Best School Holiday Travel from NSW 2026 — Family Destinations

NSW VIC QLD WA SA TAS

Easter Holidays — NSW

11–24 Apr 2026

🇯🇵

Japan

Cherry blossom season — peak timing for Easter. Book 4+ months ahead.

~$1,100 AUD return

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🇮🇩

Bali

Dry season starting — shoulder prices, good weather, school holiday surcharge on flights.

~$480 AUD return

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🇳🇿

New Zealand

Autumn colours — Queenstown is spectacular. Shorter flight for families.

~$290 AUD return

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🇬🇷

Greece

Shoulder season — Athens and islands before the summer rush. 20°C and quiet.

~$1,600 AUD return

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🇻🇳

Vietnam

Dry across the country — Hoi An, Hanoi and the south all excellent.

~$540 AUD return

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Winter Holidays — NSW

4–17 Jul 2026

🇯🇵

Japan (Niseko)

Peak ski season — Niseko and Hokkaido world-class powder. Book 4+ months ahead.

~$1,200 AUD return

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🇮🇩

Bali

Peak dry season — best weather, busiest and most expensive. Book early.

~$550 AUD return

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🇸🇬

Singapore

Year-round destination — families love Universal Studios, Gardens by the Bay, Zoo.

~$480 AUD return

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🇫🇯

Fiji

Dry season, warm water, perfect for families. Cheaper than school holiday Bali.

~$470 AUD return

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🇹🇭

Thailand

Dry season in most areas — Chiang Mai and Bangkok excellent. Islands variable.

~$580 AUD return

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Spring Holidays — NSW

26 Sep–9 Oct 2026

🇮🇩

Bali

Still dry season — September is arguably Bali's best month. Less crowded than July.

~$450 AUD return

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🇯🇵

Japan

Autumn colours beginning — Hokkaido in peak autumn. Tokyo in mid-October.

~$980 AUD return

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🇮🇹

Italy

Post-summer — Rome, Florence, Venice with far fewer crowds. Warm 22°C weather.

~$1,500 AUD return

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🇻🇳

Vietnam

Post-monsoon — Hoi An and central coast at their best. Excellent value.

~$530 AUD return

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🇲🇦

Morocco

Perfect weather — Marrakech and Sahara at their best. School holiday underrated destination.

~$1,700 AUD return

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Summer Holidays — NSW

21 Dec 2026–26 Jan 2027

🇯🇵

Japan

Winter — Tokyo Christmas lights, New Year celebrations, ski season. Book 5+ months ahead.

~$1,150 AUD return

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🇻🇳

Vietnam

Dry season south and central — Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An, Da Nang all excellent.

~$560 AUD return

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🇹🇭

Thailand

Dry season — Christmas/New Year in Thailand is extraordinary. Extremely busy.

~$680 AUD return

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🇲🇻

Maldives

Peak season — Christmas Maldives is exceptional but expensive. Book 6+ months ahead.

~$980 AUD return

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🇱🇰

Sri Lanka

West coast dry season — Colombo, Galle, Mirissa whale watching. Less crowded than Maldives.

~$950 AUD return

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⏱️ When to Book — School Holiday Timeline

4–6 months ahead Book flights — school holiday fares increase rapidly after 3 months out

3–4 months ahead Book accommodation — especially for Bali, Japan and Europe in peak periods

2 months ahead Book activities and tours — Elephant Nature Park, cooking classes, popular experiences

6 weeks ahead Buy travel insurance (and Inca Trail permits if South America)

2 weeks ahead Check entry requirements have not changed. Register on Smartraveller.

Best School Holiday Travel 2026

Easter Holidays — NSW

Winter Holidays — NSW

Spring Holidays — NSW

Summer Holidays — NSW

⏱️ When to Book — School Holiday Timeline

📅 Book before school holiday fares spike

Wait — don't leave empty-handed!

Best School Holiday Travel 2026

Easter Holidays — NSW

Winter Holidays — NSW

Spring Holidays — NSW

Summer Holidays — NSW

⏱️ When to Book — School Holiday Timeline

📅 Book before school holiday fares spike

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