Queensland School Holidays 2025: Term Dates, Public Holidays and How to Use Them

As the 2025 school year unfolds in Queensland, families are mapping plans around the official holiday periods. These breaks aren’t just time off—they’re a built-in reset that supports focus, wellbeing and resilience. Below you’ll find the confirmed QLD 2025 term dates and public holidays, plus research-backed ways to use each break well—from unstructured play and connection in the primary years to smart, light study rhythms for teens.

2025 Queensland School Term Dates

2025 Queensland School Holiday Dates

Public Holidays in Queensland 2025

Making the Most of School Holidays (What the Research Says)

School holidays aren’t just “time off”. They’re a built-in reset that supports brain consolidation, emotional regulation, resilience and social connection. The sweet spot is a balanced routine: enough downtime to recover, enough purposeful activity to grow, and - especially for teens - a light, strategic study rhythm.

Child psychology research shows that regular downtime can improve productivity by up to 30 percent, while also protecting against stress and burnout. Experts highlight that even small breaks, such as a few minutes of relaxation or reflection, can reset concentration and boost learning outcomes (Research-Tested Benefits of Breaks, Edutopia). When combined with longer school holiday periods, these pauses help students grow academically, emotionally, and socially.

The Queensland school holiday calendar in 2025 offers opportunities for both rest and enrichment. Families who use these breaks to balance relaxation with meaningful activities can give their children the best chance to thrive throughout the year.

Evidence-based essentials for every age

• Prioritise real downtime and sleep. Short breaks restore focus; genuine “do nothing” time lets the brain consolidate memories and make meaning.

• Protect unstructured play. Free play strengthens creativity, problem-solving and emotional self-regulation—key foundations for later academic success.

• Move daily and get outdoors. Physical activity lowers stress and boosts attention and memory.

• Strengthen connection. Family time (meals, library trips, board games) builds belonging; co-viewing media and talking about it turns screen time into learning time.

• Balance screens. Set clear limits, model healthy use, and offer better alternatives (play, movement, social catch-ups).

• Keep a light routine. Anchor days around predictable touchpoints (mornings, meals, bedtime). Avoid both over-scheduling and total free-for-all.

• Plan the return. In the final week, nudge sleep/wake times back, refresh school bags/study spaces, and name any first-day jitters.

Primary years (5–12): how to use the break

• Daily unstructured play. Forts, dress-ups, treasure hunts, Lego, cloud-spotting—cognitive flexibility without the “study” label.

• Creative expression. Baking, music, craft and drama help kids process emotions and practise teamwork.

• Social play. Playdates and co-operative games teach turn-taking, fair play, and handling wins/losses.

• “Learning in disguise.” Puzzles, cooking (measuring), library trips and nature walks build fine motor skills, vocabulary and curiosity—calmly and playfully.

• Light, targeted tutoring (optional). Short, game-based sessions can consolidate core literacy and numeracy without turning the break into “more school”. If helpful, consider tutors on Learnmate for gentle skill-bridging aligned to your child’s year level.

• Healthy digital habits. Simple screen rules, co-view where possible, devices out of bedrooms overnight.

• Parent role. Model calm, involve kids in a loose weekly plan, and validate feelings (“It’s okay to feel bored sometimes—what could we try next?”).

Senior years (13–18): getting the balance right

• Study, but smarter (not longer). Short, focused blocks (20–40 mins) using active techniques—flashcards, teach-back, past questions—then real breaks.

• Schedule light, consistent effort. A couple of quality blocks most days beats cramming. Pair each study block with movement or social time to avoid burnout.

• Close gaps early. Targeted holiday tutoring can rebuild confidence and prevent stress snowballing into the term ahead.

• Build autonomy. Co-create a flexible plan—space for friends, hobbies, work, and responsibilities (e.g., cooking a meal, walking the dog).

• Protect wellbeing. Keep sleep regular, eat well, move daily. Treat holidays like a high-performer’s recovery phase so the next term starts strong.

Using each Queensland break purposefully

• Term 1 holidays (5–21 Apr): Easter long weekend (18–21 Apr) sits inside the break → peak travel period. Decompress, reset sleep, and reflect on Term 1 wins.

• Term 2 holidays (28 Jun–13 Jul): Lean into low-pressure indoor learning—libraries, museums, strategy games—and creative projects.

• Term 3 holidays (20 Sep–6 Oct): Warm spring weather is ideal for movement. King’s Birthday (Mon 6 Oct) is the last day of the break. Seniors: mix timed practice with full rest days.

• Summer holidays (from 13 Dec): Big recovery phase across QLD; includes Australia Day (Mon 26 Jan 2026, observed) before school resumes. Seniors: set realistic 2026 goals, do light pre-reading/skill refresh, and rebuild sleep/study habits gradually.

Holiday Programs in Queensland

School holidays in Queensland are a wonderful time for children to recharge, but they can also be an opportunity to explore new interests and build valuable skills. Many families find that structured holiday programs provide the right mix of fun, social connection, and learning.

Here are some options to consider for 2025:

• PGL Adventure Camps
  Located in the Gold Coast Hinterland, PGL offers outdoor activities such as abseiling, canoeing, high ropes, and team challenges that build confidence and resilience (Fun Winter Holiday Activities for Kids – PGL Australia).

• State Library of Queensland
  The State Library in Brisbane runs holiday workshops focused on reading, storytelling, and creativity. These programs are free or low-cost and encourage a love of literacy from an early age.

• Queensland Museum and SparkLab Science Centre
  A hands-on way to keep children engaged with science, technology, and discovery. The museum regularly hosts exhibitions and interactive workshops during school holidays.

• Local Council Holiday Activities
  Councils across Queensland, including Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast, offer school holiday programs such as swimming lessons, arts and crafts, sports clinics, and environmental workshops. These are often affordable and close to home.

• Creative Arts and Sports Programs
  Private organisations across the state run short holiday intensives in drama, dance, coding, soccer, and swimming. These programs give children a chance to try something new while staying active and social.

Holiday programs can help balance unstructured downtime with purposeful activities, giving children a chance to learn, play, and connect with others during the school break.

Final Thoughts

The Queensland school holiday calendar in 2025 is more than a set of dates. It is a framework that supports learning, wellbeing, and family connection. By combining rest with enriching activities, families can help students return to the classroom recharged and better prepared for the term ahead.

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.