QLD School and Public Holidays, Terms and Long Weekends for Families 2024

We’re approaching the festive season, so it’s time to start planning and look forward to the joyous moments that lie ahead!

Listed below are the dates for 2023 of all Queensland school breaks, terms, and public holidays.

As well, we will provide tips on how to maximize your public holidays by strategically taking leave, allowing you to enjoy the long weekends to the fullest!

Secondary, special education, and primary education are all part of the organized system used in Queensland (QLD) schools. A summary is provided below:

Educational Organization

Elementary Education : From Year 1 through Year 6.

Third-Level Education: spanning from Grade 7 to Grade 12.

Tailored programs are offered by Special Schools for students with certain needs.

Types of Schools

Publicly sponsored institutions that do not charge tuition to locals are known as State institutions.

Private and Independent Schools: These are tuition-based educational institutions, frequently associated with certain religious or educational ideologies.

Private schools with a Catholic religious background that charge fees are known as Catholic Schools.

The English, Mathematics, Science, and Humanities are the core topics of the Australian Curriculum.

  • Senior Secondary: In grades 11 through 12, the emphasis is on getting pupils ready for college, career training, or the workforce.
  • NAPLAN: Year 3, 5, 7, and 9 national assessments.

Terms Used in Schools

The four-term scheme used by QLD schools is as follows:

 End of January until the beginning of April (**Term 1**).

 *Term 2**: Late April–early June

 **Term 3** - Mid-July through mid-September.

 **Semester 4**: From early October to mid-December

Vacations

  • Horizon: From mid-December to the end of January. Two weeks separate each term during Other Breaks.

School Hours

Normal business hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Critical Exams

At the end of Year 12, students are awarded the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), which is determined by their cumulative performance.

  • Australian Tertiary Admission Requirement)

1. School Holidays Queensland 2024 – Updated

Here’s the updated information on Queensland school holidays for 2024:

2024 Queensland School Holidays

Note: This is the long summer break leading into the next school year.

Term 1 Holidays:

Start: Friday, 29 March 2024

End: Sunday, 14 April 2024

Note: Term 1 ends earlier due to Easter, with public holidays on Good Friday (29 March), Easter Monday (1 April), and Anzac Day (25 April).

Term 2 Holidays:

Start: Saturday, 22 June 2024

End: Sunday, 7 July 2024

Note: This is the winter break, with Queensland Day (6 June) and the Queen’s Birthday (8 June) occurring during the term.

Term 3 Holidays:

Start: Saturday, 21 September 2024

End: Monday, 7 October 2024

Note: Includes Labor Day on 7 October, marking the end of the holiday period.

Term 4 Holidays:

Start: Saturday, 14 December 2024

End: Late January 2025 (specific date to be confirmed)

2. Queensland 2023 School Terms

Term 1 : Monday 22 January to Thursday 28 March
Term 2 : Monday 15 April to Friday 21 June
Term 3 : Monday 8 July to Friday 13 September
Term 4 : Monday 30 September to Friday 13 December

3. QLD Public Holidays Chart for 2024

Public Holiday2024
New Year’s DayMonday 1 January
Tuesday 2 January
Austalria Day Friday 26 January
Good FridaySunday 7 April
Saturday Before Easter Sunday Monday 8 April
Easter SundayTuesday 9 April
Easter MondayWednesday 10 April
ANZAC DayThursday 25 April
Labour DayWednesday 1 May
Ekka Wednesday(Brisbane)Friday 16 August
King’s BirthdayWednesday 12 June
Christmas DayWednesday 25 December
Boxing Day Thursday 26 December

4. Long Weekends and When to Take Leave

There are Three 3-day long weekends in 2024:

New Year Day: 31 Dec 2023 – 2 Jan 2024 (Sun – Tuesday)
Labour Day: 29Apr– 13 May(Mon – Mon)
King’s Birthday: 10 – 12 Jun (Mon – Wed)

You might consider taking leave to create a long four-day or five-day weekend by taking the following steps:

Jan – Australia Day
Apr – GOOD FRIDAY / Easter *SAT-SUN-MON
Apr – ANZAC Day
Aug – Ekka Wednesday(Brisbane)

Craving a getaway around Queensland? 

