When exactly are the October school holidays, and do NSW and QLD line up? No, they don’t, and that catches a lot of parents out. Here are the real dates for both states, plus what an actual day at a Little Boomers holiday camp looks like.
In 2026, NSW school holidays run Monday 28 September to Friday 9 October, while QLD holidays run Saturday 19 September to Monday 5 October, nearly two weeks earlier.
A Little Boomers basketball holiday program runs during these breaks in both states, so it’s worth checking your state’s exact dates before booking.
The biggest surprise for parents is usually how quickly the kids settle in.
Some worry their child might be nervous, especially if it’s their first camp or they don’t know anyone there, but once the kids get moving and playing, they get comfortable fast.
Plenty of kids come in a little shy in the morning and don’t want to leave by the end of the day.
When are the October school holidays in NSW and QLD?
They don’t overlap the way parents often assume. NSW’s Term 3 to Term 4 break runs from Monday 28 September to Friday 9 October 2026. QLD’s break runs earlier, from Saturday 19 September to Monday 5 October 2026, as QLD’s Term 3 finishes on 18 September.
Why are the dates different between states?
School terms are set at the state level in Australia, so QLD and NSW don’t run on identical calendars. It’s a common source of confusion for families who’ve moved between states or have family in both.
Does this affect when I should book a holiday camp?
Yes. If you’re in QLD, your break starts almost two weeks before NSW’s, so booking early matters even more, spots for the first week can fill before NSW families have even started looking.
What actually happens at a Little Boomers holiday camp?
Camp days combine basketball skills, like dribbling, passing and shooting, with games and activities, run by accredited, qualified coaches in a non-competitive, age-appropriate setting.
Do kids need basketball experience to join a holiday camp?
No. Camps are designed to work for a complete beginner and a returning term player in the same session, with coaches adjusting activities so everyone’s engaged.
What age groups can attend holiday camps?
The same age bands as term classes, Preschoolers through to Mighty Boomers, so your child is grouped with others their own age.
What Parents Worry About
“My child hasn’t done a full term before, will a holiday camp be too advanced for them?”
Coach’s Answer: Not at all. Camps bring together kids at different levels, complete beginners and kids who already play regularly, so coaches are used to working with both. If a child is picking up a basketball for the first time, they start with the basics and make sure the child feels comfortable before moving on. Kids improve at different speeds, and the important thing is that they’re having fun and getting involved.
Why This Matters: School holidays are often when parents test the waters with a new activity before committing to a full term, so the camp needs to work for a complete beginner just as well as for a regular.
Coach’s Tip
The biggest piece of advice is not to worry about whether your child is “good” at basketball yet. They don’t need to be. Come along with a positive attitude and let them enjoy it. It also helps to explain to your child beforehand what the day will look like: they’ll meet other kids, play basketball and do different activities, which makes the first morning easier.
How Little Boomers Helps
Holiday camps run at $70 per camp, with accredited coaches delivering the same quality of coaching families get during term time, just condensed into the school holidays. It’s a low-commitment way to try basketball without signing up for a full 8-week term, and it’s part of why Little Boomers has 400+ five-star Google reviews from families across the country.
Find a camp near you: Holiday Camps.
For more on what to expect on the day, see our earlier post, September School Holiday Basketball Camps: What to Expect.
The Australian Government’s physical activity guidelines recommend at least 60 minutes of activity a day for school-aged kids, and school holidays are exactly when that routine tends to slip without a structured option like a holiday camp.
From Our Coaches
One thing we see a lot is the kids become more confident during the day. Some kids are shy when they first come, and they stay close to the coach. But after some time, they start playing with other kids and joining the games.
They also make friends very quickly. At first, they may not know anyone, but when they play together, they start talking and helping each other.
It is really nice to see kids come back to another camp and see that they are more confident than before. It is not always about basketball. Sometimes it is just about being comfortable, joining the group and having fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are the October holiday dates the same in every state?
No. NSW runs 28 September to 9 October 2026, while QLD runs 19 September to 5 October 2026.
2. How much does a Little Boomers holiday camp cost?
Holiday camps are $70 per camp.
3. Does my child need to have done a term before to join a camp?
No, camps are designed to suit both first-timers and returning players.
4. What age groups run holiday camps?
The same groups as term classes: Preschoolers, Mini Boomers, Little Boomers and Mighty Boomers.
5. How far in advance should I book?
As early as possible, particularly in QLD where the break starts nearly two weeks before NSW.
Key Takeaways
- NSW’s October holidays run 28 September to 9 October 2026; QLD’s run 19 September to 5 October 2026
- Camps suit both first-time and returning players in the same session
- Holiday camps cost $70 per camp and run across the same age groups as term classes
- QLD families should book earlier, since their break starts sooner
- Camps are a low-commitment way to trial basketball before enrolling in a full term
Whether you’re in NSW or QLD, the school holidays are a great window to get your kids active with a low-commitment basketball camp.
With different dates for each state this year, the earlier you check availability, the better your chances of getting the day and time you want.
Find a holiday camp near you today.
Your child’s spot is locked in for the year — no re-enrol stress