Northern Territory School Holidays 2024
The Northern Territory has a combination of statewide public holidays and regional public holidays for local shows in some areas. The areas of the NT that have regional public holidays are Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine, Darwin and Borroloola.
2024 Northern Territory School Holidays & School Term Dates
In the Northern Territory (NT), most government schools follow the same term dates.
If your child attends a non-government school, it is advisable to check the term dates directly with the school.
School Terms | Dates |
---|---|
Summer school holidays | Saturday 16 December – Tuesday 30 January 2024 |
Term 1 Autumn school holidays | Tuesday 30 January – Friday 5 April 2024 Saturday 6 April – Sunday 14 April 2024 |
Term 2 Winter school holidays | Tuesday 16 April – Friday 21 June 2024 Saturday 22 June – Monday 15 July 2024 |
Term 3 Spring school holidays | Tuesday 16 July – Friday 20 September 2024 Saturday 21 September – Sunday 6 October 2024 |
Term 4 Summer school holidays | Tuesday 8 October – Thursday 12 December 2024 Saturday 14 December – Tuesday 29 January 2025 |
Future Term Dates
From 2025 to 2027, urban and remote schools in the Northern Territory will have the same start and finish dates.
Below are the school term dates for the next four years.
2025
Terms | Start | Finish |
---|---|---|
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 |
2026
Terms | Start | Finish |
---|---|---|
Term 1 | Wednesday 28 January | Thursday 2 April |
Term 2 | Monday 13 April | Friday 19 June |
Term 3 | Tuesday 14 July | Friday 18 September |
Term 4 | Monday 5 October | Friday 11 December |
2027
Terms | Start | Finish |
---|---|---|
Term 1 | Wednesday 27 January | Friday 2 April |
Term 2 | Monday 12 April | Friday 18 June |
Term 3 | Tuesday 13 July | Friday 17 September |
Term 4 | Monday 4 October | Friday 10 December |
Northern Territory Public and Regional Holidays 2024
Holidays | Dates |
---|---|
New Year’s Day | Monday 1 January 2024 |
Australia Day | Friday 26 January 2024 |
Good Friday | Friday 29 March 2024 |
Easter Saturday | Sunday 30 March 2024 |
Easter Sunday | Sunday 31 March 2024 |
Easter Monday | Monday 1 April 2024 |
ANZAC Day | Thursday 25 April 2024 |
May Day | Monday 6 May 2024 |
King’s Birthday | Monday 10 June 2024 |
Alice Springs Show Day (Regional) | Friday 5 July 2024 |
Tennant Creek Show Day (Regional) | Friday 12 July 2024 |
Katherine Show Day (Regional) | Friday 19 July 2024 |
Darwin Show Day (Regional) | Friday 26 July 2024 |
Picnic Day | Monday 5 August 2024 |
Borroloola Show Day (Regional) | Friday 16 August 2024 |
Christmas Eve (from 7pm) | Tuesday 24 December 2024 |
Christmas Day | Wednesday 25 December 2024 |
Boxing Day | Thursday 26 December 2024 |
2025
Holidays | Dates |
---|---|
New Year’s Day | Wednesday 1 January 2025 |
Australia Day | Monday 27 January 2025 |
Good Friday | Friday 18 April 2025 |
Easter Saturday | Saturday 19 April 2025 |
Easter Sunday | Sunday 20 April 2025 |
Easter Monday | Monday 21 April 2025 |
ANZAC Day | Friday 25 April 2025 |
May Day | Monday 5 May 2025 |
King’s Birthday | Monday 9 June 2025 |
Alice Springs Show Day (Regional) | Friday 4 July 2025 |
Tennant Creek Show Day (Regional) | Friday 11 July 2025 |
Katherine Show Day (Regional) | Friday 18 July 2025 |
Darwin Show Day (Regional) | Friday 25 July 2025 |
Picnic Day | Monday 4 August 2025 |
Christmas Eve (from 7pm) | Wednesday 24 December 2025 |
Christmas Day | Thursday 25 December 2025 |
Boxing Day | Friday 26 December 2025 |
Northern Territory Public Holidays in Detail
May Day
Also known as Labour Day in other Australian states and territories, May Day celebrates the establishment of the modern eight-hour working day, which was introduced in the 19th century. This holiday is always observed on a Monday, creating a long weekend each year.
Alice Springs Show Day
The Alice Springs Show is an annual agricultural and pastoral event that highlights the region’s top produce, livestock, and crafts.
