Complete school term and holiday information for 2026
South Australia offers families a perfect blend of city sophistication and outback adventure. Adelaide, consistently ranked among the world's most liveable cities, serves as a gateway to world-class wine regions including the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Clare Valley. Beyond the city, Kangaroo Island provides unique wildlife encounters, while the Flinders Ranges offer spectacular outback landscapes and Indigenous cultural experiences.
The South Australian school calendar is determined by the SA Department for Education. South Australia has a unique public holiday, Adelaide Cup Day in March, which provides families with a long weekend opportunity for short trips. The state's Mediterranean climate means hot, dry summers and mild winters, making it an excellent year-round destination with different experiences available in each season.
Start: Wednesday 28 January 2026
End: Friday 3 April 2026
Duration: 66 days
Start: Tuesday 21 April 2026
End: Friday 26 June 2026
Duration: 67 days
Start: Monday 13 July 2026
End: Friday 18 September 2026
Duration: 68 days
Start: Monday 5 October 2026
End: Friday 18 December 2026
Duration: 75 days
Start: Saturday 20 December 2025
End: Tuesday 27 January 2026
Duration: 39 days
Start: Saturday 4 April 2026
End: Monday 20 April 2026
Duration: 17 days
Start: Saturday 27 June 2026
End: Sunday 12 July 2026
Duration: 16 days
Start: Saturday 19 September 2026
End: Sunday 4 October 2026
Duration: 16 days
Start: Saturday 19 December 2026
End: Monday 26 January 2027
Duration: 39 days
South Australia's Mediterranean climate makes spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) ideal for visiting. Summer can be extremely hot, particularly inland, but is perfect for beach holidays along the Fleurieu Peninsula and Yorke Peninsula. Winter is mild and excellent for wine region visits.
Adelaide offers family-friendly experiences including the Adelaide Zoo (home to Australia's only giant pandas), South Australian Museum (free entry), and the Art Gallery of South Australia. Glenelg beach is easily accessible by historic tram, and Adelaide Central Market provides foodie adventures. During holidays, Adelaide's parklands host events and activities.
Australia's third-largest island offers incredible wildlife encounters. See sea lions at Seal Bay, koalas at Hanson Bay, and remarkable natural formations at Remarkable Rocks. The island has excellent accommodation options from eco-lodges to camping. Book ferry crossings well in advance during school holidays.
While famous for wine, these regions offer family activities including chocolate and cheese tastings, historic German heritage towns, and cycling trails. The Barossa Farmers Market and various farm-gate experiences provide hands-on activities for children. Many wineries have child-friendly facilities.
The ancient Flinders Ranges offer spectacular outback scenery and Indigenous cultural experiences. Wilpena Pound is a natural amphitheatre perfect for hiking. The region provides opportunities to see rock wallabies, emus, and wedge-tailed eagles. Best visited during cooler months.
For adventurous families, the Eyre Peninsula offers swimming with sea lions and dolphins, shark cage diving at Port Lincoln (for older children), and excellent fishing. The coastline features pristine beaches and exceptional seafood.
Kangaroo Island is accessible via SeaLink ferry from Cape Jervis (45 minutes) or by air from Adelaide. Book ferry crossings well ahead during peak periods. A car is essential on the island as distances between attractions are significant.
Adelaide's Metrocard provides affordable public transport. The free city tram runs through the CBD. Adelaide is very manageable by car with easy parking compared to larger capitals. Regional SA is best explored by car.
South Australia offers excellent free attractions including Adelaide Central Market, the South Australian Museum, Art Gallery of South Australia, and the Adelaide Botanic Garden. The city's beaches and parklands are free to access. Many regional visitor centres provide free maps and advice.