Thinking ahead and planning trips, holidays or family time around the school holidays 2026 in Australia? This comprehensive guide breaks down the 2026 school holidays dates by region so you can stay organised. We include school holidays 2026 Australia dates for NSW, QLD, VIC, WA, SA, TAS and NT.
NSW School Holidays 2026
Let’s take a clear look at the NSW school holiday dates for 2026. Having these dates in advance means you can lock in trips and activities without stress. We’ve broken down the NSW school holidays 2026 so you can get a clear picture of when the breaks are happening.
NSW 2026 School Holiday Dates
- Summer (2025–26): 22 Dec 2025 – 26 Jan 2026 (Eastern) / 2 Feb 2026 (Western)
- Autumn Holidays: 7 Apr – 17 Apr 2026
- Winter Holidays: 6 Jul – 17 Jul 2026
- Spring Holidays: 28 Sep – 9 Oct 2026
- Summer (2026–27): 18 Dec 2026 – early 2027
Planning around the 2026 school holidays NSW helps you avoid the rush and book trips or activities early. These dates are your guide for the year’s breaks.
QLD School Holidays 2026
Alright, Queensland parents, let’s get down to the details of the QLD school holidays 2026. Early planning makes a big difference, especially when you’re trying to fit in family trips, activities, or just some much-needed downtime between school terms. The school holidays QLD 2026 are spread out nicely, giving you a few chances throughout the year to escape the routine.
QLD School Holiday Dates
- Autumn Holidays: 3 Apr – 19 Apr 2026
- Winter Holidays: 27 Jun – 12 Jul 2026
- Spring Holidays: 19 Sep – 5 Oct 2026
- Summer (2026–27): 12 Dec 2026 – 26 Jan 2027
These school holidays QLD 2026 windows are ideal for beach trips, theme parks and family escapes.
VIC School Holidays 2026
Let’s walk through the calendar for Victorian school holidays 2026. Knowing these dates early makes organising family plans much easier. These dates apply to government schools. If your children attend a private or independent school, be sure to check their specific calendar. We’re talking about the VIC school holidays 2026 here, so mark these dates down.
Victorian School Holiday Dates
- Autumn: 3 Apr – 19 Apr 2026
- Winter: 27 Jun – 12 Jul 2026
- Spring: 19 Sep – 4 Oct 2026
- Summer (2026–27): 19 Dec 2026 – 26 Jan 2027
Whether you’re planning a Melbourne getaway or regional winery tour, mark these VIC school holidays 2026 dates on your calendar.
WA School Holidays 2026
Planning out the school holidays for Western Australia in 2026? It can take some organising to fit everything in. Let’s break down the school holidays WA 2026 so you can plan with confidence.
School Holidays WA 2026 Dates
- Autumn: 3 Apr – 19 Apr 2026
- Winter: 4 Jul – 19 Jul 2026
- Spring: 26 Sep – 11 Oct 2026
- Summer (2026–27): 18 Dec 2026 – 31 Jan 2027
These WA school holidays 2026 provide plenty of time for surfing, nature adventures and exploring WA’s wide open spaces.
School Holidays SA 2026
Here’s how the 2026 school holidays are scheduled across South Australia. Planning around school holidays can feel like a puzzle, but having the dates in one place makes things much simpler. We’ve got the breakdown for the 2026 school holidays SA families will be looking at.
SA School Holiday Dates
- Autumn: 11 Apr – 26 Apr 2026
- Winter: 4 Jul – 19 Jul 2026
- Spring: 26 Sep – 11 Oct 2026
- Summer (2026–27): 12 Dec 2026 – 26 Jan 2027
Family trips to Adelaide, Kangaroo Island or Riverlands are perfect during these school holidays SA 2026.
Keeping track of the 2026 school holidays SA is a lifesaver for parents trying to organise work, family trips, and just general life. These dates are your roadmap for the year.
Tasmania School Holidays 2026
Let’s outline the dates for School Holidays Tasmania 2026. The Tasmanian school year is broken down into four terms, with holidays in between. It’s always a good idea to verify these dates with your child’s specific school, as independent and Catholic schools can sometimes have slightly different schedules.
Tasmania School Holiday Dates
- Autumn Holidays: 18 Apr – 3 May 2026
- Winter Holidays: 11 Jul – 26 Jul 2026
- Spring Holidays: 3 Oct – 18 Oct 2026
- Summer (2026–27): 19 Dec 2026 – 3 Feb 2027
The Tasmania school holidays 2026 give families abundant time to enjoy cool weather activities, nature walks and Tassie’s unique scenery.
Northern Territory School Holidays 2026
The Northern Territory has its own schedule, with shorter breaks that align with local climate and community life. Planning your year around the Northern Territory school holidays 2026 can feel like a puzzle, but getting the timing right means less stress and more family time. Let’s break down when the kids will be off school across the Top End.
NT School Holiday Dates
- Autumn Holidays: 3 Apr – 13 Apr 2026
- Winter Holidays: 20 Jun – 13 Jul 2026
- Spring Holidays: 19 Sep – 5 Oct 2026
- Summer (2026–27): 11 Dec 2026 – 26 Jan 2027
These Northern Territory school holidays 2026 are ideal for tropical adventures, wildlife parks and cultural experiences.
