Good Friday falls on Friday, 3 April 2026, and if you’re like most Australians, you’ve probably found yourself at some point standing in front of a locked supermarket door wondering what happened. It catches people out every single year. The Easter long weekend is one of the most anticipated breaks on the Australian calendar, but Good Friday in particular is one of the strictest trading days of the year — arguably more restrictive than Christmas Day in several states. Understanding what’s open on Good Friday in Australia is genuinely useful information, and this guide covers everything you need so you don’t get caught short.
When Is Good Friday 2026 in Australia?
Good Friday 2026 falls on Friday, 3 April. It is a nationwide public holiday observed across all eight states and territories — New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory. It marks the beginning of a four-day Easter long weekend, with Easter Saturday on 4 April, Easter Sunday on 5 April, and Easter Monday on 6 April also following.
Because Easter is a moveable feast calculated on the lunar calendar — specifically, the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the March equinox — the dates shift every year. In 2026, the timing sits in early April, which means residents in southern states can generally expect mild autumn weather heading into the long weekend.
For those juggling clocks: daylight saving time ends on Easter Sunday, 5 April, at 3:00 am AEDT in the states that observe it (NSW, Victoria, ACT, South Australia and Tasmania). Your phone will likely adjust automatically, but it’s worth keeping in mind if you have plans early on Sunday morning.
Why Is Good Friday Such a Restricted Trading Day?
Good Friday holds a unique position in Australian law and culture. It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is observed as a solemn day of mourning in the Christian tradition. Historically, Australian states and territories have maintained strict retail trading laws on this day out of respect for its religious significance — and while attitudes have shifted somewhat over the decades, the legal framework remains firmly in place.
Unlike most other public holidays where businesses simply choose their own hours, Good Friday is a restricted trading day in several states, meaning that retailers are legally prohibited from opening unless they fall under specific exemptions. This is why you’ll find major supermarkets, shopping centres and department stores firmly shut, while petrol stations, pharmacies and certain hospitality venues remain accessible.
The result is a patchwork of rules that varies quite significantly from state to state, which is exactly what this guide is designed to help you navigate.
The Quick Summary: What’s Open and What’s Closed on Good Friday 2026
Before diving into the state-by-state detail, here’s a broad overview of what Australians can expect across the country on 3 April 2026.
| Category | Status on Good Friday |
|---|---|
| Woolworths | Closed nationwide (limited airport/regional exceptions) |
| Coles | Closed nationwide |
| Aldi | Closed nationwide |
| IGA | Many open (independently operated, hours vary) |
| Kmart / Target / Big W | Closed nationwide |
| Bunnings Warehouse | Closed nationwide |
| Westfield & Shopping Centres | Closed nationwide |
| Dan Murphy’s / BWS / Liquorland | Closed nationwide |
| Chemist Warehouse / Pharmacies | Many open, reduced hours |
| Petrol Stations (BP, Shell, 7-Eleven) | Open |
| McDonald’s / KFC / Hungry Jack’s | Generally open |
| Cafes and Restaurants | Many open, check individually |
| Australia Post | Closed |
| Banks | Closed |
| Public Transport | Operating on reduced holiday timetable |
Supermarkets on Good Friday 2026
This is where most Australians get caught out, and for good reason. The big three — Woolworths, Coles and Aldi — close the vast majority of their stores nationwide on Good Friday. Planning your shop for Thursday evening is the single most important piece of advice in this entire guide.
Woolworths closes most of its stores on Good Friday, with very limited exceptions at certain airport locations and a handful of stores in regional Western Australia. A few Woolworths Metro stores also remain closed on Easter Saturday, so double-checking your local store’s website is always worthwhile. Coles follows a similar pattern, with all stores shut on Good Friday except for a select few in South Australia — specifically the Victor Harbour, Mount Barker and Murray Bridge Green locations, which will trade across all four days of the Easter weekend. Aldi closes all stores on Good Friday without exception.
