Adjusting to a new country comes with a lot of exciting changes—and planning around school holidays can help make settling in even smoother for your family. At Remitly, we know that keeping track of your child’s school term dates can be tricky if you’re unfamiliar with how they work.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about Australian school holidays for 2025. We’ll break down the term dates, explain how holidays vary across regions, and share tips on making the most of each break. You’ll also find key public holiday dates and answers to common questions about Australia’s holiday system.
Understanding Australia’s school holiday system
At first glance, the school holiday system in Australia might seem a bit confusing, especially if you’re not used to the southern hemisphere seasons. But once you understand the basics, it becomes much easier to navigate.
Although different states and territories begin their school terms on slightly different dates, they all generally follow a similar structure. This includes four terms with breaks of varying lengths in between.
Even though specific dates vary from place to place, the overall schedule is helpful for families in planning holidays, childcare, and daily routines.
Overview of the school holiday schedule in Australia
Australia’s state schools typically split the academic year into four main terms:
- Term 1: Late January or early February until April.
- Term 2: April or early May to June or early July.
- Term 3: Mid-July to September or early October.
- Term 4: October to mid or late December.
Each term ends with a school holiday break, which is often called the autumn, winter, spring, or summer holidays (the longest one, often around Christmas and New Year). Non-government or private schools may shift their dates slightly, but they usually follow a similar rhythm.
Importance of the school holidays for families and businesses
These breaks are a time for children to unwind and families to reconnect. Consider organising trips or planning activities to keep your children engaged while they’re at home. You can also make the most of kids’ camps, workshops, and sports clubs during these breaks.
School holidays are known to be a busy season for businesses, especially in popular tourist areas. Flights, hotels, and attractions often get fully booked quickly. If you’re planning to travel, booking in advance can help you secure better deals and avoid the crowds.
For newcomers, school holidays are also a great opportunity to discover Australia’s stunning coastlines, famous cities, and unique inland attractions without conflicting with school schedules.
Variations in holiday dates across different states and territories
Each state or territory sets its own term dates. This means the exact start and finish of Term 1, Term 2, Term 3, and Term 4 can differ by a few days or even a week.
Before booking flights, travel or time off work, make sure to check with your child’s school. You can also check official government pages for each region (e.g., NSW Education, VIC Education) for the up-to-date calendars.
State-by-state school holidays for 2025
If you have children in different school years, it’s helpful to gather all the holiday information in one place. Some big families even have children in different states if they go to private schools or schools for specific needs.
Keep in mind that these dates might change slightly due to public holidays or school decisions. Remember to check official announcements for the most accurate confirmation.
New South Wales school holidays
- End of Term 1 (Autumn break): Early April to mid-April.
- End of Term 2 (Winter break): Late June to mid-July.
- End of Term 3 (Spring break): Late September to early October.
- End of Term 4 (Summer holidays): Mid-December until late January 2026.
For an official and detailed calendar, you can visit the NSW Department of Education.
Victoria school holidays
- End of Term 1: Early April.
- End of Term 2: Late June or the first days of July.
- End of Term 3: Late September.
- End of Term 4: Mid-December, leading into the long summer break.
Check the Victoria Government site for exact start and finish dates
Queensland school holidays
- End of Term 1: Early April.
- End of Term 2: Late June.
- End of Term 3: Mid- to late September.
- End of Term 4: Early December
Official dates can be found via the Queensland Government’s Education site.
Western Australia school holidays
- End of Term 1: Early April.
- End of Term 2: Early July.
- End of Term 3: Late September.
- End of Term 4: Mid-December.
For the precise timeline, visit the Department of Education WA.
South Australia school holidays
- End of Term 1: Mid-April.
- End of Term 2: Early July.
- End of Term 3: Early October.
- End of Term 4: Mid-December.
You can see official schedules at the SA Department for Education.
Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania school holidays
- ACT: Tends to follow patterns similar to NSW, with breaks around April, July, October, and December. For more details, check the ACT Education site.
- TAS: Summer holidays might start slightly earlier or later than in mainland states. Refer to Tasmania’s Department of Education for exact dates.
Northern Territory school holidays
- End of Term 1: Mid-April.
- End of Term 2: Late June.
- End of Term 3: Late September.
- End of Term 4: Mid-December.
Consult the NT Government’s Education page for exact specifics.
State-by-state school holidays for 2025
With a general overview of holiday breaks in each state, let’s take a closer look at the term dates. Knowing the exact dates can help with planning family visits, weekend getaways, or simply making the most of school breaks without missing important classes or activities.
Detailed term dates and holidays for New South Wales
- Term 1: Usually starts on the final Monday of January, until early April. Then, a two-week break leads into Term 2.
- Term 2: Continues through late June. A two-week winter break follows.
- Term 3: Kicks off around mid-July and ends in late September.
- Term 4: Extends from early October through mid-December. The summer holidays often start on a Friday near Christmas, giving families about six weeks off.
Detailed term dates and holidays for Victoria
- Term 1: Typically starts the last week of January, ending around early April.
