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.
Are shops open in New South Wales for ANZAC Day?
For people living in New South Wales, it’s worth noting that rules for some businesses have changed. To give you the TL;DR, under The Retail Trading Amendment (ANZAC Day Trading Hours) Act 2024, “non-exempt” retail shops cannot be open after 1pm on April 25.
Businesses that are allowed to be open on ANZAC Day include those listed in “schedule 1” of the Retail Trading Act, which includes:
- Bazaars, fairs or markets that are conducted for charitable or public fundraising purposes
- Bookshops
- Cake and pastry shops
- Chemists
- Cooked provision shops
- Florists
- Fruit and vegetable shops
- News agencies
- Nurseries
- Pet shops
- Recorded music, video or DVD shops
- Restaurants, cafes or kiosks
- Seafood shops
- Souvenir shops
- Take-away food and drink shops
- Tobacconists
- Vehicle shops, vehicle service centres and petrol