Kids in Australia usually have their summer break from mid-December to late January or early February, but the exact dates depend on the state or territory. In 2026, for example, NSW starts summer holidays on 18 December, while Queensland and the Northern Territory start earlier, around 12 December.

Typical timing

Most Australian schools run on a four-term calendar, and the summer break is the long gap between Term 4 and the next school year. That break is usually about 6 to 8 weeks long.

By state

State/Territory| Summer break start for 2026-27| Notes
---|---|---
NSW| 18 December 2026 16| Eastern division dates can differ slightly 6.
Victoria| 19 December 2026 1|
Queensland| 12 December 2026 1| Usually one of the earliest starts 4.
South Australia| 12 December 2026 1|
Western Australia| 18 December 2026 1|
Tasmania| 19 December 2026 1|
Northern Territory| 11 December 2026 1| Usually the earliest start 4.
ACT| 19 December 2026 1|

Simple rule

A good general answer is: Australian kids usually go on summer break in mid- December and return in late January. Because school calendars differ by state, the exact dates can shift a bit.