School lunches significantly contribute to children’s dietary intake and nutrition status(1), yet little is known about children’s perceptions regarding school lunches. Therefore, this study aimed to explore Victorian (Australian) primary school children’s current practices and perceptions regarding school lunches. An online survey was used to gather the opinions and practices of children in grades 4-6 (aged 10-12 years). Frequencies and percentages were calculated for quantitative variables, and chi-square tests were used to explore associations between categorical variables. Qualitative responses were analysed using content and thematic analysis approaches. A hundred and thirty-eight children completed the survey between late-2022 and mid-2024. Most children (84%) reported that they bring a packed lunch from home every day to eat during the school lunchtime. Most rarely or never purchase food from the school canteen (81%) and rarely or never use the lunch order system (86%). The top five food items children reported ‘usually eating for school lunch’ included sandwiches, fruits, vegetables, crackers, and yoghurt, whilst the top five food items they ‘would love to have for school lunch’ included sandwiches, chocolates and sweets, pasta, chips, and pizza. Most children agreed that they like to eat lunch before playing (86%), have quick-to-eat food for their lunch (84%), and like to eat warm or freshly cooked food for their lunch (72%). Over 60% of children agreed that they like to eat their lunch outside the classroom and would like to have food warming and cooling facilities in school. Nearly half of children (52%) agreed that the time allocated for eating is long enough to eat their lunch if they want to. More non-government school children (64%) disagreed that the time given for eating is enough compared to government school children (40%) (P = 0.009). The most enjoyable aspects of school lunchtime included the opportunity to socialise with friends, a chance to eat food and not feel hungry, and the opportunity to break from learning. Things children did not like about school lunchtime included not having enough time to eat their food, food rules, the lack of variety in meals or running out of food to eat, and unpleasant social interactions (e.g., fights with friends). When asked if they would like their school to provide school-provided lunches, 47% chose ‘yes’, and 45% chose ‘maybe’. The findings show that home-packed lunch is the main source of food for school lunches and children desire changes in the school food environment such as having food-warming facilities and increasing the time allocated to eat. The findings also show that children welcome the idea of school-provided lunches. These findings provide some insights for policymakers and health promoters to use to devise discrete strategies to improve primary school lunches and the school food environment.