It features a variety of attractions, including outback sporting events, photography and cooking contests, carnival rides, and firework displays. Each year, approximately 18,000 people attend the Northern Territory’s largest agricultural show.
This event is exclusively observed in the Alice Springs region.
Tennant Creek Show Day
The Tennant Creek Show Day celebrates the region’s agricultural achievements. Key attractions include cattle and dog demonstrations, rides, sideshow alley games, music events, and arts and crafts competitions.
This event is exclusively observed in the Tennant Creek region.
Katherine Show Day
The Katherine Show Day features several large competitions with prizes for dog jumping, needlework, cooking, poetry, writing, and rodeo.
Equestrian events are held throughout the week leading up to the public holiday, with the main events occurring on Friday and Saturday. The showcase competitions typically see around 3,000 entries. The day concludes with a fireworks display on Saturday night.
This event is exclusively observed in the Katherine region.
Darwin Show Day
The Darwin Show, established in 1952, is the oldest show day in the Northern Territory. It showcases Darwin’s agriculture, livestock, trade, and industries.
Each year, more than 20,000 locals and visitors participate in 24 competition categories, including stud cattle, arts and crafts, horticulture, and photography.
This event is exclusively observed in Darwin and the surrounding regions.
Picnic Day
Picnic Day began in the late 1800s as a holiday for railway workers to picnic at the Adelaide River.
Today, annual races are held in Harts Ranges on Picnic Day, featuring bull rides and children’s competitions.
Borroloola Show Day
The Borroloola Show is one of the smallest shows in the country, attracting over 1,000 guests from surrounding areas and doubling the town’s population.
This event is exclusively observed in the Borroloola region.
9 Northern Territory holiday destinations for kids
From its red heart to its sparkling coastline lapped by shimmering blue seas, the Northern Territory is an unforgettable holiday destination for families.
The Northern Territory is one of the most magical places in Australia. With calming hot springs, deep orange sunsets, warm tropical nights, and incredible outback landscapes, there’s no place quite like it. The best way to experience the Northern Territory is by campervan, traveling from Darwin to the Never Never, exploring spectacular national parks and swimming holes along the way. It’s the ultimate outback playground for kids, offering a never-ending adventure with new sensory experiences at every stop.
When traveling with babies or toddlers, plan your visit during the dry season, between May and August, to avoid high humidity. Ensure you hire a campervan with air conditioning and book into powered campsites to provide relief from the heat if needed. Schedule long drives around nap times to reduce the time you need to entertain them on the road.
1. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
A trip to the Northern Territory isn’t complete without visiting Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This timeless location is rich in Indigenous culture and spirituality, with Uluru as its star attraction. The enormous rock, with a circumference of 9.4 kilometers, dominates the landscape. Families can explore it by foot, bike, or camel. Outback Cycling offers bike rentals, including ride-along bikes, baby and toddler seats, and bikes for kids, while Uluru Camel Tours provides a unique desert experience suitable for children aged five and over.
For stargazing, Outback Sky Journeys Astro Tours lets you gaze at billions of stars while learning how Indigenous Australians use them for navigation. Additionally, Maruku Arts offers workshops where kids can learn about Aboriginal art, symbols, and tools, and create their own dot painting masterpiece to take home.
Be sure to also visit the nearby Kata Tjuta rock formations, which are 500 million years old, and take a guided walk through the extraordinary Valley of the Winds.

