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The school holidays are the perfect time to press pause on the everyday and make special memories as a family, whether that’s building sandcastles on golden beaches, chasing thrills at world-class theme parks or exploring ancient rainforests.
Planning in advance is always a good idea, with popular destinations and resorts in high demand over school holiday periods. Make extra savings by looking out for family friendly all-inclusive packages and stays where kids go free.
Scroll on for our roundup of some of the best places to stay and hot tips for when to travel.
When are the school holidays in 2026?
School holiday dates vary by state, but generally fall around April, July, September and December each year. Below are the 2026 school holiday dates for public schools (private school dates differ), which you can find on the relevant state government website:
- New South Wales
Autumn holidays: Tuesday 7 April to Friday 17 April
Winter holidays: Monday 6 July to Friday 17 July
Spring holidays: Monday 28 September to Friday 9 October 2026
Summer holidays: Friday 18 December to Wednesday 27 January 2027 (for the Eastern division) or Wednesday 3 February 2027 (for the Western division) - Victoria
Autumn holidays: Friday 3 April to Friday 17 April
Winter holidays: Monday 29 June to Friday 10 July
Spring holidays: Monday 21 September to Friday 2 October
Summer holidays: Monday 21 December to Tuesday 26 January 2027 - Queensland
Autumn holidays: Friday 3 April to Friday 17 April
Winter holidays: Monday 29 June to Monday 13 July
Spring holidays: Monday 21 September to Monday 5 October
Summer holidays: Monday 14 December to Tuesday 26 January 2027 - ACT
Autumn holidays: Friday 3 April to Monday 20 April
Winter holidays: Monday 6 July to Monday 20 July
Spring holidays: Monday 28 September to Monday 12 October
Summer holidays: Monday 21 December to Friday 29 January 2027 - Western Australia
Autumn holidays: Friday 3 April to Friday 17 April
Winter holidays: Monday 6 July to Friday 17 July
Spring holidays: Monday 28 September to Friday 9 October
Summer holidays: Friday 18 December to Friday 29 January 2027 - Northern Territory
Autumn holidays: Friday 3 April to Monday 13 April
Winter holidays: Monday 22 June to Monday 13 July
Spring holidays: Monday 21 September to Monday 5 October
Summer holidays: Friday 11 December to Tuesday 26 January 2027 - South Australia
Autumn holidays: Monday 13 April to Friday 24 April
Winter holidays: Monday 6 July to Friday 17 July
Spring holidays: Monday 28 September to Friday 9 October
Summer holidays: Monday 14 December to Tuesday 26 January 2027 - Tasmania
Autumn holidays: Monday 20 April to Friday 1 May
Winter holidays: Monday 13 July to Friday 24 July
Spring holidays: Monday 5 October to Friday 16 October
Summer holidays: Monday 21 December [2027 return to be confirmed]
When’s the best time to book a school holiday escape?
When its comes to booking accommodation and flights, the long summer holidays over Christmas are generally the most in-demand. It’s recommended to book at least six months in advance to secure your preferred stay. Winter is when those in the southern states typically travel north for warmer weather, so Queensland becomes very popular over these months. The Easter holidays (around March/April) and the spring holidays (around September/October) can offer some of the best value.
Being flexible with your dates and locations means you’ll secure the best prices on flights and accommodation. Consider destination swaps like Vietnam instead of Bali.
Where are the best places to go in the Australian school holidays?
Whether you’re looking for something close to home or an international adventure, these are the best family friendly destinations for the school holidays.
1. Queensland, Australia
With year-round sunshine, warm, shallow waters lapping golden sandy beaches, the Great Barrier Reef to explore and an abundance of Gold Coast theme parks, Queensland is a perennial favourite for family holidays.
Paradise Links Port Douglas
Port Douglas is a perennial favourite for families, thanks to plentiful apartment accommodation, the pristine Four Mile Beach, a main strip with cafes, restaurants and gift boutiques, and the wonders of both the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest on the doorstep. Just a five-minute walk from the beach is Paradise Links; here, set across 10 palm-fringed acres, are villas and apartments that are perfect for a family stay.
Sea World Resort
Sea World Resort is paradise for families. Featuring two swimming pools, a splash-tastic water park and SpongeBob-themed aqua play area, there’s as much to do onsite as there is at neighbouring Sea World. The resort comes alive during the school holidays with weekly activities including discos, movie nights, lightshows and character meet and greets – from Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. When you’re ready for more aquatic adventures, Sea World offers action-packed days with rollercoasters, marine life encounters and exciting shows.
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Douglas
Set between ancient rainforest and golden sands, Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Douglas promises a laidback escape for the entire family. Kids will love the lagoon-style pool and games room – complete with pool table, dartboards and giant chess – while adults can unwind at the swim-up bar or kick back under swaying palms. Plan your visit for the July or September school holidays and discover the best of Tropical North Queensland before the wet season arrives – snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, hand-feed wallabies at Wildlife Habitat or glide over the rainforest canopy on the Kuranda Skyrail.
2. Fiji
Fiji is famed for its warm welcome, especially for families. The kids clubs and nannying services here mean little ones are endlessly entertained while adults can indulge, amid postcard-perfect lagoons and palm trees.
