Planning around the 2026 Victorian school holidays starts here. Below are the official term dates for Victorian government schools, plus the four school holiday periods families can use to book trips, arrange childcare, or plan activities around Melbourne and regional VIC.
Independent and Catholic schools generally follow the same calendar but can vary slightly — always confirm with your kid’s school if you’re outside the government system.
2026 Victoria School Holidays and Term Dates
| School Terms/ Holidays | Start Date | End Date | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 (Staff) | Tuesday, 27 January 2026 | Thursday, 2 April 2026 | 10 weeks |
| Term 1 (Students) | Wednesday, 28 January 2026* | Thursday, 2 April 2026 | |
| School Holidays | Friday, 3 April 2026 | Sunday, 19 April 2026 | |
| Term 2 | Monday, 20 April 2026 | Friday, 26 June 2026 | 10 weeks |
| School Holidays | Saturday, 27 June 2026 | Sunday, 12 July 2026 | |
| Term 3 | Monday, 13 July 2026 | Friday, 18 September 2026 | 10 weeks |
| School Holidays | Saturday, 19 September 2026 | Sunday, 4 October 2026 | |
| Term 4 | Monday, 5 October 2026 | Friday, 18 December 2026 | 11 weeks |
| Summer School Holidays 2026/2027 | Saturday, 19 December 2026 | Tuesday, 26 January 2027 |
At a glance — VIC 2026 school holidays:
- Autumn holidays: 3 – 19 April 2026
- Winter holidays: 27 June – 12 July 2026
- Spring holidays: 19 September – 4 October 2026
- Summer holidays: 19 December 2026 – 26 January 2027
Whether you’re a working parent needing to secure childcare, a grandparent planning a special visit, or simply looking to make the most of quality family time, our easy-to-access calendar will keep you informed and well-prepared!
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 |
Term 1 tips: back-to-school and Australia Day
Term 1 is the busiest stretch of the year for families — new uniforms, book lists, and settling into routine. The January school holidays are the best window to sort school supplies before the rush. Australia Day (26 January) falls in this break, so if you’re planning a gathering, book venues or catering a couple of weeks ahead. If you want to get away for Easter, this is also when accommodation starts selling out, so booking early pays off.
Term 2 tips: Easter and Anzac Day
The April school holidays are packed with programs — museums, galleries, and shopping centres all run school holiday activities, some free. Easter falls in this term, and Anzac Day (25 April) follows shortly after, with many councils running kid-friendly commemorative events and dawn services suitable for families.
Term 3 tips: winter escapes and Christmas planning
The June–July break is Victoria’s coldest stretch, making it prime time for snow trips to the alpine regions, or a cosy staycation. It’s also the smart time to book Christmas travel — six months out usually beats waiting, especially for popular interstate or overseas routes. Expect winter festivals and indoor activity programs to run throughout the break.
Term 4 tips: end of year and Christmas countdown
The September–October holidays are when Christmas and New Year’s Eve plans start firming up. It’s also a good window for camping trips, since the weather isn’t too hot or cold yet. If your kids are old enough, involving them in planning the summer holidays is a great way to build their own organisational skills.
The first 2026 school holiday break starts Friday 3 April 2026 (Autumn holidays), right after Term 1 ends.
The summer holidays are by far the longest, spanning roughly five and a half weeks. The other three breaks (Autumn, Winter, Spring) are each around two weeks.
Summer holidays run from Saturday 19 December 2026 through to Tuesday 26 January 2027, when Term 1, 2027 begins.
Independent and Catholic schools generally follow the same term structure but can set their own pupil-free days and minor variations. Check directly with your school to confirm.
Victoria runs four school terms in 2026: Term 1 (27 Jan–2 Apr), Term 2 (20 Apr–26 Jun), Term 3 (13 Jul–18 Sep), and Term 4 (5 Oct–18 Dec).
Find school holiday activities in Victoria
15
Sep
10 Best Playgrounds in Brisbane
15
Sep
Hidden World Playground Fitzgibbon Reviews
15
Sep