2026 Australia Calendar: All Public Holidays, Long Weekends, Observances and Key Events by State

How Many Public Holidays Are There in Australia in 2026? Full Breakdown by State and Territory

School holiday dates 2026 Australia

Australia’s school holiday periods influence almost everything, from domestic travel demand to childcare planning and workplace scheduling. While Australia shares a similar term structure nationwide, each state and territory sets its own start and end dates. That means families need accurate, region specific information to plan effectively.

The 2026 calendar follows the standard four term model, with holidays scheduled in April, July, October and December. These dates also overlap with major public holidays and peak tourism seasons, shaping how Australians choose to spend their time off.

Below is a full breakdown of Australia’s 2026school holiday periods by state and territory, plus insights into travel trends, public events and planning tips.

1. National Overview of School Holiday Structure in 2026

In 2026, all states follow the same term pattern:

• Term 1: Late January to late March or early April
• Term 2: Mid April to late June
• Term 3: Mid July to late September
• Term 4: Early October to mid or late December

Each break lasts between one and six weeks depending on the term. The longest holiday is the summer break from December 2026 to late January 2027.

Peak travel periods include Easter, mid winter and Christmas, so families should book early if planning trips during these windows.

2. School Holiday Dates in 2026 by State and Territory

These ranges represent the typical public school holiday windows. Independent and Catholic schools may adjust their dates slightly, but most follow the same pattern.

New South Wales (NSW)

Term 1 Holidays: late March to mid April
Term 2 Holidays: late June to mid July
Term 3 Holidays: late September to early October
Summer Holidays: mid December to late January

NSW families often take short coastal breaks during autumn and spring holidays, while winter holidays attract strong tourism around the Blue Mountains and the state’s ski regions.

Victoria (VIC)

Term 1 Holidays: late March to mid April
Term 2 Holidays: late June to early July
Term 3 Holidays: late September to early October
Summer Holidays: mid December to late January

Victoria’s cool climate makes winter holidays especially popular for snow trips to Mount Hotham, Falls Creek and Mount Buller.

Queensland (QLD)

Term 1 Holidays: early April
Term 2 Holidays: late June to early July
Term 3 Holidays: late September to early October
Summer Holidays: mid December to late January

Because Queensland’s winter stays warm, mid year holidays see peak tourism to Cairns, the Gold Coast and the Whitsundays.

Western Australia (WA)

Term 1 Holidays: early April
Term 2 Holidays: early July
Term 3 Holidays: late September to early October
Summer Holidays: mid December to late January

WA’s isolation and vast landscapes give families access to unique holiday experiences, from Broome’s beaches to Margaret River’s wineries.

South Australia (SA)

Term 1 Holidays: mid April
Term 2 Holidays: early July
Term 3 Holidays: late September to early October
Summer Holidays: mid December onward

The mild shoulder seasons make spring and autumn holidays ideal for road trips across the Barossa, Fleurieu and Limestone Coast.

Tasmania (TAS)

Term 1 Holidays: early April
Term 2 Holidays: early July
Term 3 Holidays: late September to early October
Summer Holidays: mid December onward

Tasmania’s cooler climate pulls strong numbers during summer and early autumn. Outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife tours peak during these breaks.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Term 1 Holidays: early April
Term 2 Holidays: early July
Term 3 Holidays: late September to early October
Summer Holidays: mid December onward

ACT holidays align closely with NSW, which helps families living in cross border regions like Queanbeyan.

Northern Territory (NT)

Term 1 Holidays: early April
Term 2 Holidays: late June to mid July
Term 3 Holidays: late September to early October
Summer Holidays: mid December onward

Because NT has a tropical climate, holiday patterns often revolve around weather. The dry season (May to October) is the most popular time for travel.

3. Major Travel Trends Linked to 2026 School Holidays

Easter continues to dominate domestic travel

Easter falls from 3 to 6 April in 2026, overlapping the Term 1 break for most states. This creates one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Mid winter holidays drive domestic tourism

With cooler temperatures across the south and mild weather in the north, July holidays spark strong movement nationwide.

Spring holiday demand rises

Late September to early October offers ideal weather for national parks, theme parks and cross country road trips.

Christmas holidays are peak season everywhere

From mid December onward, accommodation prices surge and airports hit maximum capacity.

4. Key Events and Festivals During School Holidays in 2026

Understanding what happens during holiday periods helps families plan meaningful trips.

Easter festivals

Cities hold outdoor concerts, food markets and community events.

Winter arts and food festivals

Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Hobart run major cultural programs during July.

Spring sporting events

The AFL finals series and NRL finals energise the September break.

Summer celebrations

Christmas events, New Year fireworks and beach festivals dominate December.

5. Planning Tips for Families in 2026

Book early for Easter, winter and Christmas travel

These periods sell out months in advance.

Check exact school dates issued by your education department

Minor variations can shift travel opportunities.

Consider regional getaways

Small towns may offer lower prices and less congestion during popular holidays.

Align leave days with public holidays

Several states can stretch holiday periods using long weekends in April, June and October.

Watch for airline and accommodation sales

Early year promotions often help families secure better holiday deals.

FAQs

1. Do all states have the same school holiday dates in 2026?

No. Each state sets its own schedule, though the pattern is similar nationwide.

2. Which school holiday period is the longest?

The summer break from mid December 2026 to late January 2027.

3. Is Easter part of school holidays in 2026?

Yes. In most states, Easter aligns directly with Term 1 holidays.

4. Are travel prices higher during school holidays?

Yes. Easter, July and Christmas periods experience peak pricing.

5. Do private schools follow different calendars?

Sometimes. Most follow similar term dates but may shift start or end weeks.