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The school holidays are the perfect time to take that long-awaited trip with the family or enjoy experiences closer to home. While it's true that prices can inflate during this period, you're also likely to find a great deal that can help you save on flights, accommodation, packages, activities and car hire.
We've narrowed down the deals you'll want to take advantage of for the school break.
School holiday travel deals
Australian school holiday dates
New South Wales
Term | Dates |
---|---|
Term 1 school holidays | 15 April to 26 April 2024 |
Term 2 school holidays | 3 8 July to 19 July 2024 |
Term 3 school holidays | 30 September to 11 October 2024 |
Term 4 school holidays | 23 December 2024 to 6 February 2025 |
Looking for something to do during the upcoming school holidays in Sydney?
Queensland
Term | Dates |
---|---|
Term 1 school holidays | 2 April to 14 April 2024 |
Term 2 school holidays | 22 June to 7 July 2024 |
Term 3 school holidays | 14 September to 29 September 2024 |
Term 4 school holidays | 14 December 2024 to 26 January 2025 |
Check out our top school holiday activities in Queensland.
Victoria
Term | Dates |
---|---|
Term 1 school holidays | 28 March to 14 April 2024 |
Term 2 school holidays | 29 June to 14 July 2024 |
Term 3 school holidays | 21 September to 6 October 2024 |
Term 4 school holidays | 21 December 2024 to 27 January 2025 |
Check out our top school holiday activities in Victoria.
Western Australia
Term | Dates |
---|---|
Term 1 school holidays | 29 March to 14 April 2024 |
Term 2 school holidays | 29 June to 14 July 2024 |
Term 3 school holidays | 21 September to 6 October 2024 |
Term 4 school holidays | 13 December 2024 to 4 February 2025 |
Check out our top school holiday activities in Western Australia.
South Australia
Term | Dates |
---|---|
Term 1 school holidays | 13 April to 27 April 2024 |
Term 2 school holidays | 6 July to 21 July 2024 |
Term 3 school holidays | 28 September to 13 October 2024 |
Term 4 school holidays | 14 December 2024 to 27 January 2025 |
Check out our top school holiday activities in South Australia.
Australian Capital Territory
Term | Dates |
---|---|
Term 1 school holidays | 13 April to 29 April 2024 |
Term 2 school holidays | 6 July to 22 July 2024 |
Term 3 school holidays | 28 September to 14 October 2024 |
Term 4 school holidays | 18 December 2024 to 2 February 2025 |
Check out our top school holiday activities in the Australian Capital Territory.
Tasmania
Term | Dates |
---|---|
Term 1 school holidays | 13 April to 28 April 2024 |
Term 2 school holidays | 6 July to 21 July 2024 |
Term 3 school holidays | 28 September to 13 October 2024 |
Term 4 school holidays | 20 December 2024 to 6 February 2025 |
Check out our top school holiday activities in Tasmania.
Northern Territory
Term | Dates |
---|---|
Term 1 school holidays | 6 April to 14 April 2024 |
Term 2 school holidays | 22 June to 14 July 2024 |
Term 3 school holidays | 21 September to 6 October 2024 |
Term 4 school holidays | 13 December 2024 to 28 January 2025 |
Best places to travel with kids during school holidays
Gold Coast: It's the place you want to be in during the school holidays. From amusements parks such as Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet'n'Wild to epic outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing and abseiling, both you and the kids will be spoiled for choice on school holidays fun.
Busselton: The calm waters of Geographe Bay make this town south of Perth ideal for a family break.
Darwin: If your kids love adventure and the great outdoors, a trip to Darwin is right up your alley. The Northern Territory is home to fun outdoor activities like camping, hiking and horse riding. There are also plenty of national parks to explore.
Sunshine Coast: Both kids and big kids are catered to on the Sunshine Coast. Beach time, rainforest hikes, 4x4 adventures through national parks and harbour cruises can all be factored into a holiday here whether you're single, a couple or a family.
Byron Bay: Laid-back beach holidays are the name of the game in Byron, plus there are plenty of national parks to explore in the Hinterland.
Thailand: Thailand is a tried-and-tested holiday destination for grown-ups. Castaway-quality beaches, floating markets and a healthy dose of nightlife make it a no-brainer for adults. This country has plenty for families too. Think tuk-tuk rides, short walks in the jungle and the experience of coming face to face with an elephant.
Bali. Offering beach time, massages and luxury accommodation, Bali has become a favourite with Australians. Water parks, marine parks, a monkey forest and a butterfly farm are just a few of the things that can feature on a family itinerary.
Hawaii. The 6 islands of Hawaii offer something different. Families can't really go wrong with Oahu where there are easy hiking trails, affordable house rentals and family-friendly restaurants. Couples should consider "the private isle" Lanai, which is home to Sweetheart Rock and secluded beaches.
Fiji. You can't really go wrong with Fiji. What's not to like about palm-fringed beaches, top snorkel spots, sand dunes and dolphin spotting? Kids should especially like the water sports, such as paddleboarding and kayaking. Grown-ups will really appreciate the island's foodie side – lovo feasts and sundowners by the sea.
Looking for more family holiday inspiration? Check out our top picks for where to go in select Australian cities:
Tips for travelling during the school holidays
There's no getting around the fact that summer holidays push up the price of holidays, but there are a few things you can do to make sure your getaway won't break the bank.
- Keep an eye out for flash sales. Big brands often run short sales. If you're open-minded about where you want to go, you might bag a deal.
- Be savvy. Compare holiday prices on a price comparison site like Finder. You're likely to score a better deal by booking in advance.
- Consider a big brand. Many of the big-brand holiday companies run deals like free places for children. Sign up to newsletters to keep in the loop and check websites in the lead-up to the school holidays.
- Consider all-inclusive. Going all-inclusive can take a bit of the strain off the budget if you're travelling with a brood, so look for a holiday that includes meals, like a cruise or a resort. This is also a great option if you're travelling with other families.
- Discover a new destination: The most popular school holiday destinations are likely to have a heftier price tag when you book. Consider travelling somewhere regional or less popular to score a good deal. The more money you save on flights and accommodation, the more you can spend on fun activities while you're there.
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