If you’re looking for a beach escape, rainforest exploration, or an outback adventure, Queensland has plenty to offer. These suggestions are based on many areas of interest:

1. Sunset Getaways

  • Whitsunday Islands: Take in the splendour of the resorts, explore the Great Barrier Reef, and unwind on Whitehaven Beach.
  • Gold Coast: Known for its theme parks, lively nightlife, and surf beaches. Ideal for fun-filled weekends or families.
  • Sunshine Coast: A more relaxed option featuring breathtaking beaches, hikes along the coast, and the well-known Australia Zoo.

2. Retreats in the Rainforest

  • Daintree Rainforest: Dive into one of the world’s oldest rainforests. Discover Cape Tribulation, stay in eco-lodges, and see rare wildlife.
  • Tamborine Mountain: This region, which is about an hour’s drive from Brisbane, is home to artisan stores, waterfalls, and lush rainforests. Perfect for a long weekend

3. Outback Adventures –

Longreach: Explore Queensland’s outback history by going to the Qantas Founders Museum and the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame.

  • Winton: Explore the surrounding dinosaur trails and learn about the origins of the well-known “Waltzing Matilda.”

4. Cities Apart

  • Brisbane: Take part in a variety of outdoor activities, cuisine, and culture. Take a river boat, see the Queensland Art Gallery, and visit South Bank.
  • Cairns: The entrance to the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Excellent for those who enjoy the outdoors and adventure.

5. Vacations on Islands

  • Fraser Island (K’gari): Known for its breathtaking beaches, freshwater lakes, and 4WD adventures, this island is recognized as a World Heritage Site.
  • Moreton Island: Perfect for sandboarding, snorkeling, and feeding dolphins, this island is close to Brisbane.

6. Romantic Escapes –

Noosa: Savor gourmet dining, boutique shopping, and stunning beaches. Excellent for couples seeking a sophisticated, laid-back atmosphere.

  • Port Douglas: A more sedate choice with opulent resorts and excellent dining close to the Great Barrier Reef.

Whether you’re searching for adventure, leisure, or a little bit of both, each of these locations has something special to offer. Which of these locations appeals to you the most?

Plan a family getaway for the school holidays

Arranging a fun family vacation in Queensland over the summer break may be a thrilling experience! Here’s a detailed guide to help you organize an enjoyable and unforgettable trip:

