Holidays and public holidays

5 Itineraries Around Australian Public Holidays

1. Australia Day (26 January) – Sydney & Coastal NSW

   • Why go: Sydney Harbour is alive with ferries, tall ships, concerts, and fireworks. It’s one of the most iconic days to experience Australian culture.

   • Itinerary idea: Pick up your campervan in Sydney, enjoy the festivities, then drive south along the Grand Pacific Drive toward Jervis Bay for beaches and national parks.

   • Tip: Book campsites early — this is peak summer holiday season.

2. Easter (March/April, dates vary) – Great Ocean Road & Grampians

   • Why go: Easter is a long weekend, so locals head out of the cities. The Great Ocean Road is stunning in early autumn, with cooler weather and fewer international tourists.

   • Itinerary idea: Start in Melbourne, drive the Great Ocean Road, then loop inland to the Grampians for hiking and wildlife.

   • Tip: Roads and campsites can be crowded — travel just before or after Easter for a quieter experience.

3. ANZAC Day (25 April) – Canberra & Snowy Mountains

   • Why go: Sydney hosts one of the largest ANZAC Day dawn services and parades in the country.

   • Itinerary idea: Attend the dawn service in Sydney, then head west to the Blue Mountains for crisp autumn hikes.

   • Tip: Secure campsites near Sydney early, as demand spikes.

4. King’s Birthday (June, varies by state) – Red Centre Adventure

   • Why go: This long weekend is the unofficial start of the winter travel season in the Outback, with cooler days perfect for exploring.

   • Itinerary idea: Fly into Alice Springs, rent a motorhome, and explore Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon.

   • Tip: In WA and QLD the holiday falls later in the year, so check dates if you want to avoid local crowds.

5. Christmas & New Year (25 Dec – 1 Jan) – Tropical North Queensland

   • Why go: While southern cities are packed, heading north offers a different festive experience with reef trips, rainforests, and warm evenings.

   • Itinerary idea: Base yourself in Cairns, explore the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, then take a coastal drive north to Cape Tribulation.

   • Tip: Expect higher prices and limited availability — book motorhomes and campsites months in advance.

School Holidays in Australia

School holidays in Australia are divided into four main periods each year, but the exact dates vary slightly depending on the state or territory. These breaks are peak travel times, and tourist sites, campgrounds, and holiday parks are often very busy. We recommend booking your motorhome or campervan — as well as campsites — well in advance.

School Holidays by State & Territory

• Australian Capital Territory (ACT, including Canberra) Autumn: mid‑April • Winter: early–mid July • Spring: late September–mid October • Summer: mid‑December–late January

• New South Wales (NSW) Autumn: mid‑April • Winter: early–mid July • Spring: late September–mid October • Summer: mid‑December–late January

• Northern Territory (NT) Autumn: early–mid April • Winter: late June–mid July • Spring: late September–mid October • Summer: mid‑December–late January

• Queensland (QLD) Autumn: early–mid April • Winter: late June–mid July • Spring: mid‑September–early October • Summer: mid‑December–late January

• South Australia (SA) Autumn: mid‑April • Winter: early–mid July • Spring: late September–mid October • Summer: mid‑December–late January

• Tasmania (TAS) Autumn: early–mid April • Winter: early–mid July • Spring: late September–mid October • Summer: mid‑December–early February

• Victoria (VIC) Autumn: late March–mid April • Winter: late June–mid July • Spring: mid‑September–early October • Summer: mid‑December–late January

• Western Australia (WA) Autumn: mid‑April • Winter: early–mid July • Spring: late September–mid October • Summer: mid‑December–late January