School Holidays by State: Plan Around Peak Dates
Planning a family trip around school holidays can feel like a puzzle. Flights, accommodations, and activities all get more expensive and crowded when the kids are out of class. The upside is that if you plan around peak dates, you can lock in great family-friendly experiences, snag better rates, and enjoy smoother travel with fewer crowds. In this guide, you’ll find a clear, state by state overview of school holiday calendars in Australia, plus practical tips to help you plan, book, and enjoy your getaway without the stress.
Introduction
Travel during school holidays offers a rare chance to reconnect as a family, explore kid-friendly attractions, and take advantage of special events that only show up during break periods. However, peak holiday times can also mean higher prices and crowded destinations. The key is to know when each state offers its peak periods and how to navigate them with smart planning.
This article provides a comprehensive look at school holidays by Australian state and territory, explains how to identify peak travel windows, and shares actionable strategies to plan around peak dates. Whether you want a long summer beach escape, a shoulder-season city break, or a seasonal adventure in the outback, the following sections will help you plan with confidence.
Understanding how school holidays work in Australia by state
Australia runs on a term-based school system, and each state and territory manages its own calendar. That means:
- Term dates can vary by a few weeks from one state to another.
- Holiday breaks between terms also vary, typically ranging from two to six weeks depending on the state and term.
- Public holidays and school holidays are separate, but many families book trips during school breaks for the best combination of availability and prices.
Because the calendars shift every year, it is essential to check the official sources for the current year’s dates before booking. The general pattern you’ll see across most states is four terms per year with breaks between them, plus a longer summer holiday that spans late December into January in many places.
A quick snapshot by state
Here is a general picture of typical holiday patterns. Remember, exact dates shift yearly, so use this as a guide and verify with official calendars.
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New South Wales (NSW) and Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- Summer holidays: late December to late January
- Autumn holidays: about two weeks in April
- Winter holidays: around two weeks in June to July
- Spring holidays: roughly one to two weeks in September or October
-
Victoria (VIC)
- Summer holidays: late December to late January
- Autumn holidays: two weeks in April
- Winter holidays: mid-July for about two weeks
- Spring holidays: one to two weeks in September or October
-
Queensland (QLD)
- Summer holidays: late December to late January
- Autumn holidays: two weeks around April
- Winter holidays: two weeks in July
- Spring holidays: usually two weeks in September or October
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Western Australia (WA)
- Summer holidays: late December to late January
- Autumn holidays: two weeks in April
- Winter holidays: two weeks in July
- Spring holidays: one to two weeks in September or October
-
South Australia (SA)
- Summer holidays: late December to late January
- Autumn holidays: two weeks in April
- Winter holidays: two weeks in July
- Spring holidays: two weeks in September or October
-
Tasmania (TAS)
- Summer holidays: late December to late January
- Autumn holidays: two weeks in April
- Winter holidays: two weeks in July
- Spring holidays: two weeks in September or October
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Northern Territory (NT)
- Summer holidays: late December to late January (often influenced by school year start in February)
- Autumn holidays: two weeks around April
- Winter holidays: two weeks around July
- Spring holidays: two weeks around September or October
Peak travel periods across the year
To optimize your planning, it helps to think in terms of broad peak windows, rather than specific dates that shift year to year.
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December to January: The long summer holidays
- Why it matters: This is the peak time for family travel, beach escapes, and road trips. Prices can be higher, and popular destinations book out well in advance.
- What to expect: Crowded beaches, theme parks at full capacity, and busy domestic flight lanes.
-
April (Autumn holidays) and Easter
- Why it matters: A mid-year break that often coincides with Easter in many years. This is a popular window for city escapes and regional adventures.
- What to expect: Shorter queues at some major attractions, but hotel availability can still be limited in big cities and popular regions.
-
June to July (Winter holidays)
- Why it matters: A common school break that aligns with school holidays in most states. Great for family-friendly winter getaways and warm-weather escapes in the north.
- What to expect: Cooler weather in the south, with many destinations offering winter festivals and seasonal experiences.
🌤️ Weather Note: Australia's seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere. Summer runs December-February, Winter June-August. Check our destination guides for specific timing recommendations.
- September to October (Spring holidays)
- Why it matters: A popular shoulder season for the southern states when spring blooms and outdoor activities are in full swing.
- What to expect: Increasing demand as schools start back, but often more moderate prices than January peaks.
State-by-state variations: a practical snapshot
Because calendars shift each year, the most reliable way to plan is to check the current year’s official dates. The following sections give a practical overview of what families typically expect in each state and territory, plus tips for planning around your preferred destinations.
New South Wales (NSW) and Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- Peak windows to plan around:
- Summer holidays: December to January
- Winter holidays: around late June to mid-July
- Autumn holidays: roughly two weeks in April
- Spring holidays: around September to October
- Family-friendly highlights: Sydney beaches, Blue Mountains escape, Hunter Valley for family-friendly wine and nature, coastal towns on the NSW south coast.
Victoria (VIC)
- Peak windows to plan around:
- Summer: late December to late January
- Winter: July for two weeks
- Autumn: April for about two weeks
- Spring: September to October
- Family-friendly highlights: Great Ocean Road adventures, Phillip Island penguin parade, Bendigo and Ballarat gold rush experiences, botanical gardens in Melbourne.
Queensland (QLD)
- Peak windows to plan around:
- Summer: December to January
- Winter: July for two weeks
- Autumn and Spring: two weeks each around April and September/October
- Family-friendly highlights: The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast water parks, Kangaroo Island-like experiences in Fraser Island, tropical escapes in Cairns and Port Douglas.
