Here’s the official list of Victorian school term dates and holidays for 2026. Use this calendar to plan family trips, time off, or activities around school breaks.
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School Holiday Dates for Victoria – 2026
This table outlines all term dates and school holiday periods for Victorian government schools in 2026.
| Holiday Period | Dates | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 Holidays (Autumn) | Friday 3 April – Sunday 19 April | 2.5 weeks |
| Term 2 Holidays (Winter) | Saturday 27 June – Sunday 12 July | 2 weeks |
| Term 3 Holidays (Spring) | Saturday 19 September – Sunday 4 October | 2 weeks |
| Term 4 Holidays (Summer) | Saturday 19 December – Late January 2027 | ~6 weeks |
Official Term Dates 2026
| Term | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Tuesday 27 January* | Thursday 2 April |
| Term 2 | Monday 20 April | Friday 26 June |
| Term 3 | Monday 13 July | Friday 18 September |
| Term 4 | Monday 5 October | Friday 18 December |
Note: Students in government schools start Wednesday, 28 January in Term 1
Important: Independent and Catholic school dates may differ. Always check with your school for their specific calendar.
When Are the Best Times for Family Travel in 2026?
The best times for holidays with school-aged kids are during the four official term breaks. The summer holidays offer the longest break at approximately 6 weeks, perfect for extended family trips.
Long weekends like Labour Day (9 March), King’s Birthday (8 June), and Grand Final Eve (25 September) may also offer extended travel windows when paired with these breaks.
If you’re planning a trip around ANZAC Day or other Victorian public holidays, consider timing them with Term 1 or Term 2 breaks for maximum time off.
What to Do During School Holidays in Melbourne
Looking for kid-friendly ideas while school’s out? Melbourne is packed with family attractions and holiday programs. Some top picks include:
- Melbourne Museum – School holiday workshops and exhibitions
- SEA LIFE Aquarium – Special themed activities
- Royal Botanic Gardens – Nature play days and tours
- ArtPlay at Fed Square – Creative classes for primary kids
- Scienceworks – Interactive tech and science shows
Frequently Asked Questions – VIC School Holidays 2026
Do all schools in Victoria follow the same term dates?
No. Government schools follow the same calendar, but independent and Catholic schools may have slight variations.
How long are the summer holidays in Victoria?
The Term 4 break typically runs from mid-December to late January. Around 6 weeks in total.
Can I take my child out of school during term time?
Yes, but schools prefer families to take holidays during official breaks. Extended absences may require permission from the school.
Which holiday is the longest in Victoria?
The summer holidays (end of Term 4) are the longest, running approximately six weeks over Christmas and New Year.
When do prep students start in 2026?
Prep students in government schools typically start on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, one day after teachers return.
Source: Victorian Government official school term dates. Information current as of September 2025.
VICPublic Holidays 2026
If you’re coordinating leave or planning activities during school breaks, it’s useful to check how they overlap with the Victorian public holidays in 2026.
Dates like Labour Day, Easter, and Grand Final Eve often extend school holiday periods, making them ideal for family trips or long weekends.
