Anzac Day is an annual public holiday where we commemorate those who lost their lives on April 25 in Gallipoli. On this day, many things are closed for our fallen ANZACS. However, sometimes, folks need last-minute things such as food, drinks and clothing. So we’ve wrangled up all the info on what will be open during this time of reflection and mourning.
On April 25, 1915, approximately 8,141 Aussies and Kiwis died storming the beaches of Turkey’s Gallipoli. The men landed further away from their original target and were mowed down from the higher ground present at their new destination.
As the years have passed, we have continued to observe the tragic reminder that so many lives were lost in the name of a pointless war. The storming of Gallipoli especially stands as a prime example of a (literal) uphill battle, which did not need to take place but did.
Although most things are shut down out of respect for our fallen soldiers, some stores will open up at a later time with reduced hours, which is helpful for those who may need to do some last-minute shopping or just need some time out of the house.
What is open in each state on ANZAC Day?
NSW
Shoppers across NSW will notice the biggest shift in 2026.
Under the Retail Trading Amendment (Anzac Day Trading Hours) Act 2024, large retailers are no longer allowed to open after 1pm and must stay closed for the entire day.
That means major supermarkets and chains — including Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, Bunnings, Kmart, Target, Big W and Westfield centres — will all be closed on Saturday.
Standalone bottle shops such as Dan Murphy’s, BWS, Liquorland and Vintage Cellars will also be unable to trade.
However, essential services will remain open, with exemptions in place for chemists, newsagents, petrol stations, cafes and small businesses with four or fewer staff.
Takeaway alcohol will still be available from pubs, clubs and hotels, which are permitted to operate.
Victoria
As for Victoria, the morning is set aside for reflection, with most retail businesses required to remain closed until 1pm.
Exemptions are in place for essential services, including chemists, petrol stations, cafes and restaurants.
Small businesses with 20 or fewer employees are allowed to open earlier, while cinemas and live entertainment venues must still adhere to the 1pm start time.
Queensland
Queensland maintains strict rules, with most retail trading prohibited for the entire day.
Independent retailers are permitted to open from 1pm, while exempt businesses — including chemists, petrol stations, cafes and primarily food-focused or smaller grocery stores — can operate without time restrictions.
Major national chains such as Coles, Woolworths, Bunnings and Kmart will remain closed statewide.
South Australia
South Australia is set for a notable shift in 2026, with suburban supermarkets permitted to open for the first time on Anzac Day, trading from noon until 9pm.
In the Adelaide CBD, non-exempt retailers can operate between 12pm and 5pm. Meanwhile, cafes, restaurants, pharmacies and petrol stations remain largely exempt from trading restrictions.
Western Australia
Most general retail shops in Western Australia remain closed for the entire day, meaning major chains will not open.
However, small retail stores are not subject to trading restrictions and can operate freely, while “special retail shops” — including pharmacies and hardware stores — are allowed to trade between 6am and 11:30pm.
Hospitality venues, cafes and service stations are also free to open as usual.
Tasmania
In Tasmania, most businesses are restricted from opening before 12:30pm.
Usual exemptions apply to pharmacies, newsagents, bottle shops, service stations and hospitality venues.
Smaller standalone shops outside major shopping centres may also trade, provided they employ 10 staff or fewer.
ACT and NT
Residents of the ACT and Northern Territory experience the least disruption, with trading hours fully deregulated.
Businesses — including major supermarkets and retailers — are permitted to open throughout the day, although some may still choose to operate on reduced public holiday hours.
Image source: Getty Images
The post Here’s What’s Open On ANZAC Day That’s Not A Packed Pub With Rounds Of Two-Up appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
