Kiddipedia

Kiddipedia

Australia’s school calendar for 2025 is designed to provide students and families with a perfect balance of learning and leisure. With Australian School Term Dates varying across states and territories, knowing these dates is key for planning family holidays, extracurricular activities, and school preparations.

Here’s a helpful state-by-state breakdown of the 2025 school terms:

New South Wales (NSW)

NSW school terms differ by region (Eastern and Western Divisions):

  • Term 1:
    • Eastern Division: Thursday, 6 February – Friday, 11 April
    • Western Division: Friday, 13 February – Friday, 11 April
  • Term 2: Wednesday, 30 April – Friday, 4 July
  • Term 3: Tuesday, 22 July – Friday, 26 September
  • Term 4: Tuesday, 14 October – Friday, 19 December

Victoria

Victoria follows a straightforward and consistent schedule for all schools:

  • Term 1: Tuesday, 28 January (students start 29 January in government schools) – Friday, 4 April
  • Term 2: Tuesday, 22 April – Friday, 4 July
  • Term 3: Monday, 21 July – Friday, 19 September
  • Term 4: Monday, 6 October – Friday, 19 December

Queensland

Queensland’s school terms align across the state with minimal variation:

  • Term 1: Tuesday, 28 January – Friday, 4 April
  • Term 2: Tuesday, 22 April – Friday, 27 June
  • Term 3: Monday, 14 July – Friday, 19 September
  • Term 4: Tuesday, 7 October – Friday, 12 December

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

The ACT has a staggered start date for new and returning students:

  • Term 1: Monday, 3 February (new students) and Tuesday, 4 February (returning students) – Friday, 11 April
  • Term 2: Tuesday, 29 April – Friday, 4 July
  • Term 3: Tuesday, 22 July – Friday, 26 September
  • Term 4: Tuesday, 14 October – Thursday, 18 December

South Australia (SA)

South Australia maintains four balanced terms:

  • Term 1: Tuesday, 28 January – Friday, 11 April
  • Term 2: Monday, 28 April – Friday, 4 July
  • Term 3: Monday, 21 July – Friday, 26 September
  • Term 4: Monday, 13 October – Friday, 12 December

Northern Territory (NT)

Northern Territory’s school terms have a slightly earlier start to the year:

  • Term 1: Wednesday, 29 January – Friday, 4 April
  • Term 2: Monday, 14 April – Friday, 20 June
  • Term 3: Tuesday, 15 July – Friday, 19 September
  • Term 4: Monday, 6 October – Friday, 12 December

Western Australia (WA)

Western Australia follows a later start than many other states:

  • Term 1: Wednesday, 5 February – Friday, 11 April
  • Term 2: Monday, 28 April – Friday, 4 July
  • Term 3: Monday, 21 July – Friday, 26 September
  • Term 4: Monday, 13 October – Thursday, 18 December

Tasmania (TAS)

Tasmania’s school year aligns closely with other states, with slight variations for teachers and students:

  • Term 1: Monday, 3 February (teachers commence), Thursday, 6 February (students commence) – Friday, 11 April
  • Term 2: Monday, 28 April – Friday, 4 July
  • Term 3: Monday, 21 July – Friday, 26 September
  • Term 4: Monday, 13 October – Thursday, 18 December (students finish), Friday, 19 December (teachers finish)

Helpful Tips for Families

The school year can be a busy time for families, but with careful planning, the holidays and term breaks offer great opportunities for relaxation, bonding, and growth. Here are some expanded strategies to help families make the most of the 2025 school year:

1. Plan Memorable Family Holidays

School holidays are the perfect time for family getaways. Since the holiday schedules differ across states, you can take advantage of less crowded destinations by travelling during off-peak periods in your state. Consider exploring family-friendly holiday parks in each state, coastal retreats, or national parks that offer a mix of adventure and relaxation. These parks often include kid-friendly amenities like playgrounds, pools, and nature trails to keep children entertained while adults unwind.

2. Staycation Adventures

Not all family adventures require leaving your city. Opt for a staycation by booking family-friendly accommodations close to home. Look for places with exciting amenities like kids’ clubs, indoor play areas, or family suites that make the stay both relaxing and fun. A staycation is also a great opportunity to explore local attractions, such as museums, zoos, or theme parks, that may have been overlooked during the school term.

3. Maximize School Holidays for Learning

School holidays don’t have to mean a break from growth and development. Enroll your children in enrichment programs that focus on creativity, physical activity, or academics. Options like art workshops, STEM camps, sports clinics, or coding classes can nurture their interests and expand their skills in fun and engaging ways. Look for programs that balance structured learning with playful activities to keep things exciting.

4. Explore Extracurricular Activities

Term breaks are the ideal time for children to try out new hobbies or dive deeper into existing ones. Whether it’s learning to play a musical instrument, joining a sports team, or mastering a craft like pottery or dance, extracurricular activities help foster self-confidence, discipline, and social connections. Parents can also use this time to explore trial classes or short-term commitments before committing to a full-term program.

5. Encourage Outdoor Adventures

Take advantage of Australia’s incredible outdoor offerings to get your children active and connected with nature. From bike riding and hiking to beach outings and camping trips, outdoor adventures are excellent for physical health and mental well-being. For a hassle-free experience, consider packing picnic lunches, bringing along sports equipment, and dressing the kids in waterproof or easy-clean clothing for worry-free play.

6. Family Bonding Activities

Use the breaks to strengthen family bonds through shared activities. Cook meals together, play board games, or plan movie nights with everyone’s favourite snacks. You can also embark on creative projects like gardening, DIY crafts, or home improvement tasks where every family member plays a role. These moments create lasting memories and a sense of teamwork.

7. Prioritise Rest and Relaxation

Amid the excitement, ensure children have ample downtime to recharge. Encourage lazy mornings, afternoon naps, or quiet time with a good book. A well-rested child is more likely to return to school feeling refreshed and ready to learn.

By combining relaxation, exploration, and personal growth, families can make the most of their time together during school holidays, creating a balanced and enriching year for both parents and children.

Having a clear understanding of school term dates for each state and territory is an invaluable tool for Australian families to stay organized and plan efficiently. Whether you’re coordinating family holidays, arranging extracurricular activities, or managing daily routines, knowing the start and end of each term empowers you to make confident, well-informed decisions. With a little preparation, you can create a balanced, enjoyable, and memorable year for the whole family!