Hide clues around the house that can only be unlocked by solving a maths problem. Each answer points to the next hiding spot.
Newcastle School Holidays
NSW (Eastern Division) students are on spring school holidays until Friday 9 October 2026, returning Tuesday 13 October 2026. Newcastle combines surf beaches, ocean baths and a compact city centre, with the Hunter Valley and Lake Macquarie close by. Newcastle schools follow the NSW Eastern Division calendar.
NSW school terms & holidays 2026
Eastern Division
| Period | Starts | Ends | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Mon 2 Feb 2026 | Thu 2 Apr 2026 | 9 weeks |
| Autumn school holidaysBetween Term 1 and Term 2 | Tue 7 Apr 2026No school from Fri 3 Apr | Fri 17 Apr 2026Students return Wed 22 Apr | 11 days |
| Term 2 | Wed 22 Apr 2026 | Fri 3 July 2026 | 10 weeks |
| Winter school holidaysBetween Term 2 and Term 3 | Mon 6 July 2026No school from Sat 4 July | Fri 17 July 2026Students return Tue 21 July | 12 days |
| Term 3 | Tue 21 July 2026 | Fri 25 Sept 2026 | 10 weeks |
| Spring school holidaysBetween Term 3 and Term 4 | Mon 28 Sept 2026No school from Sat 26 Sept | Fri 9 Oct 2026Students return Tue 13 Oct | 12 days |
| Term 4 | Tue 13 Oct 2026 | Thu 17 Dec 2026 | 9 weeks |
| Summer school holidaysEnd of 2026 → start of 2027 | Fri 18 Dec 2026 | Wed 27 Jan 2027Students return Wed 3 Feb | 41 days |
- Dates shown are students' first and last days.
- School development days (students do not attend): 27–30 January, 20–21 April, 20 July and 12 October.
- A small number of schools close to the Victorian and Queensland borders use different dates; check your school's website.
- Applies to
- NSW public schools – Eastern Division
- Source
- NSW Department of Education – school calendars
- Status
- Confirmed by official source
- Last checked
- Saturday 10 October 2026
- Updated
- Saturday 10 October 2026
Show Western Division dates
Western Division
| Period | Starts | Ends | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Mon 9 Feb 2026 | Thu 2 Apr 2026 | 8 weeks |
| Autumn school holidaysBetween Term 1 and Term 2 | Tue 7 Apr 2026No school from Fri 3 Apr | Fri 17 Apr 2026Students return Wed 22 Apr | 11 days |
| Term 2 | Wed 22 Apr 2026 | Fri 3 July 2026 | 10 weeks |
| Winter school holidaysBetween Term 2 and Term 3 | Mon 6 July 2026No school from Sat 4 July | Fri 17 July 2026Students return Tue 21 July | 12 days |
| Term 3 | Tue 21 July 2026 | Fri 25 Sept 2026 | 10 weeks |
| Spring school holidaysBetween Term 3 and Term 4 | Mon 28 Sept 2026No school from Sat 26 Sept | Fri 9 Oct 2026Students return Tue 13 Oct | 12 days |
| Term 4 | Tue 13 Oct 2026 | Thu 17 Dec 2026 | 9 weeks |
| Summer school holidaysEnd of 2026 → start of 2027 | Fri 18 Dec 2026 | Wed 3 Feb 2027Students return Wed 10 Feb | 48 days |
- Dates shown are students' first and last days.
- School development days (students do not attend): 3–6 February, 20–21 April, 20 July and 12 October.
- Applies to
- NSW public schools – Western Division (late start schools in the far west)
- Source
- NSW Department of Education – school calendars
- Status
- Confirmed by official source
- Last checked
- Saturday 10 October 2026
- Updated
- Saturday 10 October 2026
All New South Wales dates and countdown
Looking for an organised holiday program in Newcastle?
See What's OnFree and low-cost things to do in Newcastle
Ideas, not endorsements. Opening hours, prices and holiday programs change, so check each place's official website before you go.
Newcastle MuseumLocal history and a hands-on science area for kids.
Newcastle Ocean BathsHistoric seaside pools beside Newcastle Beach.
Bathers WayA coastal walk linking beaches from Nobbys to Merewether.
Blackbutt ReserveBushland, walking tracks and native animals.
Newcastle Region LibraryCity library branches with holiday activities.
Local tips for Newcastle families
- Weather: Warm summers cooled by sea breezes and mild winters make the coastline a year-round option.
- Rock pools at low tide make a great science outing; check tide times and stay off rock shelves in big swell.
- Your local library is one of the best free school holiday resources: most run craft, reading and STEM sessions during the break.
Free things to do these school holidays
Keep Newcastle kids busy, happy and learning with free activities you can start today — no bookings needed.
A printable bingo card of reading challenges — read in a cubby, read to a pet, read a comic — to keep books fun all holidays.
Using only paper and tape, design a bridge between two books that holds as many coins as possible.