When Shops Open This Long Weekend

SYDNEY, Australia — Australians heading into the Easter long weekend from April 3 to 6, 2026, face a patchwork of retail trading restrictions that vary significantly by state and territory, with major supermarkets, shopping centres and bottle shops observing closures or reduced hours on Good Friday and Easter Sunday in most jurisdictions.

Good Friday on April 3 and Easter Monday on April 6 are national public holidays, while Easter Saturday and Sunday have different status across the country. Retail trading laws, designed to balance worker protections with consumer needs, create a complex landscape that often catches shoppers off guard, particularly for last-minute grocery or essential purchases.

Major supermarket chains including Coles, Woolworths and Aldi will close most stores nationwide on Good Friday, April 3. Exceptions are limited, with some airport or tourist-area outlets potentially operating in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. On Easter Sunday, April 5, restrictions tighten further in New South Wales and South Australia, where the majority of stores will remain closed, while Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia allow more outlets to trade, often with reduced hours.

Easter Saturday, April 4, offers the most normal trading across the country, with supermarkets generally open at standard or slightly adjusted hours. Easter Monday sees most chains reopen, though many operate on public holiday schedules with earlier closing times.

Shopping centres follow similar patterns. Westfield and other major malls will close on Good Friday in most locations. On Easter Saturday, most centres open from around 9am to 5pm, with variations in New South Wales and Victoria. Easter Sunday brings closures in New South Wales and South Australia, while centres in Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia open with limited hours, typically 10am to 5pm. Easter Monday trading resumes with many centres operating 10am to 5pm or later in select Sydney locations.

Department stores such as Myer, David Jones, Target, Kmart and Big W generally align with mall hours, closing on Good Friday and offering restricted trading on Easter Sunday in restricted states. Hardware retailers like Bunnings often remain open on public holidays with standard hours in many areas, though some locations may adjust.

Bottle shops and liquor outlets face strict rules. Dan Murphy’s, BWS and Liquorland typically close on Good Friday nationwide, with limited or no trading on Easter Sunday in several states. Easter Saturday and Monday usually see normal or slightly reduced operations.

State-by-state differences add complexity. In New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, Good Friday and Easter Sunday are restricted trading days, meaning most non-exempt retail must close. Easter Saturday and Monday have fewer restrictions.

Victoria allows more flexibility on Easter Sunday for some supermarkets and centres, though many still operate reduced hours. Queensland has defined trading areas with specific allowable hours for non-exempt shops, particularly on Easter Sunday.

South Australia maintains some of the strictest rules, with many metropolitan stores closed on Easter Sunday and limited options on other days. Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory generally offer more open trading, though individual stores may vary.

Pharmacies, including Chemist Warehouse and independent outlets, often remain open throughout the weekend as essential services, though hours may be reduced. Petrol stations and convenience stores like 7-Eleven typically operate as usual, providing vital access to essentials.

Restaurants, cafes and takeaway outlets generally stay open, though many adopt public holiday menus or hours. Tourist attractions, beaches and outdoor venues see high demand during the four-day break, with families taking advantage of the extended weekend.

Consumer groups advise planning ahead. Shoppers should check specific store locators on retailer websites or apps for exact hours, as individual outlets — particularly in regional areas or tourist precincts — may have exemptions. Airport and service station supermarkets often provide limited options when main stores close.

The Easter period highlights ongoing debates about retail trading laws. Retail industry bodies argue for greater flexibility to meet consumer demand, while unions emphasise worker rights to family time and rest on significant holidays. Some states have deregulated trading in recent years, leading to more consistent access, but the patchwork remains.

For families preparing Easter meals, the advice is clear: stock up before Good Friday or plan for alternatives such as online delivery where available. Many supermarkets offer click-and-collect or delivery services with adjusted schedules during the long weekend.

Tourism operators expect strong domestic travel, with families heading to beaches, regional getaways or staying local for barbecues and gatherings. Public transport and road networks will operate on holiday timetables in many areas.

As Australians enjoy the break — with Good Friday and Easter Monday as national public holidays — retailers prepare for a surge in spending on non-restricted days. The long weekend provides a welcome respite after the busy summer period, though navigating trading restrictions requires some preparation.

Easter 2026 falls slightly later than in some recent years, with Good Friday on April 3. This timing aligns with milder autumn weather in southern states, encouraging outdoor activities.

Retail experts note that while major chains dominate headlines, independent grocers, butchers and bakeries often provide valuable alternatives on restricted days, particularly in suburban and regional communities.

For the latest updates, consumers should consult official state government resources, retailer websites or apps. Trading hours can be subject to last-minute changes based on local conditions or individual store decisions.

The Easter long weekend remains one of Australia’s most significant consumer periods outside Christmas, blending religious observance with family celebrations and retail activity. Understanding the varied trading rules helps shoppers make the most of the break while respecting the holiday’s traditions.

In summary, while Good Friday brings widespread closures and Easter Sunday limits options in several states, Easter Saturday and Monday offer more normal access. Planning ahead remains the best strategy for a stress-free long weekend across Australia.