Ruqayyah Snyder
Good Friday is a public holiday in Australia, and as such, many shops are closed for the day. However, this varies depending on the state and territory, as well as the type of retailer. For example, in some states, small shops are unrestricted, while in others, shops with 20 or fewer employees may operate. Additionally, there are restrictions on the sale and service of alcohol on Good Friday, with bottle shops typically closed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shops closed on Good Friday in Australia | Yes, some shops are closed on Good Friday in Australia, including major supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths. However, some shops remain open, and there are exemptions for certain types of retailers, including cafes and chemists. |
| States/territories with shops closed on Good Friday | New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory (ACT) |
| States/territories with shops open on Good Friday | Northern Territory (NT), with reduced hours |
| Reasons for shops being closed on Good Friday | Good Friday is a public holiday in Australia, and it has traditionally been a day for quiet reflection and sombre observation, particularly for Christians. |
| Impact of shop closures on workers | Shop closures can give workers a chance to spend the day with friends and family or provide an opportunity to earn higher wages for working on a public holiday. |
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What You'll Learn
Trading restrictions on Good Friday vary by state and territory
Trading restrictions on Good Friday vary across Australia's states and territories. In New South Wales, for example, Westfield Belconnen and Broadway Shopping Centre will be closed on Good Friday, while Maitland and Westfield Sydney will also be closed on Easter Sunday.
In Queensland, shops in the Mossman and Port Douglas Tourist Area are allowed to trade unrestricted on public holidays, unlike similar businesses in other parts of the state. For Good Friday 2025, Woolworths confirmed that its stores would remain open in Queensland, with some exceptions, including Hervey Bay and Pialba.
In South Australia, whether a business can open on a public holiday may be linked to the total floor size of the premises. For the 2025 Easter weekend, most stores were closed, except for those in Port Lincoln, Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Adelaide Rundle Place, Whyalla, Murray Bridge Green, Mount Gambier, Victor Harbor, and Mount Barker.
In the Northern Territory, trading hours are deregulated, meaning there are no restrictions in place, including on public holidays. For the 2025 Easter weekend, shops in the territory operated with reduced hours.
Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory traded unrestricted during the 2025 Easter weekend. In Tasmania, trading hours are regulated under the Shop Trading Hours Act 1984 according to location and/or type of shop.
In Western Australia, shops are regulated under the Retail Trading Hours Act 1987 according to location and/or category of retailer, with small retail shops unrestricted. For the 2025 Easter weekend, shops like Subway, Hungry Jack's, and El Jannah had varied opening hours. Westfield Whitford was closed on Good Friday.
Additionally, on Good Friday, there are restrictions around the sale and service of alcohol across Australia. Shops are not allowed to sell alcohol, and hospitality venues can only serve alcohol if it accompanies a meal.
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Some shops close on Good Friday to give employees a break
Good Friday is a public holiday in Australia, and many shops close to give their employees a break. While it is not a federal public holiday in the US, it is a day of quiet reflection and sombre observation for Christians in Australia. This means that shops are not allowed to sell alcohol to customers, and bottle shops are typically closed on this day as a result. Hospitality venues can only serve alcohol alongside a meal.
Some shopping centres, such as Westfield Belconnen in the ACT, close on Good Friday, while others remain open with reduced hours. For example, in 2025, some Coles stores remained open in South Australia, while Woolworths closed all stores except for a few exceptions in Queensland and South Australia. In Queensland, shops in the Mossman and Port Douglas Tourist Area are allowed to trade unrestricted on public holidays, while similar businesses in other parts of the state are restricted.
In addition, some restaurants located in shopping centres will close in line with the reduced hours of the shopping centre. However, some fast-food restaurants, such as Hungry Jack's and El Jannah, remain open over the Easter break.
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Most entertainment venues remain open on Good Friday
Good Friday is a public holiday in Australia, and many shops and businesses will be closed. However, most entertainment venues remain open, providing Australians with various options for leisure activities.
Major cinema chains across Australia are open on Good Friday, offering movie screenings throughout the day and night. This makes it an ideal time for Australians to catch up on the latest films and enjoy a day out with family or friends.
For those seeking outdoor entertainment, Queensland's iconic theme parks, including Movie World, Dreamworld, WhiteWater World, and Sea World, remain open on Good Friday. These theme parks offer thrilling rides, shows, and attractions, providing a fun-filled day for all ages.
Sports enthusiasts can also take advantage of the long weekend by visiting their local golf clubs, which are typically open for business. In addition, some states, such as Victoria, may host special sporting events during the Easter break, providing an opportunity for fans to attend live matches and support their favourite teams.
