Australia School Holidays Planner 2026: A Family Guide to Port Stephens
Planning a family holiday during the school holidays? You’re in the right place. This guide covers the 2026 school holiday dates for every state and territory, plus a region-by-region breakdown of the best things to do with the kids in one of NSW’s favourite coastal escapes: Port Stephens.
An Overview of School Term and Holiday Schedules in Australia
Most Australian schools operate on a four-term calendar, with breaks in autumn, winter, spring, and summer. While most states follow a similar pattern, holiday dates vary between states and territories, with some schedules adjusted to suit local conditions. Use the breakdown of school term dates below to find your state’s dates and start locking in your Port Stephens escape.
Note: The dates listed below represent the standard break periods between terms for the majority of public schools. Some regional, remote, or specific division schools may start or finish a few days later.
Week 2 is the Performance Racing Series based out of Regatta HQ at d’Albora Marina, Nelson Bay, with racing concentrated close to the marina breakwall (plus passage racing in the mix). It comprises the prestigious NSW Yachting Championships (IRC), Rob Hampshire Cup (ORC), Act 3 of the TP52 Gold Cup (TPR and IRC), and the new Super Racer Cruiser division (IRC). Expect a blend of windward-leeward racing and passage racing, depending on division.
| New South Wales (NSW) | |
|---|---|
| Autumn (Term 1 Break): | 7 April - 17 April for the Eastern and Western divisions |
| Winter (Term 2 Break): | 6 July - 17 July for the Eastern and Western divisions |
| Spring (Term 3 Break): | 28 September - 9 October for the Eastern and Western divisions |
| Summer (Term 4 Break): | 18 December - 27 January (2027) for the Eastern division; 18 December - 3 February (2027) for the Western Division |
| Victoria (VIC) | |
|---|---|
| Autumn (Term 1 Break): | 3 April -19 April |
| Winter (Term 2 Break): | 27 June - 12 July |
| Spring (Term 3 Break): | 19 September - 4 October |
| Summer (Term 4 Break): | 19 December - 26 January (2027) |
| Queensland (QLD) | |
|---|---|
| Autumn (Term 1 Break): | 3 April - 19 April |
| Winter (Term 2 Break): | 27 June - 12 July |
| Spring (Term 3 Break): | 19 September - 5 October |
| Summer (Term 4 Break): | 12 December - 26 January (2027) |
| Western Australia (WA) | |
|---|---|
| Autumn (Term 1 Break): | 3 April - 19 April |
| Winter (Term 2 Break): | 4 July - 19 July |
| Spring (Term 3 Break): | 26 September - 11 October |
| Summer (Term 4 Break): | 18 December - 31 January (2027) |
| South Australia (SA) | |
|---|---|
| Autumn (Term 1 Break): | 11 April - 26 April |
| Winter (Term 2 Break): | 4 July - 19 July |
| Spring (Term 3 Break): | 26 September -11 October |
| Summer (Term 4 Break): | 12 December - 26 January (2027) |
| Tasmania (TAS) | |
|---|---|
| Autumn (Term 1 Break): | 18 April - 3 May |
| Winter (Term 2 Break): | 11 July - 26 July |
| Spring (Term 3 Break): | 3 October - 18 October |
| Summer (Term 4 Break): | 19 December - 3 February (2027) |
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | |
|---|---|
| Autumn (Term 1 Break): | 3 April - 20 April |
| Winter (Term 2 Break): | 4 July - 20 July |
| Spring (Term 3 Break): | 26 September - 12 October |
| Summer (Term 4 Break): | 19 December - 1 February (2027) |
| Northern Territory (NT) | |
|---|---|
| Autumn (Term 1 Break): | 3 April - 13 April |
| Winter (Term 2 Break): | 20 June - 13 July |
| Spring (Term 3 Break): | 19 September - 5 October |
| Summer (Term 4 Break): | 11 December - 26 January (2027) |
Bookmark this page, share it with the family group chat, and start planning.
Places to Go in Port Stephens
Port Stephens is a collection of distinct coastal villages, each with its own unique personality and pace. To help you plan the perfect school holiday trip without spending most of it traveling in the car, we’ve broken this guide down by region. Choose your neighbourhood below to discover the best spots to relax, the biggest adventures, and the ultimate rainy-day backups right on your doorstep.
The Central Hub: Nelson Bay and Little Beach
Nelson Bay and Little Beach are ideal locations for first-timers and anyone who wants convenient access to cafés, marina, beaches, and big-ticket adventures.
Looking for Laid-Back Fun?
- Stroll the foreshore from the Marina to Little Beach and watch the dolphins do their thing in the bay, no booking required.
- Pack a picnic and settle in at Little Beach Reserve, a sheltered bay known for its calm waters and family-friendly atmosphere.
- Walk the Bartlett Cycleway, a scenic 5km path hugging the water from Bagnalls Beach all the way to Little Beach.
Looking for Something More Active?
- Book a whale-watching or dolphin swim tour departing straight from d’Albora Marinas. This is Port Stephens at its most iconic.
- Head up to Gan Gan Hill Lookout for sweeping views across an inlet twice the size of Sydney Harbour. It’s a short drive, but the payoff is impressive.
Wet Weather Option
The Nelson Bay Bowling Club and surrounding Marina cafés provide a comfortable place to shelter from the weather, while still enjoying the waterfront atmosphere. Grab a coffee, watch the boats bob, and wait it out in style.
The Scenic Strip: Shoal Bay
Shoal Bay is a great spot for couples, beach lovers, and anyone who judges a holiday by the quality of its sunsets.
Looking for Laid-Back Fun?
