NSW School Holidays in 2023
Get ready to plan your 2023 vacations with NSW School Holidays! From local events to family-oriented activities, there’s plenty of exciting and memorable things to do this year. Check out our comprehensive list for dates, events, and activities that you must take advantage of during the school holidays.
Check the key dates below to find out when does school start and finish for each school terms in NSW in 2023.
What dates are NSW School Holidays in 2023
Here you can find all the term and holiday dates for public and private schools in New South Wales, including start and end dates for each term, as well as the dates for school holidays and public holidays.
| School Holidays | Starts | Finishes | How long do school holidays last? |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Day of School | 27 Jan 2023 (Fri) | ||
| Term 1 Holidays (Autumn) | 10 Apr 2023 (Fri) | 21 Apr 2023 (Fri) | 12 days |
| Term 2 Holidays (Winter) | 3 Jul 2023 (Mon) | 14 Jul 2023 (Fri) | 12 days |
| Term 3 Holidays (Spring) | 25 Sep 2023 (Mon) | 6 Oct 2023 (Fri) | 12 days |
| Term 4 Holidays (Summer) – Eastern | 20 Dec 2023 (Wed) | 29 Jan 2024 (Mon) | 41 days |
| Term 4 Holidays (Summer) – Western | 20 Dec 2023 (Wed) | 5 Feb 2024 (Mon) | 48 days |
Bookmark this page and keep up-to-date with all the latest school holiday and term dates for New South Wales schools in 2023.
The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Sydney: Top Things to Do
Key Events and Festivals in Sydney you don’t want to miss
| Event/Festival | Time of Year | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney Festival | January | A fun celebration of music, theatre, dance, and visual arts that the whole family can enjoy, with lots of events and activities tailored for kids. |
| Sydney Royal Easter Show | April (6-17 April 2023) | The ultimate family day out, with animals, rides, food, and entertainment galore, showcasing the best of Australian culture, agriculture, and innovation. |
| Vivid Sydney | May/June (26 May to 17 June 2023) | A magical festival of light, music, and ideas that transforms Sydney into a wonderland, with many interactive light installations and music performances that kids will love. |
| Bondi Winter Magic/ Bondi Festival | June-August (30 June – 16 July 2023) | A winter wonderland by the beach, with ice skating, art installations, live music, and warm drinks and snacks, perfect for family bonding and outdoor fun. |
| Sydney Science Festival | August (11–20 August 2023) | A hands-on festival that celebrates the wonders of science and technology, with interactive exhibits, talks, and shows that are sure to amaze and inspire kids and adults alike. |
| Sculpture by the Sea | October/November | A free outdoor exhibition of breathtaking sculptures that line the coastal walk from Bondi to Tamarama, with many sculptures that invite kids to touch, play, and explore. |
| Sydney Christmas Lights | December | A dazzling display of lights and decorations that brighten up the city, with many festive events and activities that will get the whole family into the holiday spirit. |
| New Year’s Eve Fireworks | December 31st | The most spectacular fireworks display in the world, set against the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour, with many family-friendly vantage points around the city that offer great views and vibes. |
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Next steps
- Plan a family vacation – This could involve deciding on a destination, booking flights and accommodation, and making arrangements for activities and sightseeing. If you need idea of planning your travel, check out our Travel Blog.
- Arrange for child care – If you are working during the holiday period and their children are not in school, they may need to arrange for child care. This could involve finding a babysitter, enrolling the children in a holiday program or camp, or asking family members to help out.
- Schedule activities – Schedule activities to keep your children entertained. This could involve planning outings to local attractions, organising playdates with friends, or setting up crafts or games at home. You can check over 200+ school holidays activities using our Activities Finder.
- Adjust work schedules – This could involve taking time off work, working from home, or arranging for alternate work arrangements such as job sharing.
- Budget planning – They can allocate money for travel, accommodation, and activities in order to ensure that they stay within their financial means. You can check out our posts to find out how you can save money this school holiday – Best ways to Save Money on Holiday Travel and How to Spend Less This Holiday.
Don’t miss out on your FREE NSW Kids Vouchers
What are the School Terms for NSW in 2023
| School Terms | Dates |
|---|---|
| First Day of School | 27 Jan 2023 (Fri) |
| Term 1 | Tuesday 31 January to Thursday 6 April – (Eastern) Tuesday 7 February to Friday 6 April – (Western – far western region of NSW) |
| Term 2 | Wednesday 26 April to Friday 30 June |
| Term 3 | Tuesday 18 July to Friday 22 September |
| Term 4 | Monday 9 October to Tuesday 19 December |
Public holidays and national days in NSW in 2023
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Sun | New Year’s Day |
| 2 Jan | Mon | New Year Holiday |
| 26 Jan | Thu | Australia Day |
| 7 Apr | Fri | Good Friday |
| 8 Apr | Sat | Day following Good Friday |
| 9 Apr | Sun | Easter Sunday |
| 10 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday |
| 25 Apr | Tue | Anzac Day |
| 12 Jun | Mon | King’s Birthday |
| 2 Oct | Mon | Labour Day |
| 25 Dec | Mon | Christmas Day |
| 26 Dec | Tue | Boxing Day |
Here’s our handy reference guide for NSW school holidays in 2023. Whether you’re planning a holiday with kids, looking to avoid the crowds, these can have an impact on when you decide to go away, we all need to know when school’s out!
Note that the dates below represent official term dates however you should always check with your local school for the dates specific to you.
What date does School start in NSW in 2023?
Eastern – Tuesday 31 January 2023
Western – Tuesday 7 February 2023
Western – Tuesday 7 February 2023
How many weeks school holidays in NSW?
There are around 13-14 weeks of school holidays a year.
How many terms are there per year?
School year is broken up into four terms, Term 1, Term 2, Term 3 and Term 4.
Are school holidays the same across all states/countries?
No, school holidays are not the same across all states in Australia. Each state and territory has its own education system and academic calendar.
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