Quick Answer: Queensland school holidays for 2026-2027 include: Summer break (12 Dec 2026 – 24 Jan 2027), Easter holidays (3–19 Apr 2027), Winter break (26 Jun – 11 Jul 2027), and Spring break (18 Sep – 4 Oct 2027). Term 1 2027 starts 25 January. Independent and Catholic schools may vary slightly.
Complete Queensland School Holidays 2026-2027 Calendar
Planning family holidays around school terms? Here’s the complete Queensland school calendar for 2026 and 2027, including term dates, school holidays, and student free days. These dates are based on the official Queensland state school calendar published by the Department of Education.
2026 Queensland School Term Dates
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Tuesday 27 January 2026 | Friday 3 April 2026 | 10 weeks |
| Term 2 | Monday 20 April 2026 | Friday 26 June 2026 | 10 weeks |
| Term 3 | Monday 13 July 2026 | Friday 18 September 2026 | 10 weeks |
| Term 4 | Tuesday 6 October 2026 | Friday 11 December 2026 | 10 weeks |
2027 Queensland School Term Dates
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Monday 25 January 2027 | Friday 2 April 2027 | 10 weeks |
| Term 2 | Monday 19 April 2027 | Friday 25 June 2027 | 10 weeks |
| Term 3 | Monday 12 July 2027 | Friday 17 September 2027 | 10 weeks |
| Term 4 | Tuesday 5 October 2027 | Friday 10 December 2027 | 10 weeks |
2026-2027 School Holiday Periods
| Holiday Period | Dates | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Holidays 2026/2027 | 12 December 2026 – 24 January 2027 | 6 weeks | Longest break of the year |
| Easter Holidays 2027 | 3 April – 19 April 2027 | 2 weeks | Includes Easter weekend |
| Winter Holidays 2027 | 26 June – 11 July 2027 | 2 weeks | Perfect for warm getaways |
| Spring Holidays 2027 | 18 September – 4 October 2027 | 2 weeks | Includes King’s Birthday |
| Summer Holidays 2027/2028 | 11 December 2027 – Late January 2028 | ~6 weeks | 2028 dates TBC |
Key Dates and Public Holidays During School Terms
Several Queensland public holidays fall during school terms, giving families extra long weekends:
2026 Public Holidays During School Terms
- Australia Day: Monday 26 January 2026 (Term 1, Week 1)
- Good Friday: Friday 3 April 2026 (during Easter holidays)
- Easter Monday: Monday 6 April 2026 (during Easter holidays)
- Anzac Day: Saturday 25 April 2026 (Term 2, Week 1)
- Labour Day: Monday 4 May 2026 (Term 2)
- Royal Queensland Show: Wednesday 12 August 2026 (Term 3, Brisbane only)
- King’s Birthday: Monday 5 October 2026 (during school holidays)
2027 Public Holidays During School Terms
- Australia Day: Tuesday 26 January 2027 (Term 1, Week 1)
- Good Friday: Friday 26 March 2027 (during Easter holidays)
- Easter Monday: Monday 29 March 2027 (during Easter holidays)
- Anzac Day: Monday 26 April 2027 (Term 2, Week 1)
- Labour Day: Monday 3 May 2027 (Term 2)
- Royal Queensland Show: Wednesday 11 August 2027 (Term 3, Brisbane only)
- King’s Birthday: Monday 4 October 2027 (during Spring holidays)
Planning Tips for Queensland Families
Book Accommodation Early
Popular Queensland holiday destinations like the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Fraser Island fill up quickly during school holidays. Book at least 3-6 months in advance for the best rates and availability.
Consider the Ekka (Royal Queensland Show)
The Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) falls during Term 3 each year – Wednesday 12 August 2026 and Wednesday 11 August 2027. This is a public holiday for Brisbane residents only, but schools across SEQ often schedule pupil free days around this time.
Easter 2027 Falls Early
With Easter falling in late March 2027, the Easter school holidays (3-19 April) begin immediately after the Easter weekend. This early timing may affect travel plans, so consider booking Easter getaways well in advance.
Year 12 Students Finish Earlier
Year 12 students typically finish classes earlier than other year levels to prepare for exams. Check with your specific school for exact finishing dates, as these can vary between state, Catholic, and independent schools.
