Southern hemisphere primary and secondary schools commence each school year approximately January 31st. after 6 weeks’ summer break. In Australia there are four terms each year, consisting of approximately 8 weeks each. Children transferring from northern hemisphere schools may either repeat part of the year of study they have already commenced, or skip forward to commence in the class year ahead.
If you arrive in Australia just prior to Christmas, it is likely the rental property market will have been somewhat depleted and will remain that way until approximately mid-January. As this period is also summer vacation time, temporary accommodation is often at a premium in availability, and also cost.