Planning ahead with the Queensland school calendar helps families stay organised, reduce last-minute stress, and make better use of school breaks throughout the year.
Below you’ll find the 2026 Queensland state school term dates, holiday periods, and public holidays, followed by practical guidance on how to use each break to support rest, learning, and wellbeing.
2026 Queensland State School Term Dates
| Term | Dates | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Tuesday 27 January – Thursday 2 April | 10 weeks |
| Term 2 | Monday 20 April – Friday 26 June | 10 weeks |
| Term 3 | Monday 13 July – Friday 18 September | 10 weeks |
| Term 4 | Tuesday 6 October – Friday 11 December | 10 weeks |
Note: Some schools give student-free/staff PD days just before terms begin (e.g., mid January or mid April) — check your school’s own calendar for precise start/staff orientation dates.
2026 Queensland School Holiday Dates
| Holiday Season | Dates |
|---|---|
| Term 1 holidays | Friday 3 April – Sunday 19 April 2026 |
| Term 2 holidays | Saturday 27 June – Sunday 12 July 2026 |
| Term 3 holidays | Saturday 19 September – Monday 5 October 2026 |
| Summer holidays | Saturday 12 December 2026 – Tuesday 26 January 2027 |
2026 Public Holidays in Queensland
Queensland’s public holidays give more days for family plans, travel, and rest. Here are the major ones statewide (Brisbane-area Ekka Show Day is local to Brisbane):
| Public Holiday | Date (2026) |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Thursday, 1 January |
| Australia Day | Monday, 26 January |
| Good Friday | Friday, 3 April |
| Easter Saturday | Saturday, 4 April |
| Easter Sunday | Sunday, 5 April |
| Easter Monday | Monday, 6 April |
| ANZAC Day* | Saturday, 25 April* |
| Labour Day | Monday, 4 May |
| Royal Queensland Show | Wednesday, 12 August (Brisbane only) |
| King’s Birthday | Monday, 5 October |
| Christmas Eve | Thursday, 24 December (partial, from 6pm) |
| Christmas Day | Friday, 25 December |
| Boxing Day (Additional Day) | Monday, 28 December* |
*Important Note on ANZAC Day: In 2026, ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday, and Queensland does not get an extra observed weekday off — the holiday is observed on the Saturday itself under state rules.
*Important Note on Boxing Day: Because Boxing Day falls on a Saturday, an additional public holiday is observed on Monday, 28 December.
A Simple Holiday Planning Framework for Families
Rather than trying to fill every day, it can be helpful to think about school holidays in terms of a few simple priorities.
1. Recover
School terms place steady mental and emotional demands on students. Holidays are a chance to slow down and reset.
- Reset: Use the downtime to build motivation for the next term.
- Sleep: Catch up on rest to restore physical energy.
- Decompress: Ease back on academic pressure to let stress settle.
2. Maintain
Long breaks don't need to mean dropping all routines. Keeping a light sense of structure makes the return to school smoother.
- Light Learning: For older students, short study sessions (e.g., 20 minutes) can keep skills sharp without adding pressure.
- Routine: Stick to regular meal times and reasonable bedtimes.
- Connection: Encourage staying connected with friends.
3. Prepare
Holidays offer breathing room to get ready for what comes next. Small, low-stress steps can make a big difference.
- Organise: Tidy up study spaces and restock materials.
- Goal Setting: Set one or two achievable goals for the term ahead.
- Discuss: Talk through any upcoming changes or concerns.
Using the Calendar to Reduce Stress
Having school holiday dates mapped out in advance allows families to:
- Spread academic support more evenly across the year.
- Avoid overbooking busy periods.
- Plan travel without cutting into essential rest time.
Need Extra Learning Support?
Looking for expert tutoring to help your child stay on track? Tutors on Learnmate are available across Queensland in all subjects and year levels. Whether it’s exam preparation, subject revision, or boosting confidence, our tutors can provide tailored support throughout the year.
FAQs
Yes. The term dates and holiday periods listed reflect the official Queensland Government school calendar for state schools. Independent and Catholic schools may vary, so it is best to check directly with them.
No. Year 12 students typically finish earlier (often in late November) due to external assessments and end-of-year certification requirements.
It depends on the day. If ANZAC Day falls on a Sunday, the Monday is a public holiday. However, in 2026, ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday, so there is no extra public holiday observed on the Monday.
The 2026 summer holidays run until Tuesday, 26 January 2027. Term 1, 2027 is expected to commence on Wednesday, 27 January 2027 (subject to confirmation).
