Australian school holidays vary considerably depending on which state or territory your school is located in. While most states follow a similar four-term structure, the exact start dates for each holiday period can differ by several weeks. Understanding when school holidays begin helps families plan travel, childcare arrangements, and activities well in advance. This guide provides the latest confirmed start dates for school holidays across all Australian states and territories for 2024 and 2025.
Each state and territory sets its own school calendar, which means the first day of autumn holidays, winter break, or summer vacation does not fall on the same date nationwide. Private and Catholic schools may also deviate slightly from public school schedules, typically by one to five days. Checking your specific state’s education department website ensures you have the most accurate information for your school.
When Do School Holidays Start? Dates by Australian State
School holiday start dates are determined by when each term ends, and these end dates vary across jurisdictions. The following overview shows when each major holiday period begins across the different Australian states and territories.
| State/Territory | Autumn Holidays Start | Winter Holidays Start | Spring Holidays Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales (NSW) | 12 April 2025 | 5 July 2025 | 27 September 2025 |
| Victoria (VIC) | 5 April 2025 | 28 June 2025 | 20 September 2025 |
| Queensland (QLD) | 5 April 2025 | 5 July 2025 | 20 September 2025 |
| Western Australia (WA) | 12 April 2025 | 5 July 2025 | 27 September 2025 |
| South Australia (SA) | 12 April 2025 | 5 July 2025 | 27 September 2025 |
| Tasmania (TAS) | 12 April 2025 | 5 July 2025 | 27 September 2025 |
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | 12 April 2025 | 5 July 2025 | 27 September 2025 |
| Northern Territory (NT) | 5 April 2025 | 21 June 2025 | 20 September 2025 |
Key Facts About School Holiday Start Dates
- Autumn holidays typically begin between early April and mid-April, depending on the state
- Winter breaks usually start in late June or early July, lasting approximately three weeks
- Spring holidays generally commence in late September, lasting about two weeks
- Summer holidays begin in mid to late December and extend into late January or early February
- Private schools may start holidays one to five days earlier or later than public schools in the same state
- Catholic schools often follow their own calendar, which may differ from both public and independent schools
Public holidays such as Easter and Australia Day can affect how holiday periods are counted. For Victoria specifically, these holidays influence the overall school calendar structure. For a comprehensive view of all public holidays affecting school planning, see the Victorian Public Holidays – Full Dates List 2024 2025.
Public School Term Dates 2025: Complete Overview
Each state and territory publishes its official school term dates through the education department. These dates mark the first and last days of school attendance for each term.
| State/Territory | Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 | Term 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 4 Feb – 11 Apr | 29 Apr – 4 Jul | 22 Jul – 26 Sep | 14 Oct – 19 Dec |
| Victoria | 29 Jan – 4 Apr | 22 Apr – 27 Jun | 14 Jul – 19 Sep | 6 Oct – 19 Dec |
| Queensland | 28 Jan – 4 Apr | 28 Apr – 4 Jun | 14 Jul – 19 Sep | 7 Oct – 12 Dec |
| Western Australia | 3 Feb – 11 Apr | 28 Apr – 4 Jul | 21 Jul – 26 Sep | 13 Oct – 18 Dec |
| South Australia | 28 Jan – 11 Apr | 28 Apr – 4 Jul | 21 Jul – 26 Sep | 13 Oct – 12 Dec |
| Tasmania | 6 Feb – 11 Apr | 28 Apr – 4 Jul | 21 Jul – 26 Sep | 13 Oct – 18 Dec |
| ACT | 3 Feb – 11 Apr | 29 Apr – 4 Jul | 22 Jul – 26 Sep | 14 Oct – 18 Dec |
| Northern Territory | 29 Jan – 4 Apr | 15 Apr – 20 Jun | 15 Jul – 19 Sep | 7 Oct – 11 Dec |
How School Holiday Dates Vary Between States
The variation in school holiday start dates across Australia stems from each state and territory having autonomy over its education calendar. This means there is no nationally standardised start date for any holiday period. Families relocating between states will notice these differences immediately, and those planning interstate travel during holiday periods should account for the possibility that neighbouring states may be on different schedules.
Why Do States Have Different Holiday Dates?