2. Katherine Gorge and Nitmiluk National Park
No Northern Territory holiday is complete without experiencing Katherine Gorge and Nitmiluk National Park. Katherine is where the outback meets the tropics, serving as the gateway to Nitmiluk National Park and its vast network of gorges. The 13 deep sandstone gorges, carved by the Katherine River, are a sight to behold. For families with babies and small kids, the Nit Nit Dreaming Two Gorge Tour is ideal, while older children will enjoy the Malappar Traveller Canoe Adventure, both offering stunning views of the gorges.
You can swim in refreshing waterholes, soak in the natural thermal Katherine Hot Springs located right in town, or paddle through the ancient sandstone walls of the Katherine River. Nitmiluk Tours offers a variety of ways to explore the area, including by foot, canoe, boat, or helicopter.
Families will also enjoy connecting with the local Indigenous culture. The Top Didj Aboriginal Cultural Experience, led by local artist Manuel Pamkal, includes a traditional welcome, spear-throwing lessons, fire-lighting with sticks, feeding baby wallabies, and learning the art of rarrk painting. Additionally, the area’s traditional owners, the Jawoyn people, share enchanting Dreamtime stories over a firelit camp dinner. For a unique look into life in the Top End, spend an afternoon at the Katherine Outback Experience.

3. Explore Yulara, the gateway to Uluru
The township of Yulara is the gateway to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and home to Ayers Rock Resort, an Aboriginal-owned enterprise offering a range of accommodations from camping to five-star options. The resort provides a comprehensive guest activities program that includes cultural guided walks, art markets, dot painting workshops, Indigenous storytelling, and a Bush Tucker Experience.
As night falls and billions of stars illuminate the outback sky, guests can join a resident astronomer to learn how ancient cultures used the night sky for navigation and mythology, leaving kids truly spellbound.

4. Alice Springs (Mparntwe)
Alice Springs, known to locals as ‘Mparntwe’, is a desert playground and a wonderland in the Red Centre.
Explore the scenic beauty of the expansive Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park. Venture as far as your little one’s feet will allow before cooling down at Ellery Creek, Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen, or Redbank Gorge. Ellery Creek offers a lovely picnic area, while Redbank Gorge is popular for floating through rock formations and tree-lined creeks with inflatables.
Discover the local wildlife at Alice Springs Desert Park, featuring dingoes and native birds of prey. Explore the ancient world at Megafauna Central, where fossils and life-sized replicas depict the giant creatures that roamed eight million years ago. At The Kangaroo Sanctuary, you can hold a kangaroo joey as the sun sets. The Alice Springs Reptile Centre is home to frilled-neck lizards, thorny devils, and Terry the saltwater croc.
Visit Earth Sanctuary, an innovative eco-tourism attraction offering day and night tours focused on sustainability and reducing environmental impact. Don’t miss the ‘World’s Largest Classroom’ at the School of the Air in Alice Springs, where kids can see how children in Australia’s most remote regions receive their education via internet and radio.
Delve into the town’s history at Alice Springs Telegraph Station, a museum dedicated to Australia’s connection to the world via telegraph in 1871. This site also marks the starting point of the Larapinta Trail, one of the country’s premier treks.

