Planning a year for a family, a school, or a business often starts with a clear view of public holidays and school term dates. In Victoria, the 2019 calendar brought a mix of national celebrations, statespecific holidays, and a structured school term system that helped parents and teachers organise activities, holidays, and work schedules.
When public holidays fall within school holidays, families can maximise vacation time without losing school days. Conversely, when a holiday occurs midterm, schools may adjust timetables to maintain a consistent number of teaching days. Having both sets of dates sidebyside makes it easier to:
Below is the official list of public holidays observed in Victoria for 2019. Dates are presented in the standard Australian format (daymonthyear).
| Date | Day | Holiday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Jan2019 | Tuesday | New Years Day | Nationwide celebration. |
| 28Jan2019 | Monday | Australia Day | National holiday. |
| 10Feb2019 | Sunday | Labour Day (observed) | Monday 11Feb is the public holiday. |
| 11Feb2019 | Monday | Labour Day | Victoriaspecific. |
| 25Mar2019 | Monday | Good Friday | Christian observance. |
| 27Mar2019 | Wednesday | National Sorry Day (optional) | Observed in many workplaces. |
| 29Mar2019 | Friday | Easter Saturday | Public holiday in VIC. |
| 30Mar2019 | Saturday | Easter Sunday | Public holiday in VIC. |
| 1Apr2019 | Monday | Easter Monday | Nationwide. |
| 25Apr2019 | Thursday | ANZAC Day | National. |
| 8Jun2019 | Saturday | Kings Birthday (observed) | Monday 10Jun is the public holiday. |
| 10Jun2019 | Monday | Kings Birthday | Official public holiday. |
| 12Oct2019 | Saturday | Labour Day (observed) | Monday 14Oct is the public holiday. |
| 14Oct2019 | Monday | Labour Day | Victoriaspecific. |
| 25Dec2019 | Wednesday | Christmas Day | Nationwide. |
| 26Dec2019 | Thursday | Boxing Day | Nationwide. |
Victorias Department of Education and Training defines term dates for both primary and secondary schools. While most schools follow the same calendar, some independent schools may vary slightly. The table below reflects the standard public school schedule.
| Term | Start Date | End Date | Break Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 31Jan2019 (Thursday) | 8Apr2019 (Monday) | 2 weeks (Easter) | Includes Easter holidays (30Mar13Apr). |
| Term 2 | 22Apr2019 (Monday) | 24Jun2019 (Monday) | 1 week (Winter) | Winter break 2228Jun. |
| Term 3 | 7Jul2019 (Sunday) | 22Sep2019 (Sunday) | 1 week (Spring) | Spring break 2329Sep. |
| Term 4 | 6Oct2019 (Sunday) | 20Dec2019 (Friday) | 2 weeks (Summer) | Summer holidays 21Dec201930Jan2020. |
Below are practical steps to make the most of the combined holiday and term information.
Print the table or copy the dates into a digital calendar (Google Calendar, Outlook, etc.). Colourcode public holidays in red and school holidays in blue for visual separation.
When a public holiday falls on a Monday or Friday, consider taking a single leave day to create a fourday weekend. For example:
Peak travel periods in Victoria often align with school holidays and long public holidays. Booking flights, accommodation, and attractions well in advance can secure better rates and availability.
If a public holiday falls during a term (e.g., ANZAC Day on a Thursday), arrange for childcare or flexible work arrangements for the day before or after to avoid gaps.
There are several oneday windows between school terms and public holidays that are ideal for staycations or daytrips. For example, the Thursday before the 10Jun Kings Birthday provides a perfect longweekend getaway without needing additional leave.
The 2019 year planner for Victoria blends the states public holidays with the school term structure, offering a clear roadmap for families, educators, and employers. By visualising these dates together, you can optimise vacation time, minimise disruption to work or study, and make informed decisions about travel, childcare, and personal time off. Whether you are planning a crosscountry road trip during the Easter break, a short family visit during the winter holiday, or simply need to schedule a few days of personal leave, this combined overview equips you with the essential information to start the year with confidence.
