Planning around school holidays Australia 2026 can feel like a full-time job on its own. Between juggling work, childcare, and trying to book a holiday that doesn’t cost your entire grocery budget, it’s a lot.
And just to make things more interesting, every state runs on slightly different school term dates. So if you’ve ever shown up somewhere thinking school’s back, only to realise it’s not… yep, we’ve all been there.
This guide pulls together all the school holiday dates Australia 2026 by state, so you can plan ahead, avoid the chaos, and maybe even sneak in a proper break.
School Holiday Dates Australia 2026 (All States at a Glance)
If you’re wondering when are school holidays 2026 Australia, this table is your quick answer.
| State | Autumn | Winter | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Apr 7 to 17 | Jul 6 to 17 | Sep 28 to Oct 9 | Starts on Dec 18 |
| VIC | Apr 3 to 19 | Jun 27 to Jul 12 | Sep 19 to Oct 4 | Dec 19 |
| QLD | Apr 3 to 19 | Jun 27 to Jul 12 | Sep 19 to Oct 5 | Dec 12 |
| WA | Apr 3 to 19 | Jul 4 to 19 | Sep 26 to Oct 11 | Dec 18 |
| SA | Apr 11 to 26 | Jul 4 to 19 | Sep 26 to Oct 11 | Dec 12 |
| TAS | Apr 18 to May 3 | Jul 11 to 26 | Oct 3 to 18 | Dec 19 |
| ACT | Apr 3 to 20 | Jul 4 to 20 | Sep 26 to Oct 12 | Dec 19 |
| NT | Apr 3 to 13 | Jun 20 to Jul 13 | Sep 19 to Oct 5 | Dec 11 |
Disclaimer
The school holiday dates listed in this article are based on publicly available information from Australian state and territory education departments at the time of writing. Dates may be subject to change, and individual schools (including private and independent schools) may vary slightly.
We recommend checking with your local school or official government education website to confirm exact term dates before making travel or childcare arrangements.
For more information and source references, please read more here.
In This Guide of State-by-State Dates for School Holidays Australia 2026
Australia School Term Dates 2026 Overview
Before we dive into each state, here’s the big picture.
Most Aussie schools follow a four-term structure:
- Term 1: Late January to early April
- Term 2: April to late June
- Term 3: July to September
- Term 4: October to December
And the main holiday periods:
- Autumn holidays (Easter): April
- Winter holidays: June to July
- Spring holidays: September to October
- Summer holidays: December to late January
Simple in theory. Slightly chaotic in real life.
NSW School Holidays 2026
Looking up NSW school holidays 2026? Here’s what you need:
- Autumn: 10 April to 27 April
- Winter: 3 July to 20 July
- Spring: 25 September to 12 October
- Summer: From 18 December
NSW lines up closely with ACT, which makes life easier if you’re near the border or travelling between the two.
Victoria School Holidays 2026
For Victoria school holidays 2026, the dates are:
- Autumn: 2 April to 20 April
- Winter: 27 June to 12 July
- Spring: 19 September to 4 October
- Summer: From 19 December
VIC often starts holidays earlier than NSW, which is perfect if you’re trying to beat peak travel prices.
Queensland School Holidays 2026
Here’s what to know for Queensland school holidays 2026:
- Autumn: 3 April to 19 April
- Winter: 27 June to 12 July
- Spring: 19 September to 5 October
- Summer: From 11 December
That early December break is a lifesaver if you’re planning Christmas travel.
WA School Holidays 2026
For WA school holidays 2026, expect:
- Autumn: 3 April to 19 April
- Winter: 4 July to 19 July
- Spring: 26 September to 11 October
- Summer: From 17 December
WA tends to run on its own schedule more than the eastern states, so double-check before booking anything.
SA School Holidays 2026
Planning around SA school holidays 2026?
- Autumn: 10 April to 27 April
- Winter: 4 July to 19 July
- Spring: 26 September to 11 October
- Summer: From 11 December
Tasmania School Holidays 2026
For Tasmania school holidays 2026, here’s the breakdown:
- Autumn: 9 April to 26 April
- Winter: 4 July to 19 July
- Spring: 26 September to 11 October
- Summer: From 18 December
Tassie is actually brilliant for a quieter winter getaway if you don’t mind packing extra layers.
ACT School Holidays 2026
Looking for ACT school holidays 2026?
- Autumn: 10 April to 27 April
- Winter: 3 July to 20 July
- Spring: 25 September to 12 October
- Summer: From 18 December
Almost identical to NSW, which keeps things simple for families travelling between the two.
Northern Territory School Holidays 2026
For Northern Territory school holidays 2026:
- Autumn: 10 April to 20 April
- Winter: 27 June to 20 July
- Spring: 19 September to 5 October
- Summer: From 11 December
The earlier finish makes sense once you’ve experienced a Top End summer.
Best Times to Travel During School Holidays 2026
Let’s be honest, travelling with kids is already a mission. Add peak pricing and crowds, and it can feel like a bad idea real fast.