State education departments set school calendars based on local considerations including climate, agricultural patterns, and historical precedent. Queensland and the Northern Territory, with their tropical climates, have traditionally started Terms 1 and 2 earlier than southern states. Western Australia and South Australia often align their term dates, while the eastern states of NSW, Victoria, and Queensland frequently share similar patterns with minor variations.
These differences can create confusion for families moving between states or planning interstate travel during holiday periods. A family in Queensland may have children returning to school while their relatives in New South Wales are still on holidays.
Private and Independent School Variations
Private and independent schools are not obligated to follow public school calendars and may set their own term dates. However, most private schools choose dates very similar to public schools, typically differing by one to five days.
Examples from 2025 demonstrate this pattern: Sydney Grammar School began Term 1 on 29 January, while NSW public schools started on 4 February. Melbourne Grammar School commenced Term 1 on 31 January, compared to Victoria’s public schools on 29 January. Brisbane Grammar School aligned closely with Queensland public schools, both starting on 28 January.
Always confirm your school’s specific calendar directly, as independent schools may have unique scheduling requirements. State education department websites provide authoritative calendars for public schools, while individual school websites publish their own schedules.
When Does School Go Back After Holidays?
Knowing when school resumes is equally important as knowing when holidays begin. Each term’s return date depends on the length of the preceding holiday period and any pupil-free days scheduled by individual schools.
2025 Term Start Dates by State
Term 1 2025 commencement dates varied across Australia, with Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and the Northern Territory starting on 28 or 29 January. New South Wales, Western Australia, Tasmania, and the ACT began their first term between 3 and 6 February. These variations mean that students in different states have different first day experiences for the school year.
Term 2 2025 starts fell into two main windows: late April for most states (28-29 April) and mid-April for the Northern Territory (15 April). Term 3 generally commenced in mid to late July across all jurisdictions. Term 4 typically begins in early to mid-October, with Victoria starting earliest on 6 October and other states following within the same week.
Pupil-Free Days and Staff Development Days
Individual schools may schedule additional pupil-free days within or between terms that are not reflected in state-wide calendars. These days, used for staff training and professional development, mean that some students may have shorter holidays than the official dates suggest. Schools typically notify parents of these variations well in advance through newsletters and parent portals.
For comprehensive information about how public holidays interact with school term dates in Victoria, families can refer to the Victorian Public Holidays – 2025 Dates and Key Rules resource.
Summer Holidays: When Does the Longest Break Begin?
Summer holidays represent the longest break in the Australian school year, beginning when Term 4 concludes in mid to late December and extending until Term 1 of the following year begins in late January or early February.
Summer Holiday Start Dates 2024-2025
For the 2024-2025 summer holiday period, schools in each state concluded Term 4 on the following dates: Victoria on 19 December, Queensland on 12 December, NSW on 19 December, Western Australia on 18 December, South Australia on 12 December, Tasmania on 18 December, ACT on 18 December, and Northern Territory on 11 December. This means summer holidays officially began the next day in each jurisdiction.
The length of summer holidays varies between approximately six weeks and eight weeks depending on the state. Students in Queensland and South Australia typically have a shorter summer break due to their earlier Term 1 commencement dates, while those in NSW and Victoria enjoy slightly longer breaks.
Looking Ahead: 2026 School Holiday Start Dates
Planning further ahead, the 2026 autumn holidays are scheduled to begin between early April and mid-April across all states. NSW and Victoria will commence autumn breaks on 7 April and 3 April respectively. Queensland and Western Australia will begin their autumn holidays on 3 April. South Australia has the latest start at 11 April, while the Northern Territory begins earliest on 3 April. Tasmania’s autumn holidays start 18 April, with the ACT on 3 April.
School holiday dates can change due to exceptional circumstances such as natural disasters, pandemic-related adjustments, or policy changes. Always verify current dates with your state’s education department or your specific school before making travel or childcare arrangements. For those planning international travel, it’s also worth checking the AUD to Dirham rate forecast. AUD to Dirham rate forecast
Yearly Calendar: School Holiday Timeline
The Australian school year follows a consistent four-term pattern, with holidays occurring between each term. Understanding this annual rhythm helps families anticipate key dates well in advance.