When it comes to dining options, cafes, pubs, and restaurants are generally allowed to operate on Good Friday in most states. However, there may be specific restrictions on alcohol sales in certain states, such as Queensland, where alcohol can only be served with a meal. It is always advisable to check with individual venues before visiting, as opening hours and offerings may vary.
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Restrictions on alcohol sales and service on Good Friday
In Australia, Good Friday restrictions on alcohol sales and service vary across states and territories. Here are the regulations for different regions:
New South Wales (NSW)
In NSW, no takeaway alcohol sales are permitted on Good Friday. Licensed venues, such as pubs and bars, can only serve alcohol on their premises between midday and 10 pm. However, venues with a producer licence, such as microbreweries, are exempt and can sell alcohol to customers.
Victoria
Victoria has similar regulations to NSW, with most takeaway shops closed on Good Friday. However, venues with a producer's licence can sell alcohol to the public, and the government provides special licences to a small number of shops, allowing them to trade. Licensees with a general, on-premises, restaurant, or cafe licence can supply liquor between 12 noon and 1 am the following morning. Club licence holders can supply liquor between 12 noon and 11 pm.
Queensland
In Queensland, extra restrictions apply to serving alcohol on the Thursday evening before Good Friday and on Good Friday itself. The sale and supply of alcohol must stop at midnight on the eve of Good Friday, and patrons must finish their drinks by 12:30 am. On Good Friday, alcohol can be sold and supplied from 10 am to midnight, but only when accompanied by a meal in a designated dining area.
South Australia
South Australia has recently reformed its liquor legislation, resulting in no restrictions on alcohol sales on Good Friday or other public holidays. Pubs and venues can open, and there are no limits on takeaway purchases, although some may choose to remain closed.
Western Australia (WA)
In WA, takeaway bottle shops are typically closed on Good Friday, and hotels and pubs can only serve alcohol between noon and 10 pm, but only with a meal.
It is important to note that these regulations may change over time, and individual businesses may have their own specific restrictions or exemptions. Additionally, some states and territories have unique rules regarding public holidays, such as the NT, where trading hours are deregulated, allowing shops to remain open on Good Friday with reduced hours.
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Some shops open on Good Friday with reduced hours
Good Friday is a public holiday in Australia, and as such, many shops are closed. However, there are some exemptions and variations depending on the state or territory, the type of retailer, and the number of employees.
In New South Wales (NSW), some major shopping centres, such as Broadway Shopping Centre and Westfield Sydney, will be closed on Good Friday. However, some shops will operate with reduced hours, including Woolworths and a select few Coles stores.
In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), shops will generally remain open over the Easter weekend, with Woolworths confirming it will open its doors in the ACT. However, some individual stores may have reduced hours or be closed, such as Subway, which operates under individual store hours.
In Victoria, shops with 20 or fewer employees at any time may operate on restricted trading days. Major shopping centres such as Fountain Gate will be closed on Good Friday, but some stores will have reduced opening hours.
In Queensland, shops in the Mossman and Port Douglas Tourist Area can trade unrestricted on public holidays when similar businesses in other areas of the state are restricted. Woolworths will reopen stores in Queensland, except for Hervey Bay and Pialba.
In Western Australia (WA), shops are regulated under the Retail Trading Hours Act 1987 according to location and retailer category, with small retail shops unrestricted. Major shopping centres like Westfield Whitford will be closed on Good Friday, but some Coles stores will be open, and Hungry Jack's will remain open across the state.
In South Australia (SA), whether a business can open may be linked to the total floor size of the premises. Most shops will be closed on Good Friday, but some Coles and Woolworths stores will be open with reduced hours.
In Tasmania, Woolworths will be open, and shops will trade unrestricted.
In the Northern Territory (NT), trading hours are deregulated, meaning there are no restrictions, including on public holidays. Shops will be open for reduced hours, and Woolworths will reopen its doors in the NT.
It's important to note that these observations are based on information from various sources and may not be exhaustive. Individual businesses may have their own specific operating hours, and it's always a good idea to check with local authorities and businesses directly for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, most shops are closed on Good Friday in Australia. Major shops operate on different schedules during the Easter weekend. However, some restaurants located in shopping centres and fast-food restaurants like Hungry Jack's and El Jannah may remain open.
Good Friday has traditionally been a day for quiet reflection and sombre observation for Christians. Also, there are restrictions around the sale and service of alcohol on Good Friday.
Yes, some shops remain open on Good Friday in Australia. For example, in 2025, Woolworths and Coles kept a few stores open across different states.
