What's Open on Australia Day? Trading Hours & Closures

Australia Day (26 January) is a national public holiday, but unlike Good Friday or Christmas Day it isn't a heavily restricted trading day. Most shops, supermarkets and shopping centres open, usually on public-holiday hours. Trading is regulated state by state, so check locally — but the short version is that Australia Day is one of the more open public holidays.

When is Australia Day?

Australia Day is 26 January every year — in 2027, for example, it falls on a Tuesday. When the 26th lands on a Saturday or Sunday, a substitute public holiday is held on the following Monday, and trading hours follow the substitute day.

What's usually open

• Supermarkets and major retailers, commonly on public-holiday hours (shorter than usual).
• Shopping centres, though some open later or close earlier.
• Cafes, restaurants, pubs and takeaway (often with a public-holiday surcharge).
• Petrol stations, pharmacies and convenience stores.
• Many attractions, beaches, events and tourism venues — Australia Day is a major events day.

What's usually closed or reduced

• Banks, post offices and government services.
• Some professional and office-based businesses.
• A few retailers choose to close for the holiday — it varies by chain and location.

How it differs from Good Friday and Christmas

Australia Day is a "normal" public holiday for trading purposes in most states, whereas Good Friday, Christmas Day and Anzac Day morning are restricted trading days when most large stores must close. So if you're used to everything shutting on Good Friday, Australia Day is the opposite — most places are open, just on holiday hours.

Because public-holiday hours are shorter and some stores opt to close, it's worth confirming hours for the specific place you're heading. For the date in your state and any substitute days, see the Australia Day page.

Frequently asked questions

What's open on Australia Day?

Most shops, supermarkets, shopping centres, cafes and attractions open on Australia Day, generally on public-holiday hours. Banks, post offices and government services close. Exact hours vary by store and state.

Are supermarkets open on Australia Day?

Yes, supermarkets generally open on Australia Day, though often on shorter public-holiday hours. It's not a restricted trading day like Good Friday or Christmas Day. Check your local store's hours to be sure.

Is Australia Day a public holiday?

Yes, Australia Day (26 January) is a national public holiday in every state and territory. When it falls on a weekend, a substitute public holiday is held on the following Monday.

Do shops charge a public holiday surcharge on Australia Day?

Many cafes and restaurants add a public-holiday surcharge to cover penalty rates. It's most common in hospitality and is usually noted on the menu or at the till.