Your best alternative on the day itself is IGA. Because IGA stores are independently operated, trading hours differ widely across the country. Nationally, around 99 IGA locations are confirmed open on Good Friday, though hours will often be shorter than a normal trading day. If you’re unsure, ring your local store in advance rather than making a wasted trip.
Airport and tourist-precinct convenience stores may also offer limited grocery options in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.
Department Stores and Major Retailers
Every major department store and large-format retailer is closed on Good Friday 2026. This includes Kmart, Target, Big W, Myer, David Jones and JB Hi-Fi. Bunnings Warehouse is also closed nationwide on Good Friday — which catches out anyone with a weekend renovation or gardening project in mind. The good news is that Bunnings reopens with reduced hours from Easter Saturday, so you won’t be without hardware supplies for long.
All Westfield shopping centres across Australia will be closed on Good Friday. They generally reopen on Easter Saturday with hours roughly between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, though some Sydney and Melbourne locations may extend those hours slightly.
What’s Open on Good Friday: The Essential Services
Despite the widespread closures, there are several categories of business that remain accessible on Good Friday, and it’s worth knowing exactly what they are.
Petrol stations are open and operating normally. This includes BP, Shell Coles Express, 7-Eleven and independent servo operators. Beyond fuel, the attached convenience stores at these locations are typically your best source of bread, milk, basic snacks and ice on the day. Expect slightly elevated prices, and expect them to run low on basics if you leave it too late in the morning.
Pharmacies are explicitly exempt from restricted trading laws in most states. Chemist Warehouse keeps many locations open on Good Friday with reduced hours, as do independent pharmacy chains. If you need a prescription filled or medical supplies, it’s still best to collect on Thursday where you can — some pharmacies located within closed shopping centres may not be accessible even if the pharmacy itself is technically open.
Fast food chains operate largely as normal. McDonald’s, KFC, Hungry Jack’s, Subway and Grill’d typically trade on Good Friday, though individual franchise hours can vary. If you’re relying on a specific location, it’s worth a quick check online before you drive over.
Cafes, Restaurants and Hospitality
The hospitality sector behaves very differently to retail on Good Friday. Restaurants, cafes and takeaway outlets are generally exempt from restricted trading laws across most states, which means that while the shopping centre around them may be dark and shuttered, a good café or restaurant can still be serving customers.
That said, this is one of the busiest dining weekends of the year, and Good Friday dining options can fill up quickly. If you have a specific restaurant in mind — particularly a seafood restaurant, which tends to be extremely popular given the tradition of eating fish on Good Friday — booking ahead is strongly recommended. This is not a walk-in situation.
Fish and chips shops deserve a special mention. The tradition of eating fish on Good Friday runs deep in Australian culture, with roots in the Christian practice of abstaining from meat. Today, it’s a tradition embraced well beyond religious households. Many fish and chip shops make Good Friday their biggest trading day of the year and specifically stay open for it. In Sydney, the Fish Market at Pyrmont opens from 5:00 am to 5:00 pm on Good Friday and draws enormous crowds.
A public holiday surcharge typically applies at cafes and restaurants on Good Friday — usually between 10 and 15 percent — so keep that in mind when planning your meals out.
State-by-State Breakdown: What’s Open Good Friday 2026
Because Australia’s trading laws are set at the state and territory level, the experience of Good Friday varies meaningfully depending on where you live. Here’s a state-by-state snapshot.
| State / Territory | Supermarkets | Shopping Centres | Bottle Shops | Retail (Kmart, Big W etc.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Mostly closed; exempt small stores open | Closed | Closed (takeaway banned by law) | Closed |
| VIC | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| QLD | Most open (reduced hours in some areas) | Hours vary by location | Closed | Closed |
| SA | Mostly closed; limited exempt stores | Closed | Closed (very limited SA exceptions) | Closed |
| WA | Broadly open with limited exceptions | Hours vary | Closed | Closed |
| ACT | Broadly open | Open with reduced hours (10am–5pm) | Closed | Closed |
| TAS | Restricted for large retailers | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| NT | Deregulated; most open with reduced hours | Generally open | Restricted | Generally open |
New South Wales and South Australia carry the most restrictive conditions. In NSW, both Good Friday and Easter Sunday are officially restricted trading days, making them the two toughest shopping days of the long weekend. South Australia keeps most metropolitan stores shut, with only a limited number of exempt locations — including the Adelaide CBD and some regional centres — permitted to trade under reduced hours.
