Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
When are the winter school holidays?
The winter school holidays (the break between Term 2 and Term 3) typically take place in late-June and July, varying between each state and territory. In 2026, the winter holiday dates for students are:
NSW and ACT: Saturday 4 July to Monday 20 July
VIC and QLD: Saturday 27 June to Sunday 12 July
WA and SA: Saturday 4 July to Sunday 19 July
TAS: Saturday 11 July to Sunday 26 July
NT: Saturday 20 June to Monday 13 July
When do kids go back to school?
Students return to the classroom for Term 3 in mid- or late-July, depending on their state or territory. In 2026, Term 3 begins on:
NSW and ACT: Tuesday 21 July (following pupil-free day)
VIC and QLD: Monday 13 July
WA and SA: Monday 20 July
TAS: Monday 27 July
NT: Tuesday 14 July (following pupil-free day)
When are the remaining 2026 school holidays in Australia?
After the winter break, students across Australia have one more mid-year school holiday before the long summer break begins in December
While dates vary by state and territory, the general periods for the rest of 2026 are:
Spring holidays (between Term 3 and Term 4) begin in late-September or early-October
Summer holidays (after Term 4) begin in mid-December
What essential back to school supplies do kids need?
Topping up school essentials every school holidays helps keep the term running smoothly. Here are some recommended essentials for every school term:
Stationery: make sure kids have plenty of pens and pencils, erasers, highlighters, rulers and exercise books
Storage: lunch boxes and drink bottles come in a range of sizes, and insulated options are also available
Snacks: muesli bars and crackers can be bought in bulk because they have a long shelf life, while fruit, yoghurt and sandwich ingredients should be bought more frequently to ensure they’re fresh
What snacks are good for school holiday outings?
Cooking a batch of kid-friendly treats will keep the kids fuelled on day trips and outings over the school holidays. Another option is pairing cut-up vegetables such as carrot, celery and capsicum with dips for an easy snack.