When are the NSW school holidays in 2027? Full term and holiday dates for New South Wales are below, along with a few tips for planning around them.
The school year in NSW runs across four terms, with a break after each one. Here’s everything you need for 2027.
What Dates Are NSW School Holidays in 2027
| School Holidays | Starts | Finishes |
|---|---|---|
| First Day of School | 28 Jan 2027 (Thu) | |
| Term 1 Holidays (Autumn) | 12 Apr 2027 (Mon) | 23 Apr 2027 (Fri) |
| Term 2 Holidays (Winter) | 5 Jul 2027 (Mon) | 16 Jul 2027 (Fri) |
| Term 3 Holidays (Spring) | 27 Sep 2027 (Mon) | 8 Oct 2027 (Fri) |
| Term 4 Holidays (Summer) | 21 Dec 2027 (Tue) | 28 Jan 2028 (Fri) |
Dates above are the official NSW Department of Education term dates. Individual schools can vary slightly, so always double-check with your own school before booking anything.
Looking for a different year? See NSW School Holidays 2026, or compare every state at once on our School Holidays Australia 2027 page. Planning around public holidays too? Check NSW Public Holidays 2027.
Money Saving Tips – What’s the best time to book a holiday?
Booking in advance can often help save money when it comes to travel. Here are some general guidelines:
| Travel Type | Recommended Booking Lead Time (To Save Money) |
|---|---|
| Domestic Flights | 1-3 months |
| International Flights | 2-8 months |
| Peak Season Flights | Closer to 6-8 months |
| Midweek Travel (Flights) | Consider Tuesdays or Wednesdays |
| Hotels | 1-3 months |
| Vacation Rentals | Several months |
| Hostels/Budget Accommodations | Few weeks to a month |
| Peak Season/Special Events (Accommodations) | Book well in advance |
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Term 1 (Jan–Apr): Back to School in Sydney
Term 1 starts straight after the Australia Day long weekend, so late January is peak time for uniform shopping, book lists, and orientation days for kids starting kindergarten. The Autumn School Holidays that follow line up closely with Easter most years — a busy travel period across NSW, so if you’re heading to the coast or up to the Blue Mountains, book your accommodation early.
Term 2 (Apr–Jul): Vivid Sydney and Cooler Weather
Term 2 covers Anzac Day and, for Sydney families, the Vivid Sydney light festival usually runs through late May and into June — a great free (or cheap) night out with the kids if you can brave the crowds. As the Winter School Holidays approach, it’s worth booking indoor activities early, since school holiday programs at museums, aquariums, and indoor play centres fill up fast in the cooler months.
Term 3 (Jul–Sep): Winter in NSW
This is the coldest stretch of the year, so the Spring School Holidays that follow Term 3 are a good time to start planning warmer trips — whether that’s up to Queensland or overseas. It’s also the best time to lock in Christmas travel if you’re planning to go away, since prices only climb closer to December.
Term 4 (Oct–Dec): Wrapping Up the School Year
Term 4 is the longest stretch, running from October through to just before Christmas. It covers end-of-year school events, and by the time the Summer School Holidays start, Sydney’s beach season is well underway — a good time to book swimming lessons or squeeze in some water safety practice before the summer crowds hit. The Summer break is also NSW’s longest, running right through to late January, so it’s the most popular (and priciest) time to travel — book as early as you can.
Looking for things to do these school holidays? Browse our Things To Do With Kids directory, or check out our Sydney School Holiday Activities guide for local ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Term 1 starts Thursday, 28 January 2027, with the first break — the Autumn School Holidays — beginning Monday, 12 April 2027.
Pupil-free days (School Development Days) are separate and set by the NSW Department of Education, though individual schools can vary them slightly. Always confirm with your child’s school calendar.
No — each state and territory sets its own term dates. Compare all states on our School Holidays Australia 2027 page.
Four — Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer — in addition to the four school terms.
Find school holiday activities in NSW in 2027
