Anzac Day is a time for reflection, respect, and remembrance. A day when we honor the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice on April 25, 1915, at Gallipoli.
Over a century ago, approximately 8,141 Australians and New Zealanders tragically lost their lives during the Gallipoli landings.
Today, we continue to honor their sacrifice, remembering the heavy toll of that fateful day and the lives cut far too short. While most businesses remain closed to observe this important occasion, some stores will open later in the day with reduced hours, providing a helping hand for anyone needing to grab last-minute essentials.
So we’ve done the legwork to gather everything you need to know about what’s open on Anzac Day, so you can plan ahead and make the most of this day of remembrance.
Under the Retail Trading Act, businesses listed in “Schedule 1” are allowed to open on Anzac Day. Here’s what you need to know.
- Bazaars, fairs, or markets organized for charitable causes or public fundraising
- Book Stores
- Bakeries and pastry shops
- Pharmacies
- Delis and cooked food providers
- Florists
- Fresh produce shops specializing in fruits and vegetables
- Newsstands and agencies
- Plant nurseries
- Pet supply stores
- Music, video, or DVD retailers
- Restaurants, cafes, and kiosks
- Seafood vendors
- Gift and souvenir shops
- Takeaway food and beverage outlets
- Tobacco retailers
- Vehicle dealerships, service centers, and petrol stations
- Small retail shops
- Establishments holding hotel or small bar licenses
Supermarkets
Forgot the groceries? Not all supermarkets will have your back this ANZAC Day, so here’s the rundown:
In Victoria, Coles and Woolies will open from 1pm. Down in Tassie, they’ll start even earlier at 12:30pm.
For our mates in the NT, most Woolies and Coles stores are opening after 12pm, but it’s always smart to double-check your local.
South Australians, you’re out of luck, no groceries for you. Meanwhile, in Perth, Woolies stores will remain closed, though some regional WA locations will still be open.
To avoid wandering aimlessly into locked doors, check your local store’s ANZAC Day trading hours online!
Oh, and Queenslanders, it’s a total shutdown everywhere.
Aldi fans, you’ll want to hop online to confirm your local store’s hours since they vary by location.
Kmart
Kmart shoppers, it’s complicated.
In NSW, Queensland, and WA, stores are completely closed. That Anko haul will have to wait for another day!
In the ACT, Kmart will open from 1:30pm, and for those in Victoria and SA, expect the doors to unlock at 1pm.
Shopping Centres
Westfield centres in Victoria and the ACT will open from 1pm. But for our shoppers in QLD, SA, WA, and NSW, they’re all closed.
But to avoid disappointment, check your centre’s ANZAC Day hours online before you head out the door!
Bunnings
Got some home projects waiting to be finished? Good news if you’re in the ACT, NT, or Vic. Bunnings stores will be open from 1pm! SA and WA shoppers can get their DIY fix from midday, while Tassie folks can pop in from 12.30pm.
Bad news for QLD though, your Bunnings run will have to wait until the 26th. And if you’re planning a visit to a Bunnings Trade Centre? Sorry, they’re closed nationwide.
Big W
WA, NSW, and QLD shoppers, you’ll have to hold off on your Big W haul until after Friday as stores will be closed on April 25. For everyone else, Big W will have reduced hours, so be sure to check online before heading out for your homewares, clothing, or entertainment essentials.
Pubs
Here’s some great news, pubs across the country are open, with many hosting games of *Two-Up*.
Got letters to send or a package to pick up? Hold tight, you’ll need to wait until April 26 to take care of that. On the bright side, it gives you extra time to perfect those letters you’re sending out!
Food Delivery
Craving a lazy holiday feast? Good news! Menulog, Uber Eats, and your favorite food delivery apps are still running. It’s all about which restaurants are open, but odds are, you’ll still get those tasty treats delivered. Just be prepared for longer waits as it’s a public holiday, and let’s face it, not many people are in the mood to cook.
What Else is Open on ANZAC Day?
Movies
Cinemas are your ANZAC Day go-to for entertainment! Most will be open, but double-check their schedules online to see when the movie magic begins.
Bottle Shops
Need to stock up?
- BWS & Dan Murphy’s: Open nationwide from 1pm to 7pm.
- Liquorland: Reduced hours in NSW, Vic, NT, ACT, and Tassie.
- QLD, SA, WA: Sorry, mates most Liquorlands will be closed.
Banks
All banks are hitting the pause button for the holiday. So, whatever banking errands you’ve got can wait until Friday.