Queensland takes a more relaxed approach, with most supermarkets open and trading hours depending on the category of the retail store. Western Australia and the ACT are broadly accessible for essential shopping. The Northern Territory has deregulated trading hours, so the situation there is more like a normal Friday with some adjustments.
Victoria treats Good Friday as a restricted trading day under the Shop Trading Reform Act 1996. Exempt businesses in Victoria include pharmacies, petrol stations, restaurants, cafes, takeaway outlets and small businesses with 20 or fewer employees on the day. Major supermarkets and all large-format retail are required to close.
Tasmania observes restricted trading for large retailers (those with over 250 employees) on Good Friday, and also observes Easter Tuesday on 7 April — though this is generally only recognised by the public service sector.
Public Transport on Good Friday 2026
If you’re planning to get around on Good Friday without a car, expect public transport to run on a reduced public holiday timetable. This generally mirrors a Sunday schedule — trains, trams and buses run less frequently, services start later and finish earlier, and peak-hour frequency doesn’t apply.
In Melbourne, the PTV network runs on a Sunday-equivalent timetable. In Sydney, Transport for NSW operates a public holiday service across trains, buses and ferries. In Canberra, buses and light rail shift to a public holiday timetable on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, while Easter Saturday runs on a normal Saturday schedule.
If you’re travelling to a major event or attraction on Good Friday, plan your journey around the reduced timetable and allow extra time. Roads can also be significantly busier than usual, as many families take advantage of the four-day weekend for regional travel and holidays. Airport traffic is notably higher across the Easter period, so if you’re flying, arriving early is a sensible precaution.
Things to Do on Good Friday 2026
Even with much of the retail sector closed, there’s plenty to keep families and individuals occupied on Good Friday. Beaches, parks and outdoor spaces are free and naturally very popular over the long weekend. If you’re in a coastal city, expect the beaches to be busier than usual.
Many tourist attractions and cultural venues remain open. In Melbourne, the Melbourne Zoo, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium and Melbourne Skydeck are all expected to operate on Good Friday. Crown Casino typically opens at noon. In Sydney, major attractions including the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo generally trade through the Easter weekend.
The Sydney Royal Easter Show runs for 12 days from 2 April to 14 April 2026, making it a natural Good Friday activity for Sydney families. Public transport is included in the show ticket, which is genuinely useful given the road traffic around Olympic Park.
The Good Friday Appeal in Melbourne is one of Australia’s most beloved charitable events. Channel 7 televises this annual fundraising drive for the Royal Children’s Hospital, with thousands of Australians donating every year. If you’re in Melbourne and looking for something meaningful to engage with on the day, it’s a wonderful way to mark the occasion.
Church services are held throughout the day at Catholic, Anglican, Uniting Church and other Christian churches across the country. Many services focus on the Stations of the Cross, the Passion of the Lord, or Good Friday vigils. For anyone observing the religious significance of the day, these services are often the centrepiece of the occasion.
Smart Planning Tips for the Easter Long Weekend 2026
Getting through the Easter long weekend without getting caught out comes down to a simple approach: treat Thursday like your last chance.
Do all your major grocery shopping on Thursday 2 April. That means not just the obvious items like Easter eggs and hot cross buns, but also the things that disappear fast — ice, bread, milk and anything you’d need for a barbecue. Stock up on alcohol on Thursday if you plan to drink at home over the weekend. Bottle shops will be closed on Good Friday and restrictions continue to apply in some states on Easter Sunday.