  1. Select Your Location
    Theme parks (such as Sea World, Dreamworld, and Movie World), gorgeous beaches, and family-friendly activities make the Gold Coast ideal for families.
    Sunshine Coast: A more laid-back atmosphere with family-friendly attractions like the Eumundi Markets, Australia Zoo, and Underwater World.
    Whitsundays: With opportunities for sailing, snorkeling, and exploring the Great Barrier Reef, this destination is perfect for families that enjoy the ocean.
    Families seeking adventure will love Fraser Island (K’gari), which offers 4WD excursions, camping, and freshwater lake swimming.
  1. Lodging Choices
    Vacation Apartments: For families that wish to cook, a lot of coastal places provide fully equipped apartments with kitchens.
    Resorts: Seek out kid-friendly accommodations with kid-friendly activities, pools, and clubs.
    Camping or Glamping: If your family is outdoorsy, think about going camping or glamping on an island or in one of Queensland’s national parks.
  2. Make an activity plan
    The Gold Coast’s theme parks: Visit each park for a whole day. To save money, think about getting a multi-park pass.
    Beaches and Water Sports: Arrange boat rides, kayaking, paddleboarding, and beach days.
    Wildlife interactions: For up-close interactions with Australian animals, visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary or the Australia Zoo.
    Walking and Hiking in the Natural Environment: Discover kid-friendly paths in the hinterlands, including the Glass House Mountains or
  1. Examine the Schedule
    Holidays in Term 1 (late March to early April): Ideal for trips to the Gold Coast or Whitsundays before the weather becomes too chilly.
    Term 2 Holidays (late June–early July): Perfect for a trip to the Sunshine Coast, the cooler temperature makes for enjoyable outdoor pursuits.
    Term 3 Holidays (late September to early October): As the weather heats up, these days are perfect for an island getaway or beach vacation.
    Summer Vacations: Ideal for island and coastal locations to take advantage of the warmest months of the year (mid-December to late January).
  1. Budgeting Accommodation: Make reservations in advance to get the best rates, particularly during the busiest holiday seasons.
    Transportation: If you intend to travel farther from your place of lodging, think about renting a car.
    Activities: To save money, look for family passes or package discounts for theme parks and other activities.
    Meals: To keep costs in check, schedule a combination of eating out and cooking for yourself.
  2. Packing Necessities
    Clothes: If you’re traveling in the winter or early spring, bring layers in addition to clothing for the weather.
    Beach Gear: Remember to include swimwear, hats, sunscreen, and beach towels.
    Outdoor Gear: Bring the right boots, insect repellant, and camping necessities if you’re going on a hike or camping trip.
    Entertainment: For downtime or travel, pack games, novels, or tablets.
  1. Health and Safety
    Make sure everyone has enough sunscreen and hats to protect them from the sun.
    Take along a basic first aid kit, particularly if you want to engage in outdoor activities.
    Pay attention to local safety alerts and weather updates, particularly if you plan to be near the beach or in the water.
    An example schedule for a seven-day trip to the Gold Coast:
    Day 1: Travel to Surfers Paradise and spend the day at the beach.
    Visit Sea World on Day 2.
    Day 3: Visit Tamborine Mountain and the Gold Coast Hinterland.
    Day 4: Unwind on the sand; whale watching is optional.
    Day 5: Visit Dreamworld for the day.
    Day 6: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary visitation.
    Day 7: Last morning at the beach and out.
    This itinerary strikes a mix of action and leisure, guaranteeing fun times for the whole family. Which direction are you heading in the direction of?

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FAQs

Dates of the school term
Summer breaks for schools December 9th, Saturday, through January 21st, 2024
Autumn school holidays for Term 1.Monday, January 22, 2024 – Thursday, March 28, 2024 – Friday, March 29, – Sunday, April 14, 2024

Winter break for Term 2 schools April 15th through Friday, June 21st, 2024; June 22nd through Sunday, July 7th, 2024

In Queensland, term 3 runs for ten weeks in 2024. It departs from:

  • Start: July 8, 2024, Monday

Complete: Friday, September 20, 2024

This spans the entire ten-week duration.

There are typically ten public holidays in Queensland each year. The following is a schedule of regular public holidays for 2024:

  1. Monday, January 1st is New Year’s Day.

2. Australia Day, this Friday, January 26

  1. March 29, Friday, is Good Friday.
  2. March 30, Saturday, is Easter Saturday.
  3. Easter Sunday : March 31, Sunday
  4. Easter Monday : April 1st, Monday
  5. April 25, Thursday, is Anzac Day
  6. Monday, May 6, is Labour Day
  7. October 7th is Monday, the Queen’s birthday.
  8. December 25, Wednesday, is Christmas Day
  9. December 26, Thursday, is Boxing Day

Depending on local events, some regions of Queensland may have extra holidays, such as show days.

In Queensland, an average school day lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes. This is the typical timetable:

Time of Start: Approximately 9:00 A.M.

  • End Time: Approximately 3:00 PM

While each school may have a somewhat different schedule, most adhere to this general schedule. There are breaks during the school day for lunch and morning recess.

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