- Spend a slow morning on Shoal Bay Beach, which is one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the region, with calm, swimmable water and views to Tomaree Headland.
- Walk the Tomaree Headland Summit Track for panoramic coastal views that’ll genuinely stop you in your tracks (allow around 45 minutes return).
- Grab a takeaway coffee and meander along Shoal Bay Road as the foreshore comes to life.
Looking for Something More Active?
- Hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the calm inner bay at your own pace. The water here is crystal-clear and perfect for it.
- Join a guided whale watching cruise departing from nearby Nelson Bay Marina during migration season (May to November).
Wet Weather Option
The Shoal Bay Country Club is just a short walk from the beach. Settle in for a meal, a drink, and a front-row seat to the rain rolling across the bay.
The Family Sanctuary: Fingal Bay
If you are traveling with children, Fingal Bay offers wide open beaches, rock pools, and a pace that makes you feel like you’ve genuinely switched off.
Looking for Laid-Back Fun?
- Let the kids enjoy a day at Fingal Bay Beach, a long, patrolled surf beach that’s perfect for body surfing and sandcastle architecture.
- Explore the rock platform at low tide. The pools here are a natural aquarium of sea creatures that’ll keep little ones entertained for hours.
Looking for Something More Active?
- Tackle the Tomaree Headland Summit Track from the Fingal Bay side for a rewarding coastal hike with big ocean views.
- Hit the waves at Fingal Bay’s beach break. It is one of the more consistent surf spots in the area, great for beginners and improvers.
Wet Weather Option
The Fingal Bay Bowling Club is a locals’ favourite for good reason. It’s cosy, unpretentious, and serves a solid counter meal, exactly what you want when the weather turns.
The Western Bays: Salamander Bay, Corlette & Taylors Beach
If you are seeking quieter waters, stress-free swims, and that “hidden gem” feeling away from the summer crowds, Salamander Bay, Corlette, and Taylors Beach are all worth adding to your itinerary.
Looking for Laid-Back Fun?
- Taylors Beach is one of the most sheltered and underrated beaches in Port Stephens. The water is impossibly calm, and it’s rarely busy.
- Walk the foreshore trail at Corlette and watch the pelicans patrol the shallows while the kids paddle in the water.
- Explore Salamander Bay Square for an easy morning. Grab a coffee, visit a bakery, browse the shops, or explore the local shops before heading out to the water.
Looking for Something More Active?
- Take a quick drive over to Toboggan Hill Park in Salamander Bay for a classic thrill for the whole family. The giant toboggan run is an absolute favourite and a great afternoon out for adults and kids of all ages.
- Hire a kayak from the foreshore and paddle out into the calm waters of the inner bay, a harbour perfect for beginners.
Wet Weather Option
Salamander Bay Square has you well covered. There’s a supermarket, cafés, and a cinema to spend a wet afternoon without getting cabin fever.
The Sunset Peninsula: Soldiers Point
Soldiers Point is best for couples, retirees, and anyone who appreciates good food, beautiful panoramic views, and a glass of something cold at the end of the day.
Looking for Laid-Back Fun?
- Walk the Soldiers Point Marina boardwalk at golden hour. The reflections on the water here are genuinely spectacular.
- Find a quiet spot along the foreshore reserve and watch the boat traffic drift in and out of the bay.
- Pop into Horizons Golf Resort for a leisurely round surrounded by waterway views. The course offers scenic water views and a relaxed atmosphere.
Looking for Something More Active?
- Book a kayak or paddleboard hire from the marina and explore the calm, sheltered waterways that wind through this part of the peninsula.
- Join a fishing charter departing from Soldiers Point Marina. Snapper, flathead, and bream are all in play depending on the season.
Wet Weather Option
The Deck and Restaurant 2317 (both located at the Soldiers Point Marina) sit right on the water and are fully covered. They’re some of the best spots in Port Stephens to sit, eat well, and watch the weather roll by.
The Adventure Coast: Anna Bay, One Mile Beach, Boat Harbour & Fishermans Bay
Are you a thrill-seeker, surfer, or someone who came to Port Stephens for an unforgettable experience? Anna Bay, One Mile Beach, Boat Harbour, and Fishermans Bay are amazing locations you should visit.
Looking for Laid-Back Fun?
- One Mile Beach is a glorious, uninterrupted stretch of white sand backed by dunes, great for long walks and body surfing.
- Wander the tracks through Tomaree National Park and spot wallabies, echidnas, and birdlife that’ll make you feel properly out in the wild.
- Pack a sunset picnic at Birubi Beach and watch the dunes glow gold as the light drops. It’s one of the most memorable ways to experience a Port Stephens sunset.
Looking for Something More Active?
- Sandboarding and quad biking on the Stockton Sand Dunes at Anna Bay is the region’s most iconic adrenaline experience. Make sure to book ahead, bring sunscreen, and hold on.
- Surf lessons at One Mile Beach are on offer for all levels. The beach break here is one of the best in the region for getting up on a board for the first time.
Wet Weather Option
Anna Bay Tavern is warm, welcoming, and just minutes from the dunes. Its Birubi Bistro is the perfect shelter for a counter meal and a cold drink while you plan the rest of your Port Stephens adventure. Check out the tavern’s events page for scheduled performances.
Your Port Stephens Holiday Starts Here
You’ve got the dates and plenty of ideas for your trip. Now all that’s left is finding the perfect place to come home to at the end of each day.
Nelson Bay Accommodation has the largest selection of holiday rentals across Port Stephens, from waterfront apartments in Nelson Bay to family homes in Fingal Bay, quiet retreats in Soldiers Point, and everything in between. Browse our properties, book direct, and start planning your Port Stephens escape. Your school holiday adventure is closer than you think.
