Complete school term and holiday information for 2026
Western Australia, covering a third of the Australian continent, offers families vast and diverse holiday experiences found nowhere else on Earth. From the vibrant city of Perth to the ancient landscapes of the Kimberley, the turquoise waters of Ningaloo Reef, and the towering karri forests of the South West, WA provides adventure on an epic scale. The state's isolation means unique wildlife, including the famous quokkas of Rottnest Island.
The Western Australian school calendar is set by the WA Department of Education. Due to WA's size and different time zone (2-3 hours behind the eastern states), families should factor in travel times when planning interstate trips. WA does not observe daylight saving, which simplifies scheduling within the state. The unique Western Australia Day public holiday in June and the September timing of the King's Birthday holiday set WA apart from other states.
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
Western Australia is enormous - Perth to Broome is about 2,200km (similar to London to Istanbul). Planning realistic itineraries is essential. Many families focus on one region per trip rather than trying to see everything. Flying between major centres saves significant driving time.
Perth offers beautiful beaches, Kings Park (one of the world's largest inner-city parks), Perth Zoo, and the Western Australian Museum. Day trips include Rottnest Island for quokka encounters, the Swan Valley for family-friendly wineries and chocolate factories, and Fremantle's maritime heritage and markets.
Just 19km from Perth, "Rotto" is famous for its adorable quokkas. The island offers crystal-clear bays perfect for snorkelling, cycling trails, and no cars. During school holidays, book ferry tickets and accommodation well in advance. Day trips are popular but staying overnight allows more exploration time.
The Margaret River region combines world-class wineries with stunning beaches, ancient caves, and tall timber forests. Family-friendly attractions include cheese and chocolate tastings, tree-top walks in the Valley of the Giants (further south), and Busselton Jetty's underwater observatory.
One of the world's most accessible coral reefs, Ningaloo allows snorkelling directly from the beach at Coral Bay. Swimming with whale sharks (March-July) is a bucket-list experience for older children. The region also offers turtle nesting season (November-February) and manta ray swimming year-round.
For adventure-seeking families, the Kimberley offers extraordinary landscapes including Purnululu (Bungle Bungles), waterfalls, gorges, and Indigenous rock art. Access is easiest during the Dry season (May-October). Tours ranging from scenic flights to multi-day 4WD adventures cater to different comfort levels.
Perth has an efficient public transport system with SmartRider cards. For regional WA, car hire is essential. 4WD is required for many Kimberley and outback destinations. Domestic flights connect Perth with major regional centres including Broome, Exmouth, and Kalgoorlie.
WA operates 2-3 hours behind eastern states (no daylight saving). Factor this into flight times and scheduling. WA's size also means significant time differences during road trips between regions.
When travelling in remote WA, carry sufficient water, fuel, and supplies. Check road conditions before travelling, especially after rain. Mobile coverage is limited outside population centres. Always tell someone your travel plans for outback trips.