Warwick Fiji
With its calm waters, endless sunshine and famously warm hospitality, Fiji has long been a favourite for family getaways. Set on Vitu Levu’s southern shores, Warwick Fiji captures the very best of Fijian bliss. Little ones can burn off energy at the action-packed kids’ club (ages 4–12), where daily activities range from fish feeding and crab hunting to sandcastle building and face painting. Older kids can keep busy between the swimming pool and tennis courts. All-inclusive dining packages are the cherry on top, making for a stress-free, sun-soaked escape the whole family will love.
The Naviti Resort
Strike the perfect balance between recreation and relaxation at The Naviti Resort, a sprawling all-inclusive escape on Fiji’s glorious Coral Coast. Here, kids can make a splash in the resort pool, paddle through gentle waters on a kayak or search tide pools for sea creatures. Young kids will love finger painting at the complimentary kids’ club (ages 5–12), while babysitting services give parents the freedom to indulge – whether it’s a tranquil afternoon at Joy Spa or a romantic meal at upscale Talei Restaurant. In the evening, themed buffet dinners and thrilling fire dancing shows are bound to be a hit with the whole family.
3. Bali
Reachable in as little as six hours from Melbourne and Sydney, and even less for northern states, Bali offers a complete change of pace without extensive travel time. Fantastic and affordable resorts and villas, plenty of pool and beach time and low-cost travel all point to a perfect family holiday.
Grand Hyatt Bali
Thanks to its generous all-inclusive packages, dreamy pools with waterslides and prime Nusa Dua beachside location, Grand Hyatt Bali continues to be a Luxury Escapes bestseller. While kids make the most of the ocean-themed kids’ club, adults can relax at the beachside cabanas, spa, bars and yoga studio.
The ANVAYA Beach Resort Bali
Perfectly positioned on the shores of Jerman Beach, ANVAYA Beach Resort Bali makes family travel effortless. Just an eight-minute drive from the airport, you can maximise your holiday time at the resort – whether you’re perfecting your volleyball serve on the private beach or splashing around in one of eight sparkling pools. Drop the kids at the ANVAYA Kids’ Club for a fun-filled few hours or dial up the excitement with a visit to Waterbom Bali, located just 500 metres from the resort. As the sun sets, gather for dinner at Kunyit Restaurant to enjoy live cooking stations and Balinese dance performances.
Merusaka Nusa Dua
Designed for a refined escape, those with high school–aged children will relish a stay at beachfront Merusaka Nusa Dua. While a fully supervised kids’ club caters for ages 5–12, multi-tiered pools are perfect for all-day lounging and guided bike tours, beachfront yoga and daily activities like water polo and beach soccer are all on offer to keep teens active, engaged and safe. Interconnecting Deluxe Rooms offer the perfect blend of space and connection, giving teenagers room to unwind or stay on top of school holiday assignments, while adults can enjoy a morning coffee or afternoon nap just next door.
4. Thailand
Thailand is another location where tropical indulgence comes with an affordable price tag. You’ll get a lot of bang for your buck here at the luxury resorts, many of which keep families top of mind with kids’ clubs, special pools and babysitting services.
Katathani Phuket Beach Resort
Poised on the shores of Kata Noi Beach, Katathani Phuket Beach Resort is a playground for families. The resort expertly caters to young and old through separate wings – Vhari, Bhuri and Thani. In the Vhari wing (opening December 2025), you’ll find a fun-filled aqua play area with tipping bucket, mini waterslides and water tunnel, perfect for little ones who love to splash and play. In the beachfront Thani wing, generous family suites and direct beach access are ideally suited to older families with teenagers, while the tranquil setting of the Bhuri wing is best for families seeking a quieter retreat. Themed family rooms, an action-packed kids’ club and weekly summer camp programs make this one of Thailand’s best family resorts.
Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket
Four swimming pools, a waterpark with a lazy river and slides, and a beachside location: need we say more? This Phuket resort offers interconnecting rooms and twin double rooms that are well suited to families, plus a kids’ club, playground and games room to keep all ages entertained.
5. Vietnam
Travellers are quickly catching on to the charms of Vietnam for a family holiday. With coastal resorts, fresh and affordable food and plentiful culture and history, this underrated destination is well worth adding to your family bucket list.
Naman Retreat
This beachfront Da Nang resort offers the best of both worlds: coastal serenity with the attractions of historic Hoi An just a short drive away. The villas here are ideal for families; with up to three bedrooms and private pools, they offer plenty of space for everyone. The kids’ club will be of particular interest to parents looking to enjoy the resort’s wellness facilities (it was named Vietnam’s Best Wellness Retreat in the World Spa Awards 2024).
Radisson Blu Resort Phu Quoc
Enjoy the island life in Phu Quoc, surrounded by fabulous beaches, street food and attractions. This beachside resort offers a two-bedroom villa with a private pool and its own kitchen, ideal for travelling with kids. There’s a kids’ club, bike rental and cooking classes onsite, so plenty of options for things to do together.
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Availability and dates vary per resort, check individual packages for details. Feature image: Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, Thailand. Source: supplied.