- Term 1 begins in late January or early February, running until early to mid-April
- Autumn holidays follow Term 1, typically lasting one to three weeks
- Term 2 commences in late April, concluding in late June or early July
- Winter holidays occur mid-year, usually spanning about three weeks
- Term 3 begins in mid to late July and runs until late September
- Spring holidays follow Term 3, generally lasting approximately two weeks
- Term 4 starts in early to mid-October and ends in mid to late December
- Summer holidays extend from December through January into early February
Confirmed Information and Remaining Uncertainties
While extensive information is available about school holiday start dates, certain aspects require ongoing verification.
| Established Information | Information Requiring Verification |
|---|---|
| Official state government school term dates for 2025 | Individual school pupil-free day schedules |
| General holiday period windows (autumn, winter, spring, summer) | Catholic school specific calendars vary by diocese |
| Private school general alignment with public dates | Potential adjustments due to exceptional circumstances |
| 2026 holiday period approximate dates | Exact return-to-school dates for 2026 |
Understanding the Australian School Calendar System
Australia’s school calendar operates on a four-term system, distinct from the three or four-term structures used in other countries such as the United Kingdom and United States. This system means Australian students typically have four distinct holiday periods throughout the year, rather than the longer summer break that characterises northern hemisphere schooling.
The timing of these holidays reflects Australia’s position in the southern hemisphere, where seasons are opposite to those in Europe and North America. Summer occurs during December and January, aligning with the longest holiday period, while winter falls in June and July, creating a significant mid-year break.
This seasonal alignment also means that major Australian events such as the Australian Open tennis tournament and various summer festivals occur during the school holidays, influencing family travel patterns and holiday planning. The autumn break typically coincides with Easter, while spring holidays often overlap with the AFL and NRL finals periods.
Sources for Official School Holiday Information
Several authoritative sources provide school holiday information across Australia. State and territory education departments publish the most reliable and current dates for public schools, with each jurisdiction maintaining dedicated webpages for school calendars.
State education departments are the primary authoritative source for school term and holiday dates. Families should verify information directly with their child’s school for the most accurate personalised calendar.
Education department websites for each state provide downloadable calendars, interactive tools, and regular updates about any changes to scheduled dates. These platforms also offer guidance on interpreting the calendar, understanding pupil-free days, and navigating variations between school types.
Summary: When School Holidays Start Across Australia
School holidays in Australia begin at different times depending on which state or territory your school is located in. Autumn holidays typically start between early and mid-April, winter holidays begin in late June or early July, spring holidays commence in late September, and summer holidays begin in mid to late December. The variation between states can be as much as two weeks for any given holiday period.
Private and Catholic schools may follow slightly different calendars, typically varying by one to five days from public school dates. For the most accurate information, families should consult their specific school’s calendar and their state education department’s official resources. Official state education websites remain the most reliable sources for confirmed term dates and holiday periods.
When do autumn school holidays start in Australia?
Autumn school holidays typically start between early April and mid-April 2025, depending on the state. Victoria and Queensland begin around 5 April, while NSW, WA, SA, TAS, and ACT start around 12 April.
When do winter school holidays start in Australia?
Winter school holidays generally start in late June or early July 2025. Most eastern states begin around 5 July, while the Northern Territory starts earlier on 21 June.
When do spring school holidays start in Australia?
Spring school holidays typically begin in late September 2025, lasting approximately two weeks. Most states commence around 20-27 September.
When do summer school holidays start in Australia?
Summer school holidays start when Term 4 ends, typically between 11 and 19 December 2025. The break extends until late January or early February 2026 when Term 1 begins.
Do private schools have different holiday start dates?
Private schools often align closely with public school dates but may vary by one to five days. Each private school sets its own calendar, so families should check directly with their school.
How can I verify my child’s school holiday dates?
Check your state education department’s official website for the most accurate public school calendar. Contact your specific school directly for their individual calendar, particularly regarding pupil-free days.
Why do school holiday dates differ between Australian states?
Each state and territory education department sets its own school calendar based on local considerations including climate, historical patterns, and administrative preferences.
What is the longest school holiday period in Australia?
Summer holidays are the longest, typically lasting six to eight weeks from mid-December until late January or early February. Winter holidays last about three weeks, while autumn and spring holidays range from one to three weeks.
Emma Nguyen is Managing Editor at Australia Voice, overseeing daily newsroom workflow, commissioning and headline review.