Planning ahead for the school year is essential for families, students, and educators across Australia. Whether you are organising family holidays, booking tutoring sessions, or preparing for exams and assessments, knowing the 2026 Australian school term dates and holidays helps you stay organised and avoid last-minute stress.
School term dates in Australia are set by each state and territory education department, meaning start and finish dates can vary depending on your location. In addition, private and independent schools may operate on slightly different calendars compared to public schools. You can use this page as a reference point when planning your year.
For detailed information about your State's school term, head to the relevant State page below:
- Victoria
- New South Wales
- Queensland
- Western Australia
- South Australia
- ACT
- Tasmania
- Northern Territory
State-by-State Public School Term Dates 2026
Each Australian state and territory follows its own school term structure. Below are the official public school term dates and school holidays for 2026:
| State / Territory | Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 | Term 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW (Eastern) | 2 Feb – 2 Apr | 22 Apr – 3 Jul | 21 Jul – 25 Sep | 13 Oct – 17 Dec |
| VIC | 27 Jan – 2 Apr | 20 Apr – 26 Jun | 13 Jul – 18 Sep | 5 Oct – 18 Dec |
| QLD | 27 Jan – 2 Apr | 20 Apr – 26 Jun | 13 Jul – 18 Sep | 6 Oct – 11 Dec |
| WA | 2 Feb – 2 Apr | 20 Apr – 3 Jul | 20 Jul – 25 Sep | 12 Oct – 17 Dec |
| SA | 27 Jan – 10 Apr | 27 Apr – 3 Jul | 20 Jul – 25 Sep | 12 Oct – 11 Dec |
| TAS | 5 Feb – 17 Apr | 4 May – 10 Jul | 27 Jul – 2 Oct | 19 Oct – 18 Dec |
| ACT | New students: 30 Jan – 2 Apr Continuing students: 30 Jan – 2 Apr | 21 Apr – 3 Jul | 21 Jul – 25 Sep | 13 Oct – 18 Dec |
| NT | 29 Jan – 2 Apr | 14 Apr – 19 Jun | 14 Jul – 18 Sep | 6 Oct – 10 Dec |
Public Holidays that affect school schedules in 2026
While not a complete list by state (varies by region), some national key public holidays include:
| Public Holiday | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January 2026 | |
| Australia Day | 26 January 2026 | |
| Good Friday | 3 April 2026 | |
| Easter Monday | 6 April 2026 | |
| ANZAC Day | 25 April 2026 | Falls on a Saturday. No substitute day for most states (except WA & ACT). |
| King’s Birthday | 8 June 2026 | Varies. Observed in Oct for QLD and Sep for WA. |
| Labour Day | Varies by state | WA (2 Mar), VIC/TAS (9 Mar), QLD (4 May), NSW/ACT/SA (5 Oct). |
| Christmas Day | 25 December 2026 | |
| Boxing Day | 26 December 2026 | Additional holiday observed Monday 28 December |
*Note for ACT: New students typically start on Friday 30 January, while continuing students return on Monday 2 February.
*Note for NT: Teachers resume on 27 January, but students return on Thursday 29 January.
Notes & tips on school date
- Private and Catholic schools: While many private and Catholic schools broadly align with public school term dates, their calendars often include additional student-free days, mid-term breaks, or earlier start and finish dates. Families should always confirm term dates directly with the school to avoid scheduling issues.
- School development days: Some states and territories schedule staff development or pupil-free days outside standard term dates. For example, New South Wales public schools typically hold development days before Term 1 begins. These days can impact attendance and should be factored into yearly planning.
State and Territory Specific Public Holidays (2026)
In addition to national public holidays, each Australian state and territory observes its own regional public holidays, which can affect school attendance and term planning. Some holidays also apply only to specific cities or regions.
Below are the key state and territory specific public holidays for 2026, with full confirmed calendar dates.
Australian Capital Territory
- Canberra Day: Monday, 9 March 2026
- Reconciliation Day: Monday, 1 June 2026
- Labour Day: Monday, 5 October 2026
New South Wales
- Labour Day: Monday, 5 October 2026
Northern Territory
- May Day: Monday, 4 May 2026
- Picnic Day: Monday, 3 August 2026
Queensland
- Labour Day: Monday, 4 May 2026
- Royal Queensland Show (Ekka – Brisbane only): Wednesday, 12 August 2026
- King’s Birthday: Monday, 5 October 2026
South Australia
- Adelaide Cup Day: Monday, 9 March 2026
- King’s Birthday: Monday, 8 June 2026
- Labour Day: Monday, 5 October 2026
- Proclamation Day: Saturday, 26 December 2026 (observed Monday, 28 December)
Tasmania
- Royal Hobart Regatta: Monday, 9 February 2026 (South)
- Eight Hours Day: Monday, 9 March 2026
- Recreation Day (where applicable): Monday, 2 November 2026 (North)
Victoria (VIC)
- Labour Day: Monday, 9 March 2026
- Friday before the AFL Grand Final: Friday, 25 September 2026
- Melbourne Cup Day: Tuesday, 3 November 2026
Western Australia
- Labour Day: Monday, 2 March 2026
- Western Australia Day: Monday, 1 June 2026
- King’s Birthday: Monday, 28 September 2026 (some regional variations may apply)
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FAQs
Most Australian public schools begin Term 1 in late January or early February 2026. For example, Victoria and Queensland start on 27 January, while Western Australia and NSW students return in early February.
No. Each Australian state and territory sets its own school term dates. While the overall structure of four terms is consistent, holiday lengths and term start dates differ by location.
Not always. Private and independent schools set their own calendars. They often start a few days earlier or finish later and may include additional breaks (such as a 3-week break in June/July). Always confirm dates directly with the school.
If your child has a gap or an upcoming assessment, light, targeted sessions can help without turning the break into “more school.” Learnmate lets you pick a tutor by subject, location and expertise—handy for short boosters or exam refreshers.
Days when staff do professional learning while students stay home. These aren’t always listed on state calendars, so check your school’s notifications.
It depends on the holiday and the state. For example, in 2026, Boxing Day falls on a Saturday, so Monday 28 Decemberis observed as a public holiday nationwide. However, Anzac Day (Saturday 25 April) generally does not get a substitute day in most states (except WA and ACT).