5. Kakadu
Inside Australia’s biggest national park, Kakadu, you’ll find stunning rainforests, thundering waterfalls, and rock art galleries up to 20,000 years old. At its heart are vast wetlands home to saltwater crocodiles and diverse birdlife, including whistling ducks and blue-winged kookaburras. Driving from Darwin to Kakadu, you can break up the trip with a Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River.
In Kakadu, stay at the Ngurrungurrudjba (Yellow Water) Campground & Caravan Park, which offers a pool and an on-site restaurant. Take a sunrise Yellow Water Cruise to see the billabong come alive with crocodiles, buffalo, wild horses, and unique bird species. Visit Ubirr for some of the most detailed and well-preserved Aboriginal rock art in the Top End. Cool off at Maguk Waterhole after a walk through the rainforest. For a stunning sunset, head to Nawurlandja Lookout and watch Nourlangie Rock glow in spectacular shades of red and orange.
Top 5 Things to Do in Kakadu
- Bowali Visitor Centre: Start here to get your bearings. The kids will enjoy the walk-through displays about the park’s plants and animals.
- Aboriginal Rock Art Galleries: Explore Ubirr, Nourlangie, and Nanguluwur to see fascinating records of Aboriginal life over thousands of years. Make time to navigate the rocky path to the lookout for a spectacular sunset.
- Guluyambi Cultural Cruise: Travel up the East Alligator River with an Aboriginal guide, learning about local traditions, food chains, and bush survival skills.
- Gunlom Falls: This 85-metre waterfall flows into a natural plunge pool. At the bottom, there’s a safe splash area for kids, and at the top, a stunning infinity pool, rock pools, and a lookout for those who can manage the one-kilometre return climb.
- Yellow Water Cruises: Navigate the crocodile-inhabited waters and book a sunset tour for spectacular views tinged with magenta.

6. Darwin
The Northern Territory’s multicultural and dynamic capital is packed with fun for families. Easy to fly into and explore by foot, car, or bike, Darwin serves as the gateway to the Northern Territory. Be sure to take time to discover this vibrant city. Stop for a dip at the Darwin Waterfront, where the lagoon beach guarantees no crocodiles and offers plenty of great places to eat. Take a self-guided street art walking tour through the city to discover laneways bursting with colorful murals.
In the afternoon, head to the Mindil Sunset Markets (held on Thursdays and Sundays), grab dinner from one of the food trucks, and find a spot on the beach to watch an iconic Darwin sunset. On another night, enjoy a movie at the Deckchair Cinema, which shows kids’ movies on Sunday nights and offers dinner from local businesses before the movie. Base yourself at Discovery Parks Darwin for a convenient and comfortable stay.

7. Mataranka
In the heart of the Never Never, Mataranka is home to some of the most incredible natural hot springs within Elsey National Park. Stay at the Mataranka Homestead, where you can walk from your campervan straight to the thermal pool, enjoy the sight of peacocks roaming around, and listen to live music at the restaurant. Just down the road, Bitter Springs offers a natural spring experience where you can float from one end to the other with the gentle current. This stunning oasis is surrounded by tall palm trees, creating a serene and picturesque setting.

8. Litchfield National Park
With year-round waterfalls and croc-free waterholes (at certain times), it’s easy to see why Litchfield National Park is a favorite. Buley Rockhole is perfect for kids, offering plenty of small rock holes to jump between and shallow pools for a refreshing dip. Wangi Falls is also popular, featuring a sandy shore that leads right into the pool beneath the waterfall. Florence Falls is one of the park’s best waterfalls, and don’t miss the giant cathedral and magnetic termite mounds, some of which are over 100 years old. Litchfield National Park has unpowered campgrounds, with many options for powered sites just outside the park.
The drive back to Darwin from Litchfield National Park takes about an hour and 15 minutes. On your way, stop for a dip at Berry Springs and enjoy a meal at Berry Springs Tavern before returning to your accommodations in the city.

9. Tiwi Islands
Take a trip north of Darwin with SeaLink to the Tiwi Islands, where the Arafura Sea meets the Timor Sea. The Tiwi Islands consist of two main islands, Bathurst and Melville, along with nine smaller uninhabited islands.
The Tiwi Islands are home to a vibrant Indigenous community where art, culture, and a passion for Australian Rules Football thrive. Experience their creative spirit at one of the many art centers or join a cultural tour with a Tiwi local, where you can create your own masterpiece in an art session. The islands themselves are as colorful as the art, featuring lush green rainforests, white clay cliffs, brilliant blue waters, vivid red-sand beaches, and spectacular orange sunsets.

