On April 25, Anzac Day, numerous Australians will honour our servicemen and women at Dawn Services around the country. Some shops will be closed or offer reduced trading hours. So, you might find your pantry looking a little sparse and ask yourself: What’s open today?
It’s also worth knowing how the national public holiday will affect your plans, especially if you’re hoping to pop to the shops, grab a coffee, or pick up last-minute supplies.
Is Anzac Day 2026 a public holiday?
Yes, Anzac Day is a public holiday. It is celebrated on 25 April every year, even when it’s on the weekend. When it does fall on a weekend, the following Monday is a public holiday in NSW, WA, and ACT. This year (2026), it falls on a Saturday.
What does Anzac Day commemorate?
Anzac stands for the Australian and New Zealand Corps. Anzac Day marks the time when the Anzac troops landed in Gallipoli in 1915. Therefore, in 2026, we will be commemorating 111 years since that event. It is an occasion to remember and reflect on the sacrifices and contributions made by service personnel.
What happens on Anzac Day?
The day is marked with numerous traditions across Australian states and territories (and even around the world). There are dawn services and Anzac Day street parades. You will likely see people donning rosemary or poppies on their lapels, inspired by the rosemary that grew on the peninsula of Gallipoli.
Also, it’s the day for Anzac biscuits! We have the best recipe (if we do say so ourselves) here.
Are shops open on Anzac Day?
Each state and territory has its own trading rules, and last year, New South Wales introduced some major changes. Here’s a state-by-state guide to what’s open and closed this Anzac Day.
New South Wales (NSW):
Just like last year, most shops across NSW will not be able to open at all on Anzac Day — not even after 1 pm. This is meant to preserve the solemnity of the day.
Only a select few businesses can open, including:
- Chemists
- Florists
- Bakeries, takeaway food and drink shops
- Fruit and veg shops
- Newsagents
- Petrol stations
Small shops with fewer than four staff and up to two owners working may also open. However, most major retail stores, department stores and shopping centres (such as Westfield, Big W, Kmart, and IKEA) will remain closed all day.
Major supermarkets Woolworths, Coles and Aldi will be closed. Dan Murphy’s and BWS will have most of their stores closed except those which are attached to ALH Hotels, as venues with a hotel or small bar license may also be able to open — check with specific businesses to ensure.
Victoria (VIC):
In Victoria, the familiar half-day rule still applies. Most shops must stay closed until 1 pm, with only essential businesses like chemists, petrol stations, and takeaway outlets allowed to open earlier.
If you’re hoping to head to the movies or catch a matinee show, you’ll need to wait — cinemas and entertainment venues are also closed until 1 pm.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT):
It’s business as usual in the ACT. Trading hours are completely deregulated, meaning shops and services can open whenever they like.
Queensland (QLD):
Queensland has a mix of rules. Most small, independent retailers must stay closed until 1 pm, unless they primarily sell food or groceries.
Essential services such as chemists, florists, newsagents, and petrol stations can open all day. Licensed venues, including pubs and bars, face restrictions on alcohol service — check your local venue’s hours ahead of time.
Woolworths, Coles, Big W, Kmart, and Aldi will be closed. Dan Murphy’s and BWS will have most of their stores closed except those which are attached to ALH Hotels — check with specific businesses to ensure.
South Australia (SA):
In Adelaide’s CBD, some non-exempt shops can trade from 12 pm to 5 pm, but elsewhere in the metro and tourist precincts like Glenelg, shops must remain closed all day.
If you’re planning a shopping trip, check ahead — rules vary based on location and store type.
Woolworths stores will be closed; however, certain Coles stores will open – check online to be sure.
Tasmania (TAS):
Tasmania keeps it traditional. Shops can’t open before 12.30 pm, and asking staff to work without their written consent is a no-go under the law.
The good news? Cafes, restaurants, pharmacies, newsagents, and smaller businesses with fewer than 10 staff can usually open without issue.
Western Australia (WA):
In Perth, general retail shops must stay closed, but cafes, takeaway food shops, and special retail stores — think emergency or convenience services — can open during regular hours.
If you’re after a coffee or brunch, you’re in luck. If it’s retail therapy you’re after, you might need to wait a day.
Northern Territory (NT):
Like the ACT, the NT allows businesses to open without restrictions. But liquor sales still follow special public holiday guidelines, so check your local venue.