Important note
These dates relate to public schools. Independent and Catholic schools may differ slightly, so always confirm directly with your school.
Planning around these dates is key for booking trips or just managing family schedules. Remember that public holidays can sometimes fall within these breaks, offering even longer stretches of downtime. It’s always a good idea to double-check specific dates closer to the time, especially if you’re relying on Centrelink payments around public holidays, as processing times can shift. Check your Centrelink account for the most accurate information.
Quick Summary – Australia School Holidays 2026
| Region | Key Holiday Blocks in 2026 | Official Site |
| NSW | Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer | https://www.nsw.gov.au/about-nsw/school-holidays |
| QLD | Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer | https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/travel/holidays/school-holidays |
| VIC | Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer | https://www.vic.gov.au/school-term-dates-and-holidays-victoria |
| WA | Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer | https://www.westernaustralia.com/en/plan-my-trip/travel-information/wa-school-and-public-holidays |
| SA | Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer | https://www.education.sa.gov.au/students/term-dates-south-australian-state-schools |
| TAS | Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer | https://www.decyp.tas.gov.au/learning/term-dates/ |
| NT | Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer | https://nt.gov.au/learning/primary-and-secondary-students/school-term-dates-in-nt |
Across all states and territories, school holidays 2026 Australia include a big summer break, two mid-year holiday periods and a spring break, providing ideal opportunities for travel, family time and events.
Key Public Holidays Across Australia 2026
Alright, let’s talk about the big days off in 2026. Knowing these public holidays is super handy for planning, whether it’s a long weekend getaway or just making sure you’ve got enough milk before the shops shut. It’s always a bit of a juggle, isn’t it?
New Year’s Day 2026
We kick off the year with New Year’s Day on Thursday, 1 January. It’s the classic start to any new year, a chance to recover from the night before and maybe start thinking about those resolutions you’ll probably forget by February.
Australia Day 2026
Australia Day falls on Monday, 26 January, giving us a nice long weekend right at the start of the year. Perfect for a Barbie, a trip to the beach, or just chilling out. It’s a good time to reflect on what it means to be Australian, whatever that looks like for you.
Easter Long Weekend 2026
Easter is always a bit of a mixed bag with dates, but in 2026, Good Friday is on April 3rd, followed by Easter Saturday, Sunday, and Easter Monday on April 6th. That’s a solid four-day break! It’s a popular time for families to get together, and of course, there’s the obligatory chocolate egg hunt. Just a heads-up, some government services like Centrelink might adjust their payment and reporting dates around this busy period, so it’s worth checking if you’re affected.
Christmas Day and Boxing Day 2026
We wrap up the year with Christmas Day on Friday, 25 December, and Boxing Day on Saturday, 26 December. Many states then observe an additional public holiday on Monday, 28 December, to extend the festive break. It’s the peak of the holiday season, a time for family, feasting, and hopefully, some relaxation before the new year rolls around again.
Planning around these public holidays can make a big difference to your year. It’s not just about the day off, but how it impacts school breaks, travel plans, and even just getting your errands done. A little bit of foresight goes a long way in making 2026 a smoother year for everyone.
Tips for Making the Most of Your 2026 School Holidays
- Book Early: Popular destinations fill up fast around major school breaks.
- Match Activities to Weather: Plan beach trips in summer and indoor fun in winter.
- Combine with public holidays: Extra-long weekends make some breaks even better.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Do The School Holidays Start In 2026?
The school holidays kick off at different times across Australia, but generally, the first big break, the Autumn holidays, starts around early April. It’s always a good idea to check the specific dates for your state or territory, as they can vary a bit.
Are The School Holidays The Same Everywhere In Australia?
Nope, not quite! Each state and territory has its own set of dates for school holidays. So, while kids in NSW might be finishing up for a break, kids in WA could still be in school. It’s best to look up the dates for your specific location.
When Are The Summer Holidays In 2026?
The summer holidays are the longest break of the year and usually start in mid-December. They run right through Christmas and New Year, with most students heading back to school in late January or early February 2027.
How Can I Find The Exact Dates For My State?
You can find the exact dates by looking at the specific sections for each state and territory in this guide. We’ve broken down the holidays for New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory, and the Northern Territory.
What Are The Main Public Holidays In 2026?
Some of the big public holidays for 2026 include New Year’s Day (1 Jan), Australia Day (26 Jan), the Easter long weekend (early April), and Christmas Day and Boxing Day (25-26 Dec). Some states also have their own special public holidays.
Do Private Schools Have The Same Holidays?
Often, private and independent schools might have slightly different holiday dates or start and finish terms on different days. It’s always a smart move to double-check with your child’s school directly to be absolutely sure.
When Is The Best Time To Plan A Holiday In 2026?
Planning around the school holidays is key for families! The longer breaks, like summer and winter holidays, are popular for trips. Shorter breaks like autumn and spring holidays are great for weekend getaways or local adventures.
What Should I Do If I Miss A School Holiday Date?
Don’t stress too much! Dates can sometimes be confusing. The best thing to do is to re-check the official school holiday calendar for your state or territory. If you’ve already missed a holiday, focus on making the most of the next one!
