What's Open on Good Friday & Easter? Trading Hours Guide

Good Friday is one of the most restricted shopping days of the Australian year — alongside Christmas Day and Anzac Day morning. Most major retailers close, but plenty of smaller and essential businesses stay open. Because retail trading hours are set by each state, the exact picture depends on where you are, so treat this as a general guide and check locally before you head out.

When is Easter?

Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays in every state. In 2027, for example, the Easter long weekend runs Friday 26 to Monday 29 March. Good Friday and Easter Sunday are the most restricted trading days; Easter Saturday and Easter Monday are generally more relaxed.

What usually closes on Good Friday

• Major supermarkets and department stores — Good Friday and Christmas Day are among the few days many close entirely.
• Banks, post offices and government services.
• Most large shopping centres and standard retail.

What usually stays open

• Smaller convenience stores, corner shops and many pharmacies.
• Petrol stations.
• Cafes, restaurants and takeaway (often with a public-holiday surcharge).
• Hospitals, emergency services and public transport (usually on holiday timetables).
• Shops in some designated tourist precincts, which have trading exemptions in several states.

Why it varies by state

Retail trading on public holidays is regulated state by state. Most states — for example NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and WA — restrict large-store trading on Good Friday, with exemptions for small shops, pharmacies, petrol and hospitality. The exact rules and exemptions differ in each state and territory, so a shop open on Good Friday in one place may be closed across the border. Check your state's trading rules if you're not sure.

What about Easter Sunday, Saturday and Monday?

• Easter Saturday: generally normal trading in most states.
• Easter Sunday: restricted like Good Friday in several states, so many large retailers close.
• Easter Monday: a public holiday, but trading is usually permitted — many shops open on public-holiday hours.

For the dates and which states observe each Easter holiday, see our Easter dates guide and the Good Friday page. The safest move is always to check the specific store's holiday hours before travelling.

Frequently asked questions

Are shops open on Good Friday in Australia?

Most major shops and supermarkets close on Good Friday, but smaller convenience stores, pharmacies, petrol stations and many cafes and restaurants stay open. It's one of the most restricted retail days of the year, and the rules vary by state.

Are supermarkets open on Good Friday?

Major supermarkets generally close on Good Friday in most states — it's one of the few days of the year they do. Smaller grocers and convenience stores often stay open. Check your local store's holiday hours, as they vary by state and location.

Are shops open on Easter Sunday?

It depends on the state. Easter Sunday is a restricted trading day in several states, so many large retailers close, while smaller shops, hospitality and tourist-area stores can open.

Is Easter Saturday a normal trading day?

Generally yes — most shops trade normally on Easter Saturday, though it is a public holiday in most states (not WA or Tasmania), so some hours may differ.