QLD School Holidays 2026 | Queensland Term Dates, Public Holidays & School Calendar
Planning around QLD school holidays 2026, Queensland term dates, public holidays or long weekends? This complete guide provides the key Queensland school holidays, school terms, public holidays and school calendar dates for 2026 in one place.
The dates below are based on the Queensland Department of Education’s official 2026 school calendar. Queensland state schools have 195 school days in 2026, with students starting the school year on Tuesday, 27 January.
Whether planning a family holiday, school activities, travel, or the school year, use the tables below to quickly find the dates needed.
Queensland School Holidays 2026: Quick Answer
The QLD school holidays 2026 are:
| School Holiday | Dates |
|---|---|
| Autumn School Holidays | Friday 3 April to Sunday 19 April 2026 |
| Winter School Holidays | Saturday 27 June to Sunday 12 July 2026 |
| Spring School Holidays | Saturday 19 September to Monday 5 October 2026 |
| Summer School Holidays | Saturday 12 December 2026 to Tuesday 26 January 2027 |
Queensland state schools return after the summer holidays on Wednesday, 27 January 2027.
Queensland school holidays in 2026 fall in April, June/July, September/October, and December/January.
Queensland School Holidays 2026
Queensland’s state school year is divided into four terms, with a school holiday period between each term. The main holiday periods are commonly referred to as the autumn, winter, spring and summer school holidays.
The official Queensland school calendar lists the following Queensland school holidays 2026.
QLD School Holidays 2026
| School Holiday | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Holidays | Friday 3 April 2026 | Sunday 19 April 2026 |
| Winter Holidays | Saturday 27 June 2026 | Sunday 12 July 2026 |
| Spring Holidays | Saturday 19 September 2026 | Monday 5 October 2026 |
| Summer Holidays | Saturday 12 December 2026 | Tuesday 26 January 2027 |
These dates are for Queensland state schools. Independent and Catholic schools generally base their calendars around the state school dates, but individual schools can have different arrangements, so families should check directly with their school when necessary.
Some Queensland state schools also have an extended summer holiday arrangement, so the individual school’s calendar should be checked if this applies.
Queensland School Term Dates 2026
The Queensland school terms 2026 are spread across four terms. The official dates are:
| Term | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Tuesday 27 January 2026 | Thursday 2 April 2026 |
| Term 2 | Monday 20 April 2026 | Friday 26 June 2026 |
| Term 3 | Monday 13 July 2026 | Friday 18 September 2026 |
| Term 4 | Tuesday 6 October 2026 | Friday 11 December 2026 |
The Queensland Department of Education lists 2026 as a 195-school-day year.
When Does Term 1 Start in Queensland?
Term 1 begins on Tuesday, 27 January 2026 for Queensland state school students.
Teachers commence earlier for preparation and professional development, so the student start date should not be confused with the teacher calendar.
When Does Term 2 Start in Queensland?
Term 2 begins on Monday, 20 April 2026, following the autumn school holiday period.
Term 2 finishes on Friday, 26 June 2026, before the winter school holidays begin.
When Does Term 3 Start in Queensland?
Term 3 begins on Monday, 13 July 2026 and finishes on Friday, 18 September 2026.
The spring school holidays then run from Saturday, 19 September to Monday, 5 October 2026.
When Does Term 4 Start in Queensland?
Term 4 begins on Tuesday, 6 October 2026 and finishes on Friday, 11 December 2026.
The summer school holidays begin on Saturday, 12 December 2026.
QLD Public Holidays 2026
Queensland public holidays are separate from school holiday dates. Some public holidays occur during school terms, while others fall during school holidays.
The QLD public holidays 2026 include statewide public holidays as well as the Royal Queensland Show holiday for Brisbane. The Queensland Government should be checked for the latest official public holiday information.
Queensland Public Holidays 2026
| Public Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | 1 January 2026 | Thursday |
| Australia Day | 26 January 2026 | Monday |
| Good Friday | 3 April 2026 | Friday |
| Easter Saturday | 4 April 2026 | Saturday |
| Easter Sunday | 5 April 2026 | Sunday |
| Easter Monday | 6 April 2026 | Monday |
| ANZAC Day | 25 April 2026 | Saturday |
| Labour Day | 4 May 2026 | Monday |
| Royal Queensland Show Day | 12 August 2026 | Wednesday |
| King's Birthday | 5 October 2026 | Monday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December 2026 | Friday |
| Boxing Day | 26 December 2026 | Saturday |
| Boxing Day Holiday | 28 December 2026 | Monday |
Brisbane Royal Queensland Show Holiday
The Royal Queensland Show holiday, commonly known as the Ekka public holiday, is observed in Brisbane on Wednesday, 12 August 2026.