Northern Territory’s Best Holiday Parks
The Northern Territory is a vast playground waiting to be explored. Discover untouched Katherine, artistic Alice Springs, wildlife encounters in Kakadu, and the outback wonder of Uluru. The best holiday parks in the Northern Territory, as voted by readers in the Caravan & Camping with Kids Best Holiday Parks Awards, help you experience this magical beauty. Top parks near Darwin include BIG4 Howard Springs Holiday Park, BIG4 Hidden Valley Holiday Park, and Darwin FreeSpirit Resort.
These holiday parks offer fantastic amenities like BMX tracks, playgrounds, swimming pools, water parks with huge slides, and fire pits, providing everything needed for a memorable family stay in the Northern Territory.
1. Discovery Parks – Alice Springs
Discovery Parks – Alice Springs has once again been voted the Northern Territory’s Best Holiday Park. Located just minutes from the township of Alice Springs in the MacDonnell Ranges, it serves as the perfect base for your outback adventure. Participate in cultural events and activities such as Parrtjima, the only authentic Aboriginal light festival. Afterward, return to the park to take a dip in one of the pools while the kids enjoy the waterslide.
There are plenty of activities within the park, including hiring pedal karts, playing on the jumping pillows, or joining a kids club activity. As the sun sets, gather around a campfire to toast marshmallows. Don’t miss the weekly star talks with a knowledgeable astronomer or the famous pancake breakfast held every Sunday morning.
Discovery Parks – Alice Springs offers a variety of accommodation options, including cabins that sleep up to six, bunkhouses, safari tents, and powered/unpowered sites.

2. Darwin FreeSpirit Resort
Darwin FreeSpirit Resort is the top choice for families visiting Darwin. Enjoy cocktails or dine al fresco at the Elements Poolside Bar & Bistro while the kids splash around in the unique jellybean-shaped pool. The resort features live entertainment, modern dining options, and a Kidz Korner filled with crafts, games, and animal encounters to keep the little ones entertained. Children can also ride scooters and bikes on the park’s paved streets, play on the jumping pillow, and enjoy the gaming room.
Accommodation options include cabins and villas that can accommodate up to five family members, as well as a variety of studio rooms and powered campsites. For those looking to explore, Darwin CBD is just a 15-minute drive away.

3. BIG4 Howard Springs Holiday Park
Children will delight in the splash park at BIG4 Howard Springs Holiday Park, which offers exciting features such as water pistol stations, squirting crocodiles, and a massive tipping bucket for an exhilarating splashdown. The park also boasts three saltwater pools and spas, pedal go-kart rentals, and a jumping pillow for added enjoyment. From June to August, guests can partake in a variety of entertaining activities including didgeridoo shows, sausage sizzles with live music, food van visits, wine tasting, and trivia nights. The onsite kiosk offers essentials, ice creams, and takeaway alcohol for convenience, while a fully-equipped camp kitchen is available for guest use.
Accommodation options range from cottages, cabins, and villas to powered and ensuite sites. Located just 30 minutes from Darwin, visitors can easily explore the family-friendly attractions of the Northern Territory’s capital.

4. Nitmiluk Campground
No trip to the Northern Territory is complete without experiencing the breathtaking beauty of Nitmiluk Gorge. Nitmiluk Campground offers the ideal base for families to explore this remarkable region’s natural wonders. Wake up to the soothing sounds of birdcalls from grassy powered and unpowered sites, then take a leisurely 10-minute stroll to the Gorge Tours’ jetty.
From there, embark on a variety of captivating tours through the Gorge, including the NitNit Dreaming Cruise and the Dawn Tour. Upon returning to the campground, unwind with a refreshing dip in the pool, take advantage of the laundry facilities, or enjoy the outdoor camp kitchen and barbecue area.

5. BIG4 Hidden Valley Holiday Park
If you’re in search of one of Darwin’s premier holiday parks, look no further than BIG4 Hidden Valley Holiday Park. Located just 10 minutes south of Darwin, it offers easy access to waterfront dining and family-friendly attractions at Stokes Hill Wharf. The park boasts amenities such as a saltwater pool, barbecue area, children’s playground, and the delightful Hidden Delights café. Accommodation options include fully-equipped villas, cabins, and lodges featuring kitchens, air conditioning, and relaxing patios. For those preferring a more traditional camping experience, powered and ensuite sites are also available for pitching tents.