Saturday is your reset day. Almost everything reopens on Easter Saturday, often at standard or only slightly reduced hours. If you forget something on Good Friday, Saturday morning is the answer — though be prepared for busier than usual supermarkets as everyone arrives with the same idea.
If you’re travelling regionally over the weekend, factor in significant road congestion on Friday afternoon and Sunday evening when families are moving to and from holiday destinations. The same applies to airport travel — Easter is one of the busiest periods of the year for domestic flights.
For those thinking about their finances and long-term money management over the break, it can be a good opportunity to reflect on your investment strategy. Australians have a notably strong appetite for property, shares and superannuation as their preferred investment vehicles. For a deeper look at where Australians are putting their money and why, this piece on where Australia loves to invest from True Wealth Management is well worth a read while you have some quiet time over the long weekend.
Hot Cross Buns, Fish and Other Good Friday Traditions
No guide to Good Friday in Australia would be complete without a nod to the traditions that make the day feel distinctly Australian. Hot cross buns have become so culturally embedded that supermarkets now stock them from as early as January, but eating them on Good Friday remains the authentic occasion. The spiced, fruit-filled bun with a cross on top is a direct symbol of the crucifixion, and sharing them with family is a ritual that cuts across religious and non-religious households alike.
Eating fish on Good Friday is similarly widespread. The tradition stems from the Christian practice of abstaining from warm-blooded meat on the day, with fish serving as the permitted alternative. Today, it has evolved into a broader cultural norm — seafood feasts, fish and chips at the beach, prawn platters with the family. Seafood retailers and fish and chip shops are among the most prepared businesses in the country for Good Friday demand, and many do their best trade of the entire year on this single day.
Frequently Asked Questions About What’s Open Good Friday Australia 2026
When is Good Friday 2026 in Australia?
Good Friday 2026 falls on Friday, 3 April. It is a nationwide public holiday observed across all states and territories, marking the beginning of a four-day Easter long weekend that runs through to Easter Monday, 6 April.
Are Coles and Woolworths open on Good Friday 2026?
No. Both Coles and Woolworths are closed across the vast majority of their stores on Good Friday. There are very limited exceptions at certain airport locations and a small number of regional stores. Your best grocery option on the day itself is a local IGA, petrol station convenience store, or 7-Eleven. Stock up on Thursday to avoid any inconvenience.
Is Bunnings open on Good Friday 2026?
No. Bunnings Warehouse is closed nationwide on Good Friday. It reopens with reduced hours from Easter Saturday, 4 April.
Are pharmacies open on Good Friday?
Yes, in most cases. Pharmacies are exempt from restricted trading laws and many Chemist Warehouse locations and independent pharmacies remain open on Good Friday, though typically with reduced hours. It is worth checking your local branch’s website or calling ahead to confirm.
Are petrol stations open on Good Friday?
Yes. Petrol stations have no trading restrictions on Good Friday and operate normally. The attached convenience stores are also typically open and are a useful source of basics like milk, bread and snacks if you run low on supplies.
Are restaurants and cafes open on Good Friday?
Many are, yes. Cafes, restaurants and takeaway outlets are generally exempt from restricted trading laws. However, popular venues — especially seafood restaurants — fill up quickly. Booking ahead is strongly recommended. A public holiday surcharge of 10–15% typically applies.
Is public transport running on Good Friday 2026?
Yes, but on a reduced public holiday timetable. Trains, buses and trams run less frequently than a normal Friday across most Australian cities. Check your local transport authority’s website for specific timetables — PTV in Victoria, Transport for NSW in Sydney, Translink in Queensland, and so on.
Are shopping centres open on Good Friday 2026?
No. All Westfield centres and major shopping centres across Australia are closed on Good Friday. They reopen on Easter Saturday, generally from around 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Does the same apply every year, or do the rules change?
The framework is consistent from year to year, but specific exemptions and decisions by individual retailers can vary. It is always worth checking the website of your specific store or venue before heading out, particularly for regional or independently operated businesses.
