The following school term dates and holiday periods apply to Victorian government schools in 2026, as published by the Victorian Department of Education.
Independent and Catholic school dates may vary slightly. Always confirm with your child’s school if unsure.
Contents
- 1 VIC School Holidays 2026 – At a Glance
- 2 2026 Victorian School Holiday Periods
- 3 Official Victorian School Term Dates 2026
- 4 How Long Are Victorian School Holidays in 2026?
- 5 When Are the Best Times to Plan Family Travel in 2026?
- 6 Do All Schools in Victoria Follow the Same Term Dates?
- 7 FAQs
- 8 When do prep students start school in 2026?
- 9 Which holiday is the longest in Victoria?
- 10 Can I take my child out of school during term time?
- 11 Do Victorian school holidays align with public holidays?
- 12 Planning Activities During School Holidays in Melbourne
VIC School Holidays 2026 – At a Glance
2026 Victorian School Holiday Periods
| 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 | Approx. 6 weeks |
Official Victorian School 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 |
* Students in government schools begin Term 1 on Wednesday, 28 January 2026. Teachers return the day prior.
How Long Are Victorian School Holidays in 2026?
- Autumn holidays: 2.5 weeks
- Winter holidays: 2 weeks
- Spring holidays: 2 weeks
- Summer holidays: Approximately 6 weeks
The summer break between Term 4 (2026) and Term 1 (2027) is the longest holiday period of the year.
When Are the Best Times to Plan Family Travel in 2026?
The four official term breaks are the most practical times for family travel:
- April (Autumn break)
- Late June to mid-July (Winter break)
- Late September to early October (Spring break)
- Late December to late January (Summer break)
Many families also extend long weekends that fall near term breaks.
Key Victorian public holidays in 2026 include:
- Labour Day – 9 March
- King’s Birthday – 8 June
- Grand Final Eve – 25 September
- ANZAC Day – 25 April
For full details, see our Victorian Public Holidays 2026.
Do All Schools in Victoria Follow the Same Term Dates?
Government schools follow the same official term calendar.
However:
- Independent schools may adjust start or finish dates slightly.
- Catholic schools sometimes vary by 1–2 days.
Always check directly with your school if your plans depend on exact dates.
FAQs
When do prep students start school in 2026?
Prep students in Victorian government schools begin on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, one day after teachers return.
Which holiday is the longest in Victoria?
The summer holidays (end of Term 4) are the longest, running approximately six weeks from mid-December to late January.
Can I take my child out of school during term time?
Yes, but schools encourage families to schedule holidays during official term breaks. Extended absences may require formal approval.
Do Victorian school holidays align with public holidays?
Some public holidays overlap or sit close to school breaks, creating longer travel windows. Easter and Grand Final Eve are common examples.
Planning Activities During School Holidays in Melbourne
During official school breaks, Melbourne hosts:
- Museum workshops and exhibitions
- Science and technology programs
- Creative arts sessions
- Nature-based activities and outdoor events
Holiday programs are often released several weeks before each break.
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.