NT Festivals

If people can take part in an annual cycle of seasonal rites of passage that have an observable reality in the changes of nature, they may, it is hoped, feel a stronger responsibility as adults for the earth and its needs and not be confined.
The rhythmic cycle of the year is celebrated at our school, we foster a sense of harmony with the changing seasons. These changes are reflected in our activities and nature. When children come together, we hope that there will be a sense of sharing with the greater community what they are doing. With a quiet, receptive fully engaged atmosphere we try to place less emphasis on individuals and more emphasis on the synergy of what is created together.
NT school holidays, term dates and public holidays 2024 List
Most NT government schools follow consistent school holiday dates, though urban and remote schools may have different start and end dates. Gunbalanya School has flexible term and holiday dates to accommodate community activities. Private school students should check with their respective schools for their holiday schedules.
2024 NT School Terms: Darwin
School Terms | School Dates |
---|---|
Term1 | Tuesday 30 January 2024 – Friday 05 April 2024 Teachers start: Monday 29 January 2024 |
Term 2 | Tuesday 16 April 2024 – Friday 21 June 2024 Teachers start: Monday 15 April 2024 |
Term 3 | Tuesday 16 July 2024 – Friday 20 September 2024 Teachers start: Monday 15 July 2024 |
Term 4 | Tuesday 08 October 2024 – Thursday 12 December 2024 Teachers start: Monday 7 October 2024 |
2024 NT School Holidays: Darwin, Alice Springs
Holiday Term | Holiday Dates |
---|---|
Term 1 | April school holidays 2024 NT: Saturday 06 April 2024 – Monday 15 April 2024 |
Term 2 | June July school holidays 2024 NT: Saturday 22 June 2024 – Monday 15 July 2024 |
Term 3 | September school holidays NT: Saturday 21 September 2024 – Monday 07 October 2024 |
Term 4 | Christmas school holidays 2024 NT: Friday 13 December 2024 – Tuesday 28 January 2025 |
Darwin school holidays 2025
Holiday Day | Dates |
---|---|
First day of school | Wednesday 29 January |
Autumn holidays | Saturday 5 April – Sunday 13 April |
Winter holidays | Saturday 19 June – Monday 16 July |
Spring holidays | Saturday 20 September – Sunday 7 October |
Summer holidays | Saturday 13 December – Tuesday 27 January 2025 |
2024 NT Public Holidays: Darwin, Alice Springs
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS NT 2024 | PUBLIC HOLIDAY DARWIN DATES |
---|---|
New Year’s Day | Monday 1 January 2024 |
Australia Day | Friday 26 January 2024 |
Good Friday | Friday 29 March 2024 |
Easter Saturday | Saturday 30 March 2024 |
Easter Sunday | Sunday 31 March 2024 |
Easter Monday | Monday 1 April 2024 |
ANZAC Day | Thursday 25 April 2024 |
May Day | Monday 6 May 2024 |
King’s Birthday | Monday 10 June 2024 |
Picnic Day | Monday 5 August 2024 |
Christmas Eve | Tuesday 24 December 2024 |
Christmas Day | Wednesday 25 December 2024 |
Boxing Day | Thursday 26 December 2024 |
New Year’s Eve | Tuesday 31 December 2024 |
2024 NT Regional Holidays
REGIONAL HOLIDAYS NT 2024 | REGIONAL HOLIDAY DATES |
---|---|
Alice Springs Show Day | Friday 5 July 2024 |
Tennant Creek Show Day | Friday 12 July 2024 |
Katherine Show Day | Friday 19 July 2024 |
Darwin Show Day | Friday 26 July 2024 |
Borroloola Show Day | Friday 16 August 2024 |
2024 Northern Territory School Holiday FAQ
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School & Public Holiday