Here’s what actually works:
- Cheapest times: First few days of each holiday block
- Busiest times: Easter weekend, Christmas, mid-January
- Smart move: Travel mid-week instead of weekends
Another trick? Travel to a state on a different schedule. Less crowds, better prices, happier parents.
Tips for Parents Planning Around School Holidays
From one tired mum to another, a bit of planning goes a long way.
- Book early
Flights and accommodation fill up fast. Prices only go one way. - Check local events
Councils often run free activities. Think markets, movies, and workshops. - Lock in childcare early
Spots disappear quickly, especially during long breaks. - Use a calendar you can actually see
Stick it on the fridge, save it on your phone, whatever works.
Plan Ahead for the 2026 Australia School Holidays
Getting your head around term dates Australia 2026 for all states might not be the most exciting task, but it can save you a lot of stress, money, and last-minute panic.
Whether you’re planning a family holiday, organising childcare, or simply trying to survive the school break with your sanity intact, having these dates sorted makes a real difference.
Bookmark this guide, come back to it when you need it, and give yourself a head start this year—because honestly, anything that makes mum life easier is a win.
Planning ahead for the Australia school holidays 2026 also means you can lock in better deals, avoid peak pricing, and secure the best family-friendly options before everything books out.
Here are some helpful resources to get you started:
For Holiday Parks & Family Stays
Find and book family-friendly holiday parks across Australia, perfect for road trips, budget stays, and kid-friendly getaways during school holidays.
For Travel Insurance
Protect your family trip with comprehensive travel insurance, covering cancellations, medical emergencies, and unexpected travel disruptions.
For Hotel Deals
Score discounted hotel stays and getaway packages across Australia—ideal for families looking to save on accommodation.
For Deals & Experiences
Browse limited-time deals on hotels, activities, and experiences—perfect for planning affordable family adventures.
For Flights & Travel Booking
Compare cheap flights and travel deals to find the best options for your next family holiday.
For Flights & Travel Deals
Search and compare affordable flights and travel deals to help you plan your next family holiday without blowing the budget.
For Cheap Flights and Airline Discounts
Search and compare affordable flights and travel deals to help you plan your next family holiday without blowing the budget.
For Tours & Guided Holidays
Explore Australia and beyond with guided tours and curated holiday experiences—great for stress-free family travel.
For Custom Travel Packages
Create flexible travel packages with flights, accommodation, and extras bundled together to suit your family’s needs.
For Family-Friendly Hotels
Stay in spacious, family-friendly apartments and hotels in top Australian destinations—ideal for longer stays.
For Travel Organisation Essentials
Keep your family organised on the go with smart packing solutions and travel organisers designed for stress-free trips.
This section contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Sources for Official School Holiday Dates by State
We’ve pulled these dates from official government pages and trusted travel resources, but always double-check with your child’s school for updates:
Frequently Asked Questions About Australia School Holidays 2026
When are the school holidays in Australia for 2026?
School holiday dates in Australia vary by state and territory. Generally, there are four main holiday periods—April (autumn), June/July (winter), September/October (spring), and December/January (summer). It’s important to check your specific state’s calendar for exact dates.
Do all Australian states have the same school holiday dates?
No, each state and territory sets its own school term dates. While some periods overlap, there are differences between states like NSW, Victoria, and Queensland, which can affect travel plans and childcare arrangements.
When are the summer school holidays in Australia 2026?
Summer school holidays typically begin in early to mid-December 2026 and run through to late January 2027, depending on the state. Queensland and South Australia often finish earlier, while NSW and Victoria may run slightly later.
What are the best times to travel during school holidays in Australia?
The best time to travel is usually at the start or end of each holiday period, when prices and crowds are lower. Avoid peak times like Christmas, New Year, and Easter if you’re looking to save money.
Do private schools follow the same holiday dates?
Not always. While many private and independent schools align closely with state school calendars, some may have slight variations. It’s best to check directly with your child’s school.
Why do school holiday dates differ between states?
School calendars are managed by each state’s education department, which considers local factors such as climate, public holidays, and regional needs. This is why dates can vary across Australia.
How far in advance should I book travel for school holidays?
Ideally, you should book at least 2–3 months in advance for domestic travel and even earlier for peak periods like Christmas. Early planning helps secure better prices and availability.
Making School Holidays Work for Your Family in 2026
Getting organised around the Australia school holidays 2026 isn’t just about dates—it’s about making life easier, saving money, and creating a bit more breathing room for yourself during the busiest times of the year.
Every family handles school holidays differently. Some plan big trips, others keep things simple with local activities, and most of us fall somewhere in between—just trying to keep the kids entertained without burning out.
If you’ve got a favourite way to manage the holidays, a go-to destination, or even a tip that helps keep things running smoothly, it would be great to hear it.
Drop a comment below and share what works for your family—you might just help another parent make their school holidays a little easier too.
