As Easter approaches in early April, Australian families face a familiar financial squeeze. Data released by the Australian Retailers Association shows families plan to spend an average of $2,053 on Easter holidays this year, a 7% increase on 2023. The overall Easter spend is projected to exceed $9.6 billion, with travel, accommodation, childcare, food, and entertainment eating deeply into household budgets already strained by cost-of-living pressures.
The crunch falls hardest on families needing childcare during the two-week school break. Holiday care programs typically cost between $60 and $150 per day, with full-time care easily exceeding $1,000 per week. This comes after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission found that childcare fees have risen 20% to 32% over the past four years, far outpacing wage and inflation growth. An average Australian couple with two children now spends 16% of net household income on childcare, well above the OECD average of 7%.
But relief exists. From January 2026, all eligible families automatically receive a minimum of 72 subsidised hours of childcare per fortnight, regardless of activity levels. The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) covers approximately 6 days of holiday care per fortnight for outside school hours care. Families already receiving the subsidy need not reapply; the additional support applies automatically based on their circumstances.
For families who cannot afford formal childcare during the holidays, evidence suggests that cost need not prevent meaningful family time. According to research compiled by family budgeting services, the most affordable school holiday activities involve free council-run events, beach visits, local parks, library programs, walking trails, and at-home craft activities. These require minimal outlay yet provide genuine engagement and memory-making value.
The data on family financial stress is sobering. Survey research shows that 76% of Australians cite financial constraints as the primary barrier to holiday travel. More than half of survey respondents identify budget concerns as their biggest worry when planning a getaway. Many families are opting for staycations or shorter trips within their own state to ease pressure on household finances.
The practical message is clear: families should audit their circumstances early. Establish a daily spending limit and prioritise free activities first. Contact local councils and community organisations to identify no-cost events and programs. Check whether you qualify for the Child Care Subsidy, and calculate the real cost of formal holiday care against alternatives. If holiday care is unaffordable, structured days at home with planned activities, visiting family, or short local excursions offer realistic middle ground without guilt or financial damage.
Easter holidays need not trigger financial panic. By understanding the true costs, accessing available government support, and being intentional about activity choices, families can navigate the school break without adding to existing stress. The goal is manageable enjoyment, not keeping pace with neighbours.