In 2026 Australian school holidays are spread across four main breaks: autumn winter spring and summer. Each state and territory has slightly different dates. For example New South Wales starts autumn holidays on April 14 while Queensland starts earlier on April 5. The longest break is the summer holiday which begins in December and runs into late January or early February depending on the region. These holidays give families time for rest travel and activities before the new school term begins.
2026 School Holidays — Australia (By State and Territory)
New South Wales (NSW)
- Autumn holidays: April 14 – April 24 2026
- Winter holidays: July 7 – July 18 2026
- Spring holidays: September 29 – October 10 2026
- Summer holidays: December 22 2026 – January 26 2026
Western Australia (WA)
- Autumn holidays: April 12 – April 27 2026
- Winter holidays: July 5 – July 20 2026
- Spring holidays: September 27 – October 12 2026
- Summer holidays: December 19 2026 – February 1 2026
South Australia (SA)
- Autumn holidays: April 12 – April 27 2026
- Winter holidays: July 5 – July 20 2026
- Spring holidays: September 27 – October 12 2026
- Summer holidays: December 13 2026 – January 26 2026
Queensland (QLD)
- Autumn holidays: April 5 – April 21 2026
- Winter holidays: June 28 – July 13 2026
- Spring holidays: September 20 – October 6 2026
- Summer holidays: December 13 2026 – January 26 2026
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- Autumn holidays: April 12 – April 28 2026
- Winter holidays: July 5 – July 21 2026
- Spring holidays: September 27 – October 14 2026
- Summer holidays: December 19 2026 – February 2 2026
Tasmania (TAS)
- Autumn holidays: April 13 – April 28 2026
- Winter holidays: July 6 – July 21 2026
- Spring holidays: September 28 – October 13 2026
- Summer holidays: Starting December 20 2026 into early 2026
Northern Territory (NT)
- Autumn holidays: April 5 – April 13 2026
- Winter holidays: June 21 – July 13 2026
- Spring holidays: September 20 – October 5 2026
- Summer holidays: December 13 2026 – January 28 2026
