Travelling Australia in the summer school holidays

This guide is researched from official sources rather than personal trip reports. It does not list exact dates, prices or availability, because they change every year. Use it to plan, then confirm the details with the official sources linked below.

When the summer school holidays fall

In many states the summer school holidays run from late December into late January or early February, but each state and territory sets its own dates and they change from year to year. Government, Catholic and independent schools can also differ. For exact dates, use your state education department's official term dates page:

• New South Wales
• Victoria
• Queensland
• Western Australia
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Australian Capital Territory
• Northern Territory

Public holidays add to the squeeze. Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day and Australia Day (26 January) fall on fixed dates, and the long weekends they create are some of the busiest travel days of the year. Check your state's public holiday list for how each one is observed.

The busiest places and times

Demand tends to be highest in places that combine a beach, a holiday town and a short drive from a big city. That usually includes coastal towns in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, popular south-west and island destinations, and Tasmania. Travel days around Christmas, New Year and the Australia Day weekend also bring heavy traffic and full car parks.

Booking ahead and what it costs

Book accommodation, campsites, car hire, ferries and any must-do tours as early as you can, and look for options with flexible cancellation. Accommodation, car hire and some tours commonly cost more in peak periods, and some places require minimum stays. Prices and availability change each year, so check current rates directly rather than relying on past figures. If your dates are flexible, shifting by even a few days can help.

How to beat the crowds

• Go early. Beaches, walks and lookouts are much quieter in the morning.
• Travel on weekdays and avoid the Christmas, New Year and Australia Day weekend peaks where you can.
• Pick the next beach along. Smaller beaches and less-known towns often feel calmer than the headline spots.
• Mix coast and inland. A hinterland or highland stop can give you a break from the beach crowds.
• Have a backup plan. If a car park is full or a campground is booked, a second option saves the day.

Heat and sun safety

Summer is hot across much of Australia, and holiday travel often means long drives and long days outdoors. The Bureau of Meteorology's heatwave service publishes warnings. The Cancer Council's sun safety advice recommends sun protection whenever the UV index is 3 or above. Carry plenty of water, plan activities for the cooler part of the day, and never leave children or pets in a parked car. For hot-weather route planning, see our Australia in summer guide.

Quieter alternatives

If the headline destinations are fully booked or too crowded, consider a less-visited stretch of coast or an inland region. The Eyre Peninsula, the Gippsland coast, the Limestone Coast and Tasmania's Great Eastern Drive are examples to look at. They can still be busy at peak times, so book ahead and check current conditions.

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