Victoria School Holidays 2026

Best Times to Book

Victorian school holidays see high demand for accommodation along the Great Ocean Road, Mornington Peninsula, and Phillip Island. Summer holidays require booking 2-3 months in advance for coastal destinations. Winter holidays are prime ski season, with Mount Buller and Falls Creek accommodation often booking out months ahead.

Weather by Holiday Period

• Summer Holidays (Dec-Jan): Warm to hot (20-35°C in Melbourne), perfect for beaches. Fire danger periods in regional areas.
• Autumn Break (April): Mild and beautiful (12-20°C), ideal for wine regions and autumn foliage in the Dandenong Ranges.
• Winter Break (July): Cold (6-14°C), with snow in the Alps. Best time for skiing at Mount Hotham, Falls Creek, and Mount Buller.
• Spring Break (September-October): Variable but warming (10-18°C). Wildflowers in the Grampians and spring racing carnival begins.

Melbourne City

Melbourne offers exceptional family attractions during school holidays. Melbourne Museum and Scienceworks provide interactive experiences, while Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo offer wildlife encounters. The city's laneways, street art tours, and sporting venues (MCG, Rod Laver Arena) provide unique urban experiences. During holidays, Federation Square and Southbank host family events and entertainment.

Great Ocean Road

One of the world's most scenic coastal drives, the Great Ocean Road offers the famous Twelve Apostles, charming towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay, and excellent surfing beaches. The Otway Ranges provide rainforest walks and the Otway Fly treetop adventure. Allow at least 2-3 days to properly explore this region.

Phillip Island

Famous for the nightly penguin parade, Phillip Island is a favourite Victorian family destination. The island also offers the Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island Heritage Farm, and excellent beaches. The penguin parade should be booked well in advance during school holidays.

Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges

Less than an hour from Melbourne, these regions offer family-friendly experiences including Healesville Sanctuary for Australian wildlife, Puffing Billy steam train through the Dandenongs, and farm gates and berry picking in the Yarra Valley. Autumn is particularly beautiful in these regions.

Alpine Region

Victoria's alpine region transforms between seasons. Winter brings skiing and snowboarding at Mount Buller, Falls Creek, and Mount Hotham. Summer offers hiking, mountain biking, and cooler temperatures. The historic towns of Bright and Beechworth provide charming bases year-round.

Vacation Care Programs

Victorian councils and community organisations offer extensive vacation care programs during school holidays. Many sports clubs, arts centres, and YMCA facilities run specialised holiday programs. Melbourne's major museums also run school holiday activities and workshops.

Transport Options

Melbourne's Myki card system provides affordable public transport for families. V/Line trains and buses connect Melbourne to regional centres. For flexibility in regional Victoria, car travel is recommended. Many popular destinations like the Great Ocean Road require a car.

Free Activities in Melbourne

Melbourne offers many free family activities: the National Gallery of Victoria, State Library of Victoria, and various free walking tours. Many parks including Royal Botanic Gardens and Fitzroy Gardens offer free entry. The city's numerous playgrounds, including the popular St Kilda Adventure Playground, provide free entertainment.