birthday: Monday, 5 October 2026 (falls in Term 4)
  • Christmas Day: Saturday, 25 December 2026 (with additional public holiday on Monday, 27 December)
  • Boxing Day: Sunday, 26 December 2026 (with additional public holiday on Tuesday, 28 December)

A public holiday falling on a weekend is usually observed on the following Monday. These days provide extra long weekends but do not extend the scheduled school holiday blocks.

Why Verification with QCAA is Non-Negotiable

The dates provided above are an informed projection. Final calendars are set by the QCAA and can be adjusted due to unforeseen circumstances like changes in the national exam timetable or industrial agreements. You must check the official 2026 Queensland school calendar once it is published. You can do this by:

  1. Visiting the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) website directly.
  2. Contacting your child’s specific school, as some independent or Catholic schools may have slightly different term dates.
  3. Checking your school’s official newsletter or website, which will confirm the dates once they are final.

Practical Travel Planning Tips for 2026 Holidays

With this forecast, you can begin strategic planning:

  1. Book Early: The April, July, and September/October holiday periods are extremely popular for domestic travel (especially to coastal Queensland and the Northern Territory’s Dry Season). Accommodation and flights for these periods will book out many months in advance.
  2. Consider the Weather: The June/July winter holidays are perfect for chasing sunshine in Queensland’s north (Cairns, Whitsundays) or escaping to warmer climates. The September holidays offer excellent weather across most of the state.
  3. Shoulder Season Savings: The April and October holidays align with pleasant autumn and spring weather but may offer slightly better value and fewer crowds than the peak summer period.
  4. Check School Events: Before finalising any travel during term time, ensure your child does not have critical assessments, sports carnivals, or school camps scheduled.
  5. Childcare: If you are not travelling, the long summer holidays in particular require well-advance planning for childcare, vacation care programs, or family support.

Conclusion

While the official 2026 Queensland school holiday dates are still to be confirmed, the projected schedule offers a reliable framework for families to begin budgeting, requesting leave from work, and researching destinations. Mark your tentative calendars for the key holiday blocks starting in early April 2026. Remember, your final and authoritative source will always be the QCAA’s published 2026 calendar and your child’s school communications. Start your planning now to ensure a smooth and enjoyable 2026 for your family.