School Holidays and School Terms in Australia
Every state and territory sets its own term dates, so there’s no single answer to “when do the school holidays start” — it depends where you live, and which year you’re planning for. This page is the quickest way to find the right calendar: pick your year, then your state, below.
Currently viewing dates for: 2026 → · 2027 →
Find your state’s term dates
| State | 2026 dates | 2027 dates |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | NSW 2026 → | NSW 2027 → |
| Victoria | VIC 2026 → | VIC 2027 → |
| Queensland | QLD 2026 → | QLD 2027 → |
| Western Australia | WA 2026 → | WA 2027 → |
| South Australia | SA 2026 → | SA 2027 → |
| Northern Territory | NT 2026 → | NT 2027 → |
| Australian Capital Territory | — | ACT 2027 → |
Looking for 2024 or 2025 dates for a records check or past-date reference? Browse all years →
Public holidays by state
School holidays and public holidays don’t always overlap. Check your state’s public holiday calendar:
NSW · VIC · QLD · WA · SA · TAS · NT
Or see the full 2026 public holidays calendar →
What to do these school holidays
Once you’ve got your dates, the next question is what to do with the time off. Browse our full list of school holiday activities →, or explore by category:
Zoos · Museums · Theme Parks · Waterparks · Botanic Gardens
Frequently Asked Questions
Are school holidays the same in every Australian state? No. Each state and territory sets its own term dates independently, and even divisions within one state — like NSW’s Eastern and Western Divisions — can differ by up to a week.
How far in advance are term dates published? Most education departments confirm the following year’s dates 12–18 months ahead, which is why you’ll find both 2026 and 2027 dates already published on this site.
Do pupil-free days count as school holidays? No. Pupil-free (or student-free) days are set by individual schools, not state education departments, and sit outside official holiday periods — check directly with your school.
Where do I find dates for a specific year? Use the table above for 2026 and 2027, or see the full list of years covered — from 2022 through to 2028.