It’s almost Australia Day, and for many people, that means a mix of barbecues, beach trips, and last-minute dashes to the shops. But before heading out, it’s worth knowing what will actually be open — because hours will vary widely across the country.
Supermarkets on Australia Day
If you’ve forgotten to grab sausages or sunscreen, don’t panic. Most Coles and Woolworths stores will open on Australia Day, though trading hours depend on where you live, explains Yahoo Finance.
In New South Wales, the majority of stores will operate as normal, but some regional outlets will close early. In Victoria, most supermarkets are open, though hours may differ for smaller towns. Queensland is a bit trickier — stores in Brisbane and the Gold Coast are set to trade, while those in other parts of the state may shut for the public holiday.
In Western Australia, major shopping centres such as Karrinyup and Carousel are expected to open, though closing times might be earlier than usual. South Australia, Tasmania, and the ACT will also see varied opening hours, with most metropolitan stores operating on reduced schedules.
If you want to avoid disappointment, check your local store’s website before heading out — or, better yet, plan ahead the day before.
Retail, Restaurants, and Pharmacies
Large retail chains like Kmart, Bunnings, and Big W will mostly stay open across Australia, though some may operate on limited hours. Shopping centres such as Westfield and Stockland have confirmed that most stores will trade on the public holiday, albeit with reduced schedules.
Restaurants, cafés, and takeaway outlets will also open in most urban areas, particularly along coastal spots that see heavy foot traffic. Smaller independent cafés may take the day off, especially in regional towns.
Pharmacies will remain open in most major centres, though suburban locations might close early. Many Priceline and Chemist Warehouse branches will keep normal hours, while hospital and late-night pharmacies will continue operating as usual.
Public Transport and Services
Expect changes to public transport timetables, with most cities running on a Sunday or public holiday schedule. Essential services such as hospitals, emergency departments, and some post offices will still operate, though many government offices and banks will be closed for the day.
Getting Ready for the Long Weekend
With Australia Day falling on a Friday this year, many Australians are turning it into a long weekend. That means busier roads, packed beaches, and higher demand at petrol stations. Police have urged drivers to take care on highways, especially in coastal regions where holiday traffic tends to peak.
Whether you’re firing up the barbecue or catching the fireworks, it’s worth double-checking what’s open before you leave home — because there’s nothing worse than a closed sign when you need one more pack of snags.
