Quick Answer: Victoria’s 2027 school year starts on Wednesday 27 January 2027 and ends on Friday 17 December 2027. The four school terms are: Term 1 (27 Jan – 1 Apr), Term 2 (19 Apr – 25 Jun), Term 3 (12 Jul – 17 Sep), and Term 4 (4 Oct – 17 Dec). Major holiday breaks include Easter (2–18 Apr), Winter (26 Jun – 11 Jul), and Spring (18 Sep – 3 Oct).
Planning your family’s 2027 calendar around Victoria’s school term dates is essential for booking holidays, arranging childcare, and ensuring your children don’t miss important school days. Whether you’re a Melbourne metropolitan family or living in regional Victoria, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 2027 Victorian school calendar, including term dates, holiday periods, public holidays that fall during school terms, and how Victoria compares to other Australian states.
2027 Victoria School Term Dates
The Victorian school year follows a four-term structure that is consistent across government schools throughout the state. Catholic and independent schools generally follow similar dates, though they may have slight variations. Here are the official 2027 term dates for Victorian government schools:
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Wednesday 27 January 2027 | Thursday 1 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 | Monday 4 October 2027 | Friday 17 December 2027 | 11 weeks |
Note that Term 1 begins on a Wednesday rather than Monday, which is typical for Victorian schools to allow for staff planning days and a smoother transition after the long summer break. The school year concludes on Friday 17 December 2027, giving students approximately six weeks of summer holidays before the 2028 school year begins.
2027 School Holiday Periods (VIC)
Between the four school terms, Victorian students enjoy several holiday breaks throughout the year. These breaks provide opportunities for family travel, rest, and extracurricular activities. Here’s the complete breakdown of school holiday periods for 2027:
| Holiday Period | Dates | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2026/2027 | 18 December 2026 – 26 January 2027 | 5–6 weeks | Ends with Australia Day public holiday |
| Autumn/Easter 2027 | Friday 2 April – Sunday 18 April 2027 | 2+ weeks | Includes Good Friday and Easter Monday |
| Winter 2027 | Saturday 26 June – Sunday 11 July 2027 | 2 weeks | Perfect for ski trips to Victorian Alps |
| Spring 2027 | Saturday 18 September – Sunday 3 October 2027 | 2 weeks | Includes AFL Grand Final long weekend |
| Summer 2027/2028 | Saturday 18 December 2027 – Late January 2028 | ~6 weeks | Exact 2028 start date to be confirmed |
Victorian Public Holidays During School Terms 2027
Victoria observes several public holidays throughout the year, and some of these fall during school terms. These days provide additional long weekends for families and can be excellent opportunities for short getaways. Here are the Victorian public holidays that occur during school terms in 2027:
| Public Holiday | Date | School Term | Day of Week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labour Day | Monday 8 March 2027 | Term 1 | Monday |
| Good Friday | Friday 2 April 2027 | End of Term 1 | Friday |
| Easter Saturday | Saturday 3 April 2027 | Holidays | Saturday |
| Easter Sunday | Sunday 4 April 2027 | Holidays | Sunday |
| Easter Monday | Monday 5 April 2027 | Holidays | Monday |
| Anzac Day | Sunday 26 April 2027* | Holidays | Sunday |
| Anzac Day Observed | Monday 27 April 2027 | Start of Term 2 | Monday |
| King’s Birthday | Monday 14 June 2027 | Term 2 | Monday |
| Grand Final Eve | Friday 24 September 2027 | End of Term 3 | Friday |
| Melbourne Cup | Tuesday 2 November 2027 | Term 4 | Tuesday |
*When Anzac Day falls on a Sunday, the public holiday is observed on the following Monday. This creates a long weekend at the very beginning of Term 2 in 2027.
Special Victorian Holidays Explained
Grand Final Eve is a unique Victorian public holiday observed on the Friday before the AFL Grand Final. In 2027, this falls on Friday 24 September, coinciding with the last day of Term 3. This creates a natural long weekend for families to enjoy the Grand Final festivities or plan a short break.
Melbourne Cup Day is celebrated on the first Tuesday of November and is a public holiday for metropolitan Melbourne. Regional areas may observe this holiday on a different day or not at all, depending on local council decisions. In 2027, Melbourne Cup falls on Tuesday 2 November during Term 4.