This is not a statewide Queensland public holiday. The relevant show holiday arrangements can vary by local government area, so people outside Brisbane should check the applicable local holiday dates.
Boxing Day Holiday 2026
Boxing Day falls on Saturday, 26 December 2026. An additional public holiday is observed on Monday, 28 December 2026.
This is important when planning the Christmas and Boxing Day break because the observed holiday creates a longer holiday period
Queensland School Calendar 2026
The Queensland school calendar 2026 brings school terms, holidays and important dates together in one timeline.
January 2026
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Thursday 1 January | New Year's Day |
| Monday 26 January | Australia Day |
| Tuesday 27 January | Term 1 begins |
February 2026
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February | Term 1 continues |
March 2026
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March | Term 1 continues |
April 2026
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Thursday 2 April | Term 1 ends |
| Friday 3 April | Autumn school holidays begin |
| Friday 3 April | Good Friday |
| Saturday 4 April | Easter Saturday |
| Sunday 5 April | Easter Sunday |
| Monday 6 April | Easter Monday |
| Sunday 19 April | Autumn school holidays end |
| Monday 20 April | Term 2 begins |
| Saturday 25 April | ANZAC Day |
May 2026
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Monday 4 May | Labour Day |
| May | Term 2 continues |
June 2026
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Friday 26 June | Term 2 ends |
| Saturday 27 June | Winter school holidays begin |
July 2026
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Sunday 12 July | Winter school holidays end |
| Monday 13 July | Term 3 begins |
August 2026
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Wednesday 12 August | Royal Queensland Show holiday in Brisbane |
September 2026
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Friday 18 September | Term 3 ends |
| Saturday 19 September | Spring school holidays begin |
October 2026
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Monday 5 October | Spring school holidays end / King's Birthday |
| Tuesday 6 October | Term 4 begins |
November 2026
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November | Term 4 continues |
December 2026
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Friday 11 December | Term 4 ends |
| Saturday 12 December | Summer school holidays begin |
| Thursday 24 December | Christmas Eve part-day holiday |
| Friday 25 December | Christmas Day |
| Saturday 26 December | Boxing Day |
| Monday 28 December | Boxing Day Holiday |
The official Queensland school calendar also identifies staff professional development days and other school-year information that may not apply as student holidays.
Printable Queensland School Calendar 2026
Looking for a QLD school holidays 2026 PDF or a printable Queensland school calendar?
A printable calendar can make it easier to keep track of:
- Queensland school holidays
- Term start and end dates
- Public holidays
- Long weekends
- Family travel dates
- School planning dates
Download the Queensland School Calendar 2026
Long Weekends in Queensland 2026
Queensland has several public holidays that create opportunities for long weekends in 2026. These dates can be useful when planning a short family trip without taking too many days away from school or work.
Queensland Long Weekends 2026
| Long Weekend | Dates | Public Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Easter Long Weekend | Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April | Good Friday to Easter Monday |
| Labour Day Long Weekend | Saturday 2 May to Monday 4 May | Labour Day |
| King's Birthday Long Weekend | Saturday 3 October to Monday 5 October | King's Birthday |
| Christmas and Boxing Day Break | Friday 25 December to Monday 28 December | Christmas Day and Boxing Day Holiday |
The Easter long weekend overlaps with the autumn school holidays, making it one of the more convenient periods for a family getaway.
The Labour Day and King’s Birthday holidays also create three-day weekends for many Queensland residents.
Planning tip: Public holiday dates can differ by local government area, particularly for show holidays, so check the Queensland Government’s official public holiday information before making travel arrangements.
Brisbane School Holidays and Public Holidays 2026
Families searching for Brisbane school holidays 2026 should generally use the Queensland state school holiday dates listed above. Queensland state school holiday dates apply across the state, although individual schools can have different arrangements.
Brisbane also has a local public holiday for the Royal Queensland Show, commonly known as the Ekka.
Brisbane Public Holidays 2026
The Royal Queensland Show holiday for Brisbane is:
Wednesday, 12 August 2026
The Ekka holiday is not a statewide public holiday. The date can also vary outside Brisbane because show holidays are determined locally.
