Melbourne School Holidays are an important part of Victoria’s academic calendar. The Victorian Department of Education provides official term dates that are used by parents, schools, teachers, and students to plan their vacations, childcare schedules, and academic activities.
When are the Melbourne School Holidays in 2026, regardless of whether your child is in a Catholic, government, or independent Melbourne school, knowing what to expect early can help you avoid stress at the last minute.
Melbourne School Holidays 2026 Dates
Below is a general overview of the Victorian school term calendar, followed by Melbourne schools.
| Term | Term Dates | Holiday Period | Approx. Duration |
| Term 1 | Late January – Early April | Autumn Holidays (April) | 2 Weeks |
| Term 2 | Late April – Late June | Winter Holidays (June–July) | 2 Weeks |
| Term 3 | Mid July – Mid September | Spring Holidays (September) | 2 Weeks |
| Term 4 | Early October – Mid December | Summer Holidays (Dec–Jan) | 6 Weeks |
When are Melbourne school holidays in 2026?
In 2026, Melbourne will follow the Victorian standard academic calendar with breaks and four terms in April, July-June, September, and December/January. The summer holidays last approximately six weeks.
Understanding the Victorian School Term Structure
How Many School Terms Are There in Victoria?
Victorian school year is divided into 4 terms
- The first term begins in January.
- The second term begins in April.
- The third term begins in July
- The fourth term begins in October.
The school year is divided into two terms, each lasting approximately nine to eleven weeks. The structure is the same for most public schools located in Melbourne or regional Victoria.
Do Private and Catholic Schools Follow the Same Dates?
The majority of Catholic Education Victoria and Independent Schools Victoria adhere to the same term dates as government schools. Depending on the institution, there may be slight differences in term dates.
The official Melbourne School calendar is the best place to confirm all dates with parents.
Seasonal Breakdown of Melbourne School Holidays
Families can plan their activities, childcare, and travel by understanding the seasonality of school breaks.
Summer School Holidays in Melbourne (December–January)
Summer school breaks are among the longest inthe Victorian calendar. The summer school holidays usually begin in late December and last until the end of January.
The Key Features
- Public holidays for Christmas and the New Year
- Enjoy the warm weather with outdoor activities.
- The peak travel season for Australia
Family vacations are often planned to:
- Mornington Peninsula
- Great Ocean Road
- Yarra Valley
- Phillip Island
Melbourne CBD, surrounding suburbs, and schoolholidays programs are also very popular during the summer.
Autumn School Holidays in Melbourne (April)
Melbourne’s Autumn Holidays usually occur in April, after the first term. The holidays are often timed to coincide with major public holidays, such as Easter and ANZAC Day. Many families in Victoria take a seasonal break during this period before the beginning of term 2.
Melbourne’s April weather is among the best. It is a mild climate with cool mornings and pleasant daytime temperatures. Autumn school holidays are ideal for family activities, outdoor adventures, and outings.
Parents take this opportunity to visit popular destinations such as the Royal Botanic Garden, where kids can experience nature and green space. Melbourne Zoo offers educational and fun experiences to children during the April holidays.
Southbank, Melbourne, is also a popular destination for families to attend seasonal events, festivals, and other activities. Geelong and Ballarat, both regional cities, offer historical sites, parks, and relaxing day trips for those who want to explore beyond the city. Melbourne’s weather in April is mild and ideal for outdoor activities.
Winter School Holidays (June–July)
Victoria’s mid-year holiday is the winter break. Melbourne’s school holidays usually take place from mid-June to late June.
Popular Winter Activities:
Scienceworks Melbourne
Scienceworks Melbourne is an interactive museum of science located in Spotswood. The museum is popular with children because it offers live demonstrations and hands-on activities.
Melbourne Museum
Melbourne Museum exhibits include science, Australian history, and culture. The Melbourne Museum offers educational programs and holiday specials for children.
Indoor Play Centres
Melbourne’s indoor play centres offer a safe, fun environment for kids during the school holidays. The venues offer climbing walls, slides, inactivates zones for children of all ages.
Art and Craft Workshops
Children can explore their creativity by painting, drawing, and doing DIY projects. These sessions are often organised by Melbourne’s community centres during the school holidays.
Mount Buller Snow Trips
Mount Buller in Victoria is popular for winter snow sports. Winter school breaks are a popular time for families to visit Mount Buller and enjoy the skiing, snowboarding, and picturesque alpine views.
Families prefer to spend their time indoors and learn about educational topics during the winter months in Melbourne, where temperatures can be very low.
Spring School Holidays (September–October)
The Spring Holidays are after the third term and before the fourth.