How Victoria Compares: NSW and Queensland
Each Australian state and territory sets its own school term dates, leading to variations that families should be aware of, especially when planning interstate travel or if children attend schools across state borders. Here’s how Victoria’s 2027 school calendar compares to New South Wales and Queensland:
| State | Term 1 Start | Term 1 End | Term 2 Start | Term 2 End |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria | Wed 27 Jan | Thu 1 Apr | Mon 19 Apr | Fri 25 Jun |
| NSW | Wed 27 Jan | Fri 2 Apr | Mon 19 Apr | Fri 25 Jun |
| Queensland | Tue 26 Jan | Fri 2 Apr | Mon 19 Apr | Fri 25 Jun |
Interestingly, Victoria and NSW share very similar term dates for 2027, with only minor differences in term start and end dates. Queensland starts one day earlier in Term 1. However, the public holidays differ significantly between states:
- Labour Day: Victoria celebrates on 8 March, while NSW observes it on 5 October
- King’s Birthday: Victoria observes on 14 June, NSW on 14 June (same in 2027), and Queensland on 4 October
- Grand Final Eve: Unique to Victoria
- Melbourne Cup: Victorian metropolitan public holiday with no equivalent in NSW or Queensland
Planning Tips for Victorian Families
Effective planning around school term dates can save money, reduce stress, and ensure your family makes the most of every holiday period. Here are our top tips for Victorian families planning their 2027 calendar:
Book Early for Popular Destinations
Victorian families flock to popular destinations during school holidays, and accommodation fills up quickly. For the Easter holidays (2–18 April), book Great Ocean Road accommodation by January. For the Winter holidays (26 June – 11 July), secure ski lodge bookings at Mount Buller, Falls Creek, or Mount Hotham by April. Spring holidays (18 September – 3 October) are perfect for visiting the Mornington Peninsula or Phillip Island, but book by July to avoid disappointment.
Take Advantage of Long Weekends
Victoria’s unique public holidays create excellent long weekend opportunities. The Grand Final Eve holiday (Friday 24 September) combined with the start of Spring holidays makes for an ideal four-day getaway. Labour Day (Monday 8 March) provides a long weekend during Term 1 perfect for a final summer beach trip.
Consider Regional Victoria
While interstate travel is popular, regional Victoria offers incredible holiday experiences without the travel time. The Victorian Alps provide skiing in winter, the High Country offers hiking and cycling in spring, and the Murray River region is perfect for summer water activities. These destinations often have better availability and lower costs than interstate options.
Plan Around Assessment Periods
VCE and VCAL students have important assessment periods throughout the year. Term 3 is particularly crucial for Year 12 students with trial exams and final assessments. Avoid planning family holidays during late August and September if you have VCE students in the household.
Childcare and Vacation Care
If you require childcare during school holidays, book vacation care programs early. Many programs open bookings six weeks before each holiday period. The Victorian government’s Holiday Care programs offer affordable options at many primary schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2027 Victorian school year start and end?
The 2027 Victorian school year starts on Wednesday 27 January 2027 and ends on Friday 17 December 2027. Students have approximately six weeks of summer holidays before returning for the 2028 school year.
Do all Victorian schools follow these dates?
These dates apply to all Victorian government schools. Catholic schools generally follow the same dates, though they may have slight variations. Independent schools set their own term dates, which may differ by a few days or weeks. Always check with your specific school for confirmation.
Does Victoria have different holidays to NSW and Queensland?
Yes, while the school term dates are similar, public holidays differ. Victoria celebrates Labour Day in March (NSW in October), has Grand Final Eve (unique to Victoria), and observes Melbourne Cup Day as a metropolitan public holiday. King’s Birthday falls on the same date in Victoria and NSW in 2027 (14 June), but Queensland observes it in October.
What is Grand Final Eve?
Grand Final Eve is a Victorian public holiday observed on the Friday before the AFL Grand Final. In 2027, it falls on Friday 24 September. This holiday was introduced to celebrate Victoria’s football culture and creates a long weekend for families to enjoy Grand Final festivities or travel.
Is Melbourne Cup Day a public holiday for all Victorians?
Melbourne Cup Day (Tuesday 2 November 2027) is a public holiday for metropolitan Melbourne. Regional areas may observe this holiday on a different day or not at all, depending on local council decisions. Some regional areas hold their own cup days on different dates.
Can I take my child out of school during term time for a family holiday?
While parents can request leave during term time, schools in Victoria are required to record absences and may not approve family holidays during term time as valid reasons for absence. It’s best to plan travel during official school holiday periods. If you must travel during term, contact your school well in advance to discuss the absence.
What are the best times to visit Victorian ski resorts?
The Winter school holidays (26 June – 11 July 2027) are the most popular time for ski trips, but also the busiest and most expensive. Consider visiting in late June before holidays start, or in August after the holiday rush. Early September often has good snow conditions with fewer crowds.
Are there any pupil-free days I should know about?
Yes, each school schedules pupil-free days for staff professional development. These vary by school and are usually communicated at the beginning of the school year. Check with your child’s school for their specific pupil-free day calendar.
Conclusion
Planning your 2027 around Victoria’s school term dates ensures you can make the most of family time while meeting educational commitments. With four well-spaced terms, generous holiday breaks, and unique Victorian public holidays like Grand Final Eve, there are plenty of opportunities for memorable family experiences throughout the year. Remember to book popular destinations early, take advantage of long weekends created by public holidays, and always confirm dates with your specific school, particularly if your child attends a Catholic or independent institution.
For the most up-to-date information, always check the Victorian Government’s official school term dates page closer to the start of each term.