Western Australia (WA)
- Peak windows to plan around:
- Summer: December to January
- Winter: July for two weeks
- Autumn and Spring: two weeks around April and September/October
- Family-friendly highlights: Rottnest Island with family bikes, Coral Coast and Ningaloo Reef adventures, Margaret River wine country with kid-friendly activities.
South Australia (SA)
- Peak windows to plan around:
- Summer: December to January
- Winter: July for two weeks
- Autumn and Spring: two weeks around April and September/October
- Family-friendly highlights: Kangaroo Island experiences, Barossa Valley with kid-friendly tours, Adelaide city and coastline drives, Coorong National Park.
Tasmania (TAS)
- Peak windows to plan around:
- Summer: December to January
- Winter: July for two weeks
- Autumn and Spring: two weeks around April and September/October
- Family-friendly highlights: Tasmanian wilderness and Cradle Mountain adventures, Port Arthur historic site with family-friendly tours, Hobart’s waterfront precincts.
Northern Territory (NT)
- Peak windows to plan around:
- Summer: December to January
- Winter: July for two weeks
- Autumn and Spring: around April and September/October
- Family-friendly highlights: Kakadu National Park, Alice Springs desert experiences, Uluru sunrise tours, Nitmiluk National Park.
How to verify current year calendars
Because calendars change, always confirm with official sources:
- NSW Department of Education calendar
- NSW and ACT holiday guides through the NSW Department of Education or ACT Education Directorate
- Victorian Department of Education and Training academic calendar
- Queensland Department of Education term dates
- Western Australia Department of Education term dates
- South Australia Department for Education term dates
- Tasmanian Department of Education school calendar
- Northern Territory Department of Education term dates
- Local council education websites for regional variations
Planning around peak dates: a practical step-by-step guide
- Identify your target travel window
- Decide whether you want a peak period or a shoulder season.
- If traveling during peak dates, prepare to book early and consider flexible dates to maximize value.
- Check the official calendar for your state
- Visit the official Department of Education website for the current year.
- Note the start and end dates of each term and the length of each school break.
- Choose your destination with the calendar in mind
- Coastal escapes are popular in summer holidays.
- Mountain or regional towns shine during autumn and spring breaks when crowds thin out slightly.
- Plan your itinerary around shoulder periods
- Shoulder periods offer better rates and fewer crowds while still giving you good weather and activities.
- Build in buffer days to handle crowd peaks and weather variability.
- Book early, with flexible policies
- Lock in flights and accommodations during peak periods as early as possible.
- Look for refundable options or travel packages with flexible dates.
- Build a family-friendly, pace-friendly itinerary
- Mix high-energy activities with downtime to avoid burnout.
- Prioritize attractions with kid-friendly options, rest areas, and dining choices suitable for families.
- Pack smart for the season and the state
- Pack for variable weather: layers for spring and autumn, sun protection for summer, and light jackets for winter coastal climates.
- Consider local events and festivals
- Many destinations host family-friendly events during school holidays.
- Incorporate these events into your itinerary for added value and memorable experiences.
Destination ideas by state during school holidays
- New South Wales and ACT: Sydney’s city sights, coastlines from Manly to the Central Coast, scenic Blue Mountains day trips, and the inflow of family-friendly festivals along the river precincts.
- Victoria: The Great Ocean Road road trip, Phillip Island penguin parade, Grampians and nature walks, and Melbourne’s family-friendly museums.
- Queensland: Gold Coast theme parks, Sunshine Coast hinterlands, Great Barrier Reef experiences from Port Douglas or Cairns, and tropical escapes in Livingstone and the tropical north.
- Western Australia: Rottnest Island family day trips, Margaret River family-friendly nature tours, Coral Coast road trips, and Perth Zoo adventures.
- South Australia: Kangaroo Island wildlife experiences, Adelaide Hills scenic drives, Barossa Valley family-friendly wine tours, and coastal towns along the Fleurieu Peninsula.
- Tasmania: Cradle Mountain walks, Hobart’s MONA and waterfront activities, Freycinet Peninsula, and slow-paced island exploring.
- Northern Territory: Kakadu and Nitmiluk national parks, Uluru sunrise tours, and outback cultural experiences with kid-friendly interpretive centers.
Practical tips for a smooth school holiday trip
- Accommodations: Look for family-friendly units with kitchen facilities to reduce meal costs. Apartments, townhomes, or family suites often provide more space and value during peak periods.
- Transport: If possible, fly midweek to avoid weekend surcharges, and book early to lock in better seats and rates.
- Activities: Reserve tickets for popular attractions ahead of time, especially for theme parks, guided tours, and peak-season activities.
- Meals: Choose a mix of dining experiences, including casual eateries and self-catering options to manage costs during busy periods.
- Safety and comfort: Pack a small first aid kit, sun protection, water bottles, and comfortable footwear for long days of sightseeing.
Tools and resources to stay on track
- Official state education department calendars: verify term dates and holiday periods every year.
- Travel deal newsletters and family travel blogs: look for family-friendly deals and promotions during school holidays.
- Flight and hotel comparison tools: use fare alerts and flexible date searches to spot savings.
- Itinerary planning apps: keep all family plans organized and shareable.
Conclusion
Planning around school holidays by state is all about timing, preparation, and flexibility. By understanding the general patterns of term dates and break periods across NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, NT, and ACT, you can forecast peak travel windows, avoid last-minute price spikes, and still deliver a memorable family getaway. The key is to verify each year’s exact dates with official calendars, book early for peak periods, and design an itinerary that balances popular sights with downtime. With the right approach, you can turn peak holiday periods into the perfect opportunity for family adventures, rewarding experiences, and stories you’ll reminisce about for years to come.
If you’d like, I can tailor a sample two-week itinerary for your preferred state and travel season, including suggested accommodations, kid-friendly activities, and a cost-conscious plan designed to maximize value during peak dates.