Highlights:
- Enjoyable spring weather
- Outdoor festivals
- Royal Botanic Garden, Flower Season
Springtime is a great time to:
St Kilda Beach Visits
St Kilda Beach in Melbourne is popular during the school holidays. Beach walks, playgrounds, and cycling trails are popular with families. Nearby attractions such as Luna Park also attract them.
Outdoor Adventure Camps
Melbourne’s outdoor adventure camps offer sports and activities such as hiking, team building exercises, and sports. These camps help kids stay active during the school holidays and learn new skills.
Nature Parks of Regional Victoria
The Dandenong Ranges are a great place for a family outing. Bushwalking, wildlife viewing, and new outdoor experiences are enjoyed by visitors.
Melbourne Suburbs School Holiday Programmes
Melbourne’s suburbs offer schoolholidays programs via local councils and community centres. Children can take part in art classes, sports clinics and educational workshops.
Must visit: Victorian School Holidays 2026
Are Melbourne School Holidays the Same Across Victoria?
Melbourne’s school holidays are generally the same as those in other parts of Victoria. This includes regional areas like:
- Geelong
- Bendigo
- Ballarat
- Shepparton
Some independent schools will adjust the number of days that students are not in school or days for professional development.
Public Holidays That Fall During Melbourne School Holidays
In Victoria, school holidays may occur during some public holidays.
Major Public Holidays Include:
- Australia Day
- Happy Friday!
- Easter Sunday
- ANZAC Day
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
Melbourne School Holidays are ideal for events and family trips.
Things to Do in Melbourne During School Holidays
During school holidays, parents often look for events and activities. Melbourne has a variety of attractions that are family-friendly.
Top Family Attractions in Melbourne
Melbourne Zoo
Melbourne Zoo, near the Melbourne CBD, is one of Victoria’s most popular attractions for families. The zoo is home to many animals, both Australian and from around the globe. It offers educational experiences on wildlife for kids during the holidays.
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is a top marine attraction in Melbourne’s central area. The aquarium offers interactive programs for school holidays, underwater tunnels to explore, sharks, and penguins.
Melbourne Museum
Melbourne Museum offers educational exhibits that focus on Victoria’s natural environment, science, culture and history. The Melbourne Museum is one of the most popular destinations during Melbourne’s school holidays. It offers child-friendly exhibits and educational workshops.
Scienceworks
Scienceworks Melbourne is an interactive science-technology museum in Spotswood. The museum offers hands-on science experiments, live demonstrations, and space displays.
Luna Park St Kilda
Luna Park St Kilda is a historical amusement park in Melbourne near St Kilda Beach. The park is a popular destination for summer and spring holidays because it offers classic rides and family entertainment.
Melbourne’s attractions offer a variety of special programs and activities for families and children during school holidays.
Many of these attractions offer school holiday programs that are designed specifically for kids.
Outdoor Activities During Melbourne School Holidays
- Royal Botanic Gardens
- Yarra River walks
- St Kilda Beach
- Mornington Peninsula day trips
- Dandenong Ranges exploration
During spring and summer holidays, outdoor activities are particularly popular.
School Holiday Programs and Camps
Melbourne has a range of structured programmes, including
- Sport camps
- Coding workshops
- Classes in art and creativity
- Music programs
- Workshops in drama and theatre
The programs are designed to keep children engaged and learning during the school break while allowing them to develop new skills.
Planning Tips for Parents During Melbourne School Holidays
Parents can make the most out of Melbourne’s school holidays by:
1. Plan Early
Bookings for camps and holiday programmes, as well as travel arrangements, should be made in advance. This is especially true during the summer.
2. Check Official Term Dates
Always confirm dates via:
- Victorian Department of Education
- The school web page of your child
3. Consider Budget-Friendly Activities
Included in the free options are:
- Parks
- Events in the Community
- Local Libraries
- Outdoor festivals
4. Arrange Childcare if Needed
Many Melbourne childcare centres offer holiday care during the school breaks.
Why Knowing Melbourne School Holidays Is Important
Understanding Melbourne school holidays helps families:
- Vacations are a great way to relax and unwind
- Organize childcare
- Schedule extracurricular activities
- Plan your academic time.
- Travel and Events Budget
Early planning is essential for Melbourne, one of Australia’s most popular cities.
Final Thoughts
Melbourne School Holidays follow a four-term structured academic system under the Victorian Department of Education. Families have many opportunities for travel and exploration during the seasonal holidays in spring, autumn, and winter.
Staying informed of school holiday dates is important for a smoother schedule and better planning, whether you are in Melbourne CBD or the surrounding regions.
Refer to the official Victorian Education sources, and also your child’s personal school calendar for accurate information.
Relevant Blog:
Term Dates Vic 2026 – Complete Guide for Victoria School Calendar