Student Free Days
Queensland state schools schedule several student free days (also called pupil free days) throughout the year for teacher professional development and planning. These dates vary by school and are determined at the local level. Contact your child’s school directly for their specific student free day calendar.
Best Times to Travel During Queensland School Holidays
Summer Holidays (December-January)
The summer break is the longest school holiday period, offering families six weeks of freedom. This is peak travel season across Queensland, with popular destinations like the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Great Barrier Reef experiencing high demand. For the best deals, book accommodation 6 months in advance and consider traveling in early December or late January when crowds are smaller.
Easter Holidays (April)
The Easter break offers two weeks off and coincides with pleasant autumn weather across Queensland. This is an ideal time for outdoor activities, camping trips, and exploring national parks. The cooler temperatures make hiking and outdoor adventures more comfortable than the summer months.
Winter Holidays (June-July)
Winter school holidays are perfect for heading north to tropical Queensland. While southern states experience cold weather, destinations like Cairns, Port Douglas, and the Whitsundays enjoy warm, dry conditions. This is peak season for reef tours and island getaways, so early booking is essential.
Spring Holidays (September-October)
Spring break offers warm weather without the summer humidity. This is whale watching season along the Queensland coast, making it a popular time for coastal holidays. The spring holidays also include the King’s Birthday long weekend, providing an extra opportunity for a short getaway.
Independent and Catholic School Dates
While this guide covers Queensland state school dates, independent and Catholic schools may have slightly different term dates:
- Catholic schools generally follow state school dates but may have different start/finish times
- Independent schools set their own term dates, which can vary significantly
- Always check with your specific school for their official calendar
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Queensland schools go back in 2027?
Queensland state schools return for Term 1 2027 on Monday 25 January 2027. This is slightly earlier than the 2026 start date due to how the calendar falls.
How long are Queensland school holidays?
Queensland school holidays vary in length: Summer holidays are approximately 6 weeks (the longest break), while Easter, Winter, and Spring holidays are each 2 weeks long.
Are Queensland school holiday dates the same every year?
No, Queensland school holiday dates shift each year based on when Easter falls and how the calendar aligns. However, the structure remains consistent: four terms of approximately 10 weeks each, with breaks between.
What time does school start in Queensland?
Most Queensland state schools start between 8:30am and 9:00am. Finish times typically range from 2:30pm to 3:00pm. Check with your specific school for exact times.
Is the Ekka a public holiday for all of Queensland?
No, the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) public holiday applies only to Brisbane. However, many regional areas have their own show holidays on different dates. Check with your local council for regional show holiday dates.
Can I take my child out of school during term time?
Queensland regulations require children to attend school every day. If you need to take your child out during term time, you must apply for an exemption through your school principal. Family holidays are generally not approved as valid reasons for absence.
When does Year 12 finish in Queensland?
Year 12 students typically finish classes in mid-to-late November, several weeks before other year levels. The exact date varies by school and schooling sector (state, Catholic, or independent).
What are the school term dates for Brisbane in 2027?
Brisbane state schools follow the same term dates as all Queensland state schools. Term 1 2027 starts Monday 25 January and ends Friday 2 April. Term 2 runs from 19 April to 25 June, Term 3 from 12 July to 17 September, and Term 4 from 5 October to 10 December.
Do private schools have different holidays to state schools in Queensland?
Yes, private (independent) schools in Queensland set their own term dates and may differ from state school dates by several days or even a week. Catholic schools generally align closely with state school dates but may have slight variations. Always check your specific school’s calendar.
Related Resources
For more Queensland holiday planning information, check out these guides:
- Queensland Public Holidays 2027 – Complete list of public holiday dates
- Best School Holiday Activities Queensland 2026/2027 – Ideas for keeping kids entertained
- Long Weekends Queensland 2027 – Strategic leave planning
- Brisbane Ekka Guide – Everything you need to know about the Royal Queensland Show
- Best Long Weekend Getaways from Brisbane 2027 – Travel inspiration for families
Source: Queensland Government Department of Education official term dates. Last updated July 2026. Independent and Catholic schools may have slightly different dates – always confirm with your specific school.
