As Australia prepares for the Easter long weekend beginning Friday, April 18, 2025, shoppers and travellers need to know what services will be available during this significant holiday period. This year marks a special occasion as both Western and Orthodox Easter celebrations align on Sunday, April 20 – the first such convergence since 2017.
For the more than 11 million Christians across Australia, the weekend commemorates the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ following the 40 days of reflection during Lent. The coinciding dates also hold historical significance as 2025 marks the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the first major ecumenical council of the Christian church.
Whether you’re planning family gatherings, weekend getaways, or simply need to know where to grab last-minute supplies, here’s your comprehensive guide to what’s open and closed during Easter 2025 across Australia.
Good Friday (April 18) – What’s Open?
Most major retailers will be closed on Good Friday, with limited exceptions. Woolworths stores will be closed nationwide, except for select locations in South Australia, Western Australia, and Brisbane Airport in Queensland. Coles supermarkets will also be closed across the country, with only Victor Harbour, Murray Bridge Green, and Mount Barker in South Australia remaining open.
Other major retailers, including Aldi, Big W, Bunnings, Australia Post, and Westfield shopping centres, will shut their doors for the day.
Alcohol sales face significant restrictions on Good Friday. In New South Wales, takeaway alcohol sales are completely banned, while licensed venues can only serve drinks with meals between midday and 10 pm. Victoria will see bottle shops closed, though licensed venues can serve alcohol from midday to 1 am.
Queensland and Western Australia residents can only purchase alcohol with a meal at licensed venues. The Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania stand out with no restrictions on alcohol sales during the public holiday, making them the most relaxed jurisdictions for Good Friday celebrations.
Gambling services at hotels and clubs will not be permitted anywhere in the country on Good Friday.
Easter Saturday (April 19) – What’s Open?
Shopping options expand significantly on Easter Saturday, with most major retailers resuming operations. All Woolworths supermarkets will reopen, though some Metro outlets may remain closed. All Coles stores will be open, and Aldi locations will welcome shoppers nationwide.
Kmart stores across Australia will be open, though 24-hour locations in Sydney metro areas will close at midnight. Big W stores will also operate nationwide.
Most stores will function under holiday trading hours, which may differ from regular business hours. Shoppers are advised to check with specific locations for exact opening times.
Easter Sunday (April 20) – What’s Open?
Easter Sunday brings varied trading restrictions depending on your location. In New South Wales, most businesses cannot open unless they have obtained a special exemption, though essential services like petrol stations, pharmacies, and small grocers generally remain operational.
South Australia restricts retail trading to the Adelaide CBD, while Western Australia limits operations to Greater Perth. In both states, stores in these regions can only open between 11 am and 5pm.
Queensland allows small independent retailers to operate without restriction, but larger retailers, including supermarkets and department stores, will mostly be limited to trading from 9 am to 6 pm.
Victoria, the ACT, and Tasmania have no trading restrictions on Easter Sunday, offering the most shopping flexibility.
For supermarkets specifically:
- Woolworths will be open in Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia, and Tasmania, with only select stores open in NSW, South Australia, the ACT, and the Northern Territory
- Coles will be open in Tasmania, the ACT, Northern Territory, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia (with some exceptions), but closed in South Australia and NSW (except for select stores)
- Aldi will be open in Victoria and Western Australia, with varied openings in other states
Easter Monday (April 21) – What’s Open?
Most businesses will reopen on Easter Monday, though some restrictions remain in place. Queensland’s large retailers, including supermarkets and department stores, will operate under the same restrictions as Easter Sunday.
In South Australia, only select supermarkets will be open, with those in the Adelaide CBD limited to operating between 10 am and 5 pm. Western Australian general retailers can only open from 8 am to 6 pm.
Woolworths will be open in Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland, Western Australia, NSW, and the ACT, with limited openings in South Australia and the Northern Territory. Coles will follow a similar pattern, remaining open in most states but with limited operations in South Australia.
This Easter long weekend presents a rare opportunity for all Christians to celebrate together, as the date alignment between Eastern and Western traditions coincides with the historic 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. As Pope Francis and other religious leaders have noted, this convergence offers a moment for reflection on Christian unity in a time of global challenges.
Whether you’re celebrating religious traditions or simply enjoying the long weekend, planning with this guide should help ensure your Easter 2025 goes smoothly across Australia.