Looking for QLD term dates for 2026 and 2027 so you can plan your next family holiday (or just survive the school calendar)? You’re in the right place.
We’ve pulled together all the key Queensland school term dates, school holidays and public holidays in one easy-to-scan guide – no digging through government websites required.
Whether you’re planning a big trip, a cheeky long weekend, or just trying to work out when the kids are actually at school… this will make life a whole lot easier.
QLD term dates 2026 & 2027 (quick answer)
2026 QLD term dates
- Term 1: 27 Jan – 2 Apr 2026
- Term 2: 20 Apr – 26 Jun 2026
- Term 3: 13 Jul – 18 Sep 2026
- Term 4: 6 Oct – 11 Dec 2026
2027 QLD term dates
- Term 1: 27 Jan – 5 Mar 2027
- Term 2: 12 Apr – 25 Jun 2027
- Term 3: 12 Jul – 17 Sep 2027
- Term 4: 5 Oct – 10 Dec 2027
Scroll down for exact school holiday dates and public holidays.
QLD term dates 2026
| Term | Dates |
|---|---|
| Term 1 | 27 January – 2 April 2026 |
| Term 2 | 20 April – 26 June 2026 |
| Term 3 | 13 July – 18 September 2026 |
| Term 4 | 6 October – 11 December 2026 |
QLD term dates 2027
| Term | Dates |
|---|---|
| Term 1 | 27 January – 25 March 2027 |
| Term 2 | 12 April – 25 June 2027 |
| Term 3 | 12 July – 17 September 2027 |
| Term 4 | 5 October – 10 December 2027 |
For more information on the QLD term dates and school holidays, visit the QLD Government Education website.
QLD school holidays 2026 & 2027
Here are the official QLD school holiday dates for 2026 and 2027, based on the current term schedule.
QLD school holidays 2026
| Term | Dates |
|---|---|
| Autumn | 3 April – 19 April 2026 |
| Winter | 27 June – 12 July 2026 |
| Spring | 19 September – 5 October 2026 |
| Summer | 12 December 2026 – 26 January 2027 |
QLD school holidays 2027
| Term | Dates |
|---|---|
| Autumn | 26 March – 11 April 2027 |
| Winter | 26 June – 11 July 2027 |
| Spring | 18 September – 4 October 2027 |
| Summer | 11 December 2027 – 23 January 2028 |
💡 Tip: These dates are the busiest (and most expensive) times to travel – book early if you’re planning a family getaway.
QLD public holidays 2026 & 2027
Here are all the official Queensland public holidays for 2026 and 2027 to help you plan long weekends and family getaways.
| QLD public holidays | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| New Years Day | Thursday 1 January | Friday 1 January |
| Australia Day | Monday 26 January | Tuesday 26 January |
| Good Friday | Friday 3 April | Friday 26 March |
| Easter Saturday | Saturday 4 April | Saturday 27 March |
| Easter Sunday | Sunday 5 April | Sunday 28 March |
| Easter Monday | Monday 6 April | Monday 29 March |
| Anzac Day | Saturday 25 April | Sunday 25 April |
| Labour Day | Monday 4 May | Monday 3 May |
| Royal QLD Show (Brisbane only) | Wednesday 12 August | Wednesday 11 August |
| King’s Birthday | Monday 5 October | Monday 4 October |
| Christmas Eve (6pm-midnight) | Thursday 24 December | Friday 24 December |
| Christmas Day* | Friday 25 December | Saturday 25 + Monday 27 December |
| Boxing Day* | Saturday 26 December + Monday 28 December | Christmas Eve (6 pm-midnight) |
*When public holidays fall on a weekend, an additional weekday public holiday is observed. For more information on QLD Public Holidays, visit the QLD Government website.
Now that you’ve got all the key dates sorted, here’s how to actually use them to plan a smarter (and cheaper) family holiday.
Best times to travel based on QLD term dates
Now that you know when the kids are off school, the next question is – when is the best time to actually travel?
Because let’s be honest, school holidays are great in theory… but they also mean crowds, higher prices and the occasional “why did we book this week?” regret.
Here’s how to use the QLD term dates to your advantage:
Best value: Early or late in the school holidays
If you can travel right at the start or end of the holidays, you’ll often find:
- Slightly cheaper flights and accommodation
- Fewer crowds than peak weeks
- More availability for tours and experiences
This is a great time to plan a trip to places like the Sunshine Coast, Outback Queensland or the Capricorn Coast.
Quietest time: During the school term (if you can swing it)
If you have younger kids not yet in school – or you’re comfortable taking them out for a few days – mid-term travel is the sweet spot. You’ll get lower prices, fewer tourists and a much more relaxed experience.
Destinations like the Whitsundays, Tropical North Queensland, K’gari or the Gold Coast are especially good outside peak holiday periods.
Busiest (and most expensive): Christmas & Easter holidays
These are the big ones and they come with peak pricing, packed attractions and bookings filling up months in advance. If you’re travelling during summer holidays (Christmas holidays) or Easter break, book as early as possible, especially for accommodation and car hire.
Sweet spot for weather & crowds
Some of the best travel windows in Queensland fall just after Easter and in late winter (August to early September). You’ll often get great weather, manageable crowds in hot spots and better prices than in peak season. Perfect for a relaxed family getaway without the chaos!
Plan around long weekends
Combining school holidays with public holidays or pupil-free days can stretch your trip without using extra leave. It’s one of the easiest ways to turn a short break into a proper family holiday.
FAQs: QLD term dates
Term 1 starts on 27 January 2027.
There are four school terms each year.
Most state schools follow these dates, but private schools may vary slightly.
School holidays occur between each term and over summer from December to late January.
Where to next?
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