We’ve listed the major State and Sydney School Holidays in New South Wales and term dates to help your family pre-plan short trips and weekend getaways. For every term, spend the school holidays in NSW exploring the states different regional destinations. Make sure you book your stay at ChoiceHotels.com to get the best value.
NSW TERM 1
| School Term Dates | 9 Weeks |
| Start: 31st January 2023 | End: 6th April 2023 |
| Autumn School Holidays | 2 Weeks |
| Start: 6th April 2023 | End: 21st April 2023 |
Autumn School Holiday Ideas
Dessert Tour of Sydney: Celebrate the first Sydney school holidays of 2022 by eating your way through the CBD. Sydney offers some of the finest (and most delicious!) sweet treats in Australia, so plan a day out hitting Sydney’s five top dessert stops for a sugar rush with the family.
Merimbula: If retreating from the hustle and bustle of the city is more your speed, take the weekend to relax in Merimbula. Filled with history and beautiful scenery, coastal Merimbula offers a range of activities for all ages including the famous boardwalk, Magic Mountain theme park and Potoroo Palace animal sanctuary.
NSW TERM 2
| School Term Dates | 10 Weeks |
| Start: 26th April 2023 | End: 30th June 2023 |
| Winter School Holidays | 2 Weeks |
| Start: 3rd July 2023 | End: 14th July 2023 |
Winter School Holiday Ideas
Bathurst Winter Festival: From July 1-16, don’t miss out on a family trip to Bathurst to experience the annual Winter Festival. Celebrate the chilly season on the massive frozen ice rink, and enjoy food and treats from a range of local vendors.
Dubbo: Head to the centre of NSW for a getaway that’s sure to suit the whole family. Overflowing with culture and history, Dubbo is home to key Australian attractions including the Old Dubbo Gaol and Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Don’t forget to enjoy delicious food from the Macquarie Valley region by visiting celebrated Dubbo restaurants or the local farmers’ market.
NSW TERM 3
| School Term Dates | 10 Weeks |
| Start: 18th July 2023 | End: 22nd September 2023 |
| Spring School Holidays | 2 Weeks |
| Start: 25th September 2023 | End: 6th October 2023 |
Spring School Holiday Ideas
Olympic Park: Spring is the perfect time to visit the location of Australia’s 2000 Sydney Olympics. In the last two decades, Sydney’s Olympic Park has transformed into a playground for fitness fanatics and families. With a year-round ‘Kids in the Park’ program, Olympic Park offers free school holiday activities for all ages including bird watching, movies, BMX, and disc golf. For a small fee, adventure seekers can also get involved in high ropes course, trapeze, laser tag and more!
Sydney to Canberra: Australia’s capital city lies just over three hours from Sydney CBD, perfect for a weekend road trip with the family. At the centre of Australia’s politics, Canberra offers a range of exciting and educational activities that kids and adults will love, including a tour of Parliament house, the National Gallery of Australia, and the Australian War Memorial. Visit in Spring to enjoy the famous Floriade flower festival!
NSW TERM 4
| School Term Dates | 10 Weeks |
| Start: 9th October 2023 | End: 19th December 2023 |
| Summer School Holidays | 2 Weeks |
| Start: 20th December 2023 | End: 29th January 2023 |
Summer School Holiday Ideas
Wollongong: As the weather heats up and the silly season dies down, Wollongong provides a coastal oasis – ideal for a short family break. Drive across the amazing Sea Cliff Bridge for an unforgettable coastline view and photo opportunity. For some New Year excitement, head to Jamberoo water-park, then relax and rewind to yesteryear at the heritage buildings of Shellharbour Village.
Tamworth: If you’re a country music family, Tamworth is the place to be between January 19-28 in 2024. Home to Australia’s most iconic country music festival, Tamworth offers country culture, great food and great music for all ages. While you’re there, don’t miss the Big Golden Guitar tourist centre, Gallery of Stars Wax Museum and Australian Country Music Hall of Fame!