- Term 2: Early or mid-April to late June or early July, followed by a two-week break.
- Term 3: Mid-July to around late September, again with a two-week break.
- Term 4: Early October to mid-December, culminating in the biggest holiday stretch of the year.
Overview of holiday periods for Queensland, Western Australia, and South Australia
- QLD: Because of Queensland’s climate, you’ll notice an earlier end to Term 4, often in early December. The other terms align roughly with the nationwide pattern (Term 1 finishing in April, Term 2 around late June, and Term 3 in mid-September).
- WA: Expect each term to be around 9–10 weeks, with breaks spaced in between. Term 4 usually ends by mid-December.
- SA: This is similar to WA, with four terms that each last about 10 weeks. Keep an eye on minor differences in start or end dates, especially around Easter or SA-specific days.
Holiday dates for ACT, Tasmania, and Northern Territory
- ACT: Rarely differs much from NSW. However, look out for unique Canberra-based events or public holidays that might shift the exact break times.
- Tasmania: Typically aligns with VIC’s schedule but sometimes ends or starts a term mid-week rather than a Monday or Friday.
- NT: The tropical climate can affect the school schedule with different holiday lengths.
Managing school holidays in Australia
If you’re a working parent or you’re looking for ways to entertain your kids, having a well-thought-out plan for your children’s school holidays can truly make a difference.
Tips for working parents during school holidays
- Workplace flexibility: Some employers allow remote work or adjusted hours during school breaks. Don’t be afraid to discuss options with your manager.
- Holiday programs: Local community centres or sports clubs often run day camps. These can be educational, fun, and convenient if you need childcare.
- Shared parenting: Connect with neighbours or new friends to look after children on alternate days, splitting the load.
Planning family activities and trips
- Local adventures: Australia offers plenty of free or low-cost experiences like beaches, national parks, and cultural festivals.
- Weekend getaways: If a full week away is too expensive, short trips to nearby regional areas can recharge your family’s batteries.
- Indoor fun: When it’s too hot (or too cold in the southern winter), museums, libraries, and indoor sports arenas can keep kids entertained.
Educational activities to consider during breaks
Holidays aren’t just about relaxation—they’re also a chance to learn creatively:
- Science or art camps: Encourage your children’s curiosity with structured holiday programs.
- Reading challenges: Public libraries often host reading competitions.
- DIY projects: Building or crafting together can sharpen problem-solving skills.
Upcoming public holidays and their impact on school holidays
Australian public holidays are spread out during the year. These holidays can either add a few days to existing school breaks or create extended weekends. Being aware of when these holidays take place can help you manage your schedule better, and might even motivate you to plan a quick family getaway.
List of Australian public holidays for 2025
While exact days can vary by state or territory, some of the significant national public holidays in 2025 include:
- New Year’s Day: January 1
- Australia Day: January 27
- Good Friday: Friday, April 18
- Easter Monday: Monday, April 21
- Anzac Day: Friday, April 25
- Queen’s Birthday: Monday, June 9 (in most states; WA and QLD differ)
- Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25
- Boxing Day: Friday, December 26
For a state-by-state breakdown of public holidays, check official sources.
How public holidays affect the school holiday schedule
The school year consists of four terms, each separated by short breaks, and includes a lengthy summer holiday that runs from mid-December to late January. Sometimes, if a holiday coincides with a weekend or extends a break, your child’s school may choose to change the schedule by a day or two. It’s always a good idea to check if you see any changes that you don’t know about.
Planning around public holidays for family events and travel
- Book early: Flights, hotels, and popular attractions fill up quickly on long weekends. You can also save money this way.
- Look for local events: Many towns host festivals or commemorations that are fun, family-friendly, and affordable.
- Combine holiday time: If your child’s school break overlaps with a public holiday, you could plan a week-long getaway without using too many extra leave days from work.
FAQs
How does the school calendar in Australia work?
The school calendar in Australia operates on a four-term system, usually beginning in late January or early February and concluding in December. Each term spans approximately 10 weeks, with shorter breaks of about two weeks in between. The longest break occurs during the summer holidays, which run from mid-December to late January. Specific dates can differ depending on the state or territory.
What are the Australian school holidays for 2025?
They differ by region, but generally:
- Term 1 holiday: Early to mid-April
- Term 2 holiday: Late June or early July
- Term 3 holiday: Late September or early October
- Term 4 holiday: Mid-December until late January 2026
For the most accurate info, check your local education department’s calendar.
How do school holidays work in Australia?
After each term, students typically enjoy a break of about two weeks, referred to as autumn holidays, winter holidays, or spring holidays. The summer holidays after Term 4 last for approximately six weeks. The government of each state or territory determines the dates for public school holidays. Non-government schools usually adhere to similar or slightly adjusted schedules.
Additional resources for parents and educators
- State education websites: For exact school holiday dates and calendars (e.g., NSW Education).
- Tourism Australia: Offers ideas for trips during holiday periods, including deals on attractions.
- Community hubs: Local councils often host free events or affordable children’s programs during term breaks.