For families planning around Brisbane public holidays, it is therefore important to distinguish between statewide public holidays and local show holidays.
Are Brisbane School Holidays Different From Queensland School Holidays?
For Queensland state schools, Brisbane follows the same official school holiday calendar as other Queensland state schools.
However, individual independent, Catholic and other non-state schools can publish their own calendars.
The main Brisbane-specific difference is the local Royal Queensland Show holiday rather than a separate set of Brisbane school holiday dates.
Gold Coast School Holidays 2026
The Gold Coast school holidays generally follow the Queensland state school calendar.
For Queensland state schools on the Gold Coast, the 2026 holiday periods are:
- Autumn: 3 April to 19 April
- Winter: 27 June to 12 July
- Spring: 19 September to 5 October
- Summer: 12 December to 26 January 2027
Families using the Gold Coast school holidays to plan travel should also check the individual school’s calendar for pupil-free days, professional development days and any school-specific changes
Queensland Easter Holidays 2026
Easter is an important period for families planning around Easter holidays QLD and Easter school holidays QLD.
In 2026, the Easter public holidays are:
| Easter Date | Day |
|---|---|
| Good Friday | 3 April 2026 |
| Easter Saturday | 4 April 2026 |
| Easter Sunday | 5 April 2026 |
| Easter Monday | 6 April 2026 |
The Easter period falls within the Queensland autumn school holidays.
When Are the Easter School Holidays in Queensland?
Queensland’s autumn school holidays run from:
Friday, 3 April to Sunday, 19 April 2026.
This means the Easter long weekend occurs at the beginning of the autumn school holiday period.
For families planning an Easter trip, this can provide an extended opportunity to travel while children are already on school holidays.
Are Private and Catholic School Holidays Different in Queensland?
Private and Catholic schools in Queensland do not necessarily follow exactly the same calendar as Queensland state schools.
Many non-state schools broadly follow the Queensland school term structure, but individual schools can set different dates for:
- Term start and finish dates
- School holiday periods
- Staff development days
- Pupil-free days
- Professional development days
- Other school-specific closures
Parents and students attending a private or Catholic school should therefore check the school’s published calendar before planning travel or other activities.
Private School Holidays QLD 2026
There is no single calendar that applies to every private school in Queensland.
The Queensland state school calendar can be used as a general guide, but the individual school’s calendar should be treated as the final source for private school holiday dates.
Catholic School Holidays QLD 2026
Catholic schools can also have calendars that differ from Queensland state schools.
Families should check their local Catholic school’s published term dates and holiday calendar for the exact dates.
Are Private and Catholic School Holidays Different in Queensland?
Pupil-free days, sometimes called student-free or professional development days, are days when students do not attend school but teachers and staff may attend professional development, planning or other activities.
These days are different from the standard Queensland school holidays.
What Are Pupil-Free Days?
A pupil-free day is a scheduled school day when students are not required to attend.
Schools may use these days for activities such as:
- Teacher professional development
- Curriculum planning
- Staff meetings
- School preparation
- Training and development
Are Pupil-Free Days the Same Across Queensland?
No. Pupil-free days can vary between schools.
Even when two schools follow the same Queensland term dates, their pupil-free days may be different.
This is why families looking for pupil-free days QLD 2026 or student-free days QLD should check the calendar provided by the individual school.
Pupil-Free Days vs School Holidays
A school holiday applies to a scheduled holiday period in the Queensland school calendar.
A pupil-free day is generally a specific school day when students are not required to attend.
They should not be treated as interchangeable.
When Do Queensland Schools Go Back in 2026?
Knowing when schools return is just as important as knowing when school holidays begin.
The 2026 Queensland state school return dates are:
| Term | School Starts |
|---|---|
| Term 1 | Tuesday 27 January 2026 |
| Term 2 | Monday 20 April 2026 |
| Term 3 | Monday 13 July 2026 |
| Term 4 | Tuesday 6 October 2026 |
The 2027 school year begins on Wednesday, 27 January 2027 for Queensland state school students.
If asking when do schools go back in QLD, remember that these dates refer to Queensland state schools. Individual non-state schools can have different calendars.
How Many Weeks Are in a Queensland School Term?
Queensland’s school year is divided into four terms, with each term generally lasting around 10 weeks.
The exact number of teaching days can vary because of public holidays and school-specific arrangements.
The 2026 Queensland school year has 195 school days for students.
The four-term structure is:
- Term 1: January to April
- Term 2: April to June
- Term 3: July to September
- Term 4: October to December
This structure makes it easier to plan family holidays, activities and travel around the school calendar.
Planning Around Queensland School Holidays
Planning ahead can make school holiday travel easier, particularly during the busiest periods of the year.
Book Popular Travel Periods Early
School holiday periods can be busy for popular Queensland destinations.
Families planning to travel during the Easter, winter, spring or summer school holidays should consider booking accommodation and transport early.
Consider Travel Outside Peak Dates
If dates are flexible, travelling outside the main school holiday periods may provide more options and potentially lower prices.
Public holidays can also increase demand for accommodation and attractions.
Check School-Specific Dates
Before booking a trip, check:
- School holiday dates
- Pupil-free days
- Public holidays
- School-specific calendar changes
- Extended summer holiday arrangements
This is especially important for private and Catholic schools.
Use Long Weekends for Short Trips
A Queensland long weekend can be useful for a shorter getaway without using as much annual leave.
Easter, Labour Day and the King’s Birthday are among the key long-weekend opportunities in 2026.
School Holiday Dates in Other Australian States
School holiday dates differ between Australian states and territories.
If planning interstate travel, compare Queensland dates with the destination state’s school calendar before booking.
| State or Territory | School Holiday Information |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | Check NSW school holiday calendar |
| Victoria | Check Victorian school holiday calendar |
| South Australia | Check SA school holiday calendar |
| Western Australia | Check WA school holiday calendar |
| Tasmania | Check Tasmanian school holiday calendar |
| Australian Capital Territory | Check ACT school holiday calendar |
| Northern Territory | Check NT school holiday calendar |
For a complete comparison, see the Australian school holidays guide linked earlier on this page.
This can be particularly useful when comparing NSW and QLD school holidays, as the dates are not always identical.
Important Things to Remember About Queensland School Dates
Before planning around the QLD school holidays 2026, keep these points in mind:
- The dates above are based on the Queensland state school calendar.
- Private and Catholic schools may have different dates.
- Pupil-free days can vary between schools.
- The Brisbane Ekka holiday is a local public holiday, not a statewide school holiday.
- Some Queensland state schools may have extended summer holiday arrangements.
- Public holidays and school holidays are separate calendars.
- Always check the individual school’s calendar when exact attendance dates matter.
Keeping these differences in mind can prevent confusion when planning holidays, travel or childcare.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are QLD school holidays in 2026?
Queensland school holidays in 2026 are from 3 April to 19 April, 27 June to 12 July, 19 September to 5 October, and 12 December 2026 to 26 January 2027. These dates apply to Queensland state schools. Individual private and Catholic schools may have different calendars
When does school start in Queensland in 2026?
Queensland state schools start the 2026 school year on Tuesday, 27 January 2026. This is the student start date for Term 1. Individual schools may have additional preparation or professional development days.
When do Queensland schools go back in 2026?
Queensland state schools return on 27 January 2026 for Term 1. The other term start dates are 20 April, 13 July, and 6 October 2026. Private and Catholic schools can have different return dates, so check the individual school calendar when planning.
When does Term 1 finish in Queensland?
Term 1 finishes on Thursday, 2 April 2026. The autumn school holidays then begin on Friday, 3 April and continue until Sunday, 19 April 2026.
When does Term 2 start and finish in Queensland?
Term 2 starts on Monday, 20 April 2026 and finishes on Friday, 26 June 2026. The winter school holidays follow from Saturday, 27 June to Sunday, 12 July 2026.
When does Term 3 start and finish in Queensland?
Term 3 starts on Monday, 13 July 2026 and finishes on Friday, 18 September 2026. The spring school holidays begin on Saturday, 19 September.
When does Term 4 start and finish in Queensland?
Term 4 starts on Tuesday, 6 October 2026 and finishes on Friday, 11 December 2026. The summer school holidays begin on Saturday, 12 December 2026.
How long is a Queensland school term?
Queensland divides the school year into four terms. Each term is generally around 10 weeks, although the number of actual school days can vary because of public holidays and other scheduled days.
How many school days are there in Queensland in 2026?
The Queensland state school calendar provides 195 school days for students in 2026.
Are Brisbane school holidays different from Queensland school holidays?
Queensland state schools in Brisbane follow the Queensland state school calendar. Brisbane does, however, have a local public holiday for the Royal Queensland Show, commonly called the Ekka holiday. Non-state schools can have their own calendars.
Is the Ekka a public holiday in all of Queensland?
No. The Royal Queensland Show holiday is not a statewide public holiday. The Brisbane Ekka holiday is Wednesday, 12 August 2026. Show holidays can vary by local government area.
When are the Easter school holidays in Queensland?
The 2026 Queensland autumn school holidays run from Friday, 3 April to Sunday, 19 April. The Easter public holidays fall at the beginning of this period, including Good Friday on 3 April and Easter Monday on 6 April.
Is Good Friday a public holiday in Queensland?
Yes. Good Friday, 3 April 2026, is a public holiday in Queensland.
Is Easter Saturday a public holiday in Queensland?
Yes. Easter Saturday, 4 April 2026, is a public holiday in Queensland.
Is Easter Sunday a public holiday in Queensland?
Yes. Easter Sunday, 5 April 2026, is a public holiday in Queensland.
Is Easter Monday a public holiday in Queensland?
Yes. Easter Monday, 6 April 2026, is a public holiday in Queensland.
Is ANZAC Day a public holiday in Queensland in 2026?
Yes. ANZAC Day is Saturday, 25 April 2026. It is a Queensland public holiday.
Is Labour Day a public holiday in Queensland?
Yes. Queensland’s Labour Day public holiday is Monday, 4 May 2026.
When is the King's Birthday in Queensland in 2026?
The King’s Birthday public holiday in Queensland is Monday, 5 October 2026.
When is the next long weekend in Queensland?
The answer depends on the current date. The main Queensland long weekends in 2026 include the Easter long weekend, Labour Day weekend and King’s Birthday weekend. Check the public holiday table above for the dates.
What are the Queensland Christmas school holidays in 2026?
The Queensland summer school holidays begin on Saturday, 12 December 2026, after Term 4 ends on Friday, 11 December. The holiday period continues into January 2027.
When do the Christmas school holidays start in Queensland?
For Queensland state schools, the Christmas or summer school holidays start on Saturday, 12 December 2026.
When do Queensland schools reopen after the summer holidays?
After the 2026 summer school holidays, Queensland state schools begin the 2027 school year on Wednesday, 27 January 2027.
Are private school holidays different in Queensland?
They can be. Private schools may have different term dates, pupil-free days and holiday arrangements. Families should check the calendar published by the individual school.
Are Catholic school holidays different in Queensland?
Catholic schools can have calendars that differ from Queensland state schools. The individual school’s published calendar should be checked for exact dates.
What are pupil-free days in Queensland?
Pupil-free days are scheduled school days when students do not attend, while teachers and school staff may participate in professional development, planning or other activities. Dates can vary between schools.
Are pupil-free days the same for every Queensland school?
No. Pupil-free days can vary by school. They should therefore be checked directly with the relevant school rather than assumed from the statewide school holiday calendar.
What is the difference between school holidays and pupil-free days?
School holidays are scheduled breaks between school terms. A pupil-free day is a specific day when students are not required to attend school. Pupil-free days are generally determined at the individual school level.
What are the school holidays in Queensland in July 2026?
The Queensland winter school holidays run from Saturday, 27 June to Sunday, 12 July 2026. Students return for Term 3 on Monday, 13 July.
What are the September school holidays in Queensland in 2026?
The spring school holidays run from Saturday, 19 September to Monday, 5 October 2026. Term 4 starts on Tuesday, 6 October.
What are the October school holidays in Queensland in 2026?
The spring school holiday period continues through Monday, 5 October 2026. Term 4 begins on Tuesday, 6 October 2026.
Is Boxing Day a public holiday in Queensland in 2026?
Yes. Boxing Day falls on Saturday, 26 December 2026. An additional Boxing Day public holiday is observed on Monday, 28 December 2026.
Is Christmas Eve a public holiday in Queensland?
Christmas Eve is a part-day public holiday from 6pm to midnight in Queensland. In 2026, this falls on Thursday, 24 December.
How many public holidays are there in Queensland in 2026?
Queensland has a number of statewide public holidays throughout 2026, along with local show holidays. The exact number experienced by an individual person can depend on their location because some holidays, such as the Brisbane Royal Queensland Show holiday, are local.
Where can I find the official Queensland school calendar?
The Queensland Department of Education publishes the official school calendar and term dates. The government calendar should be used when checking official dates or confirming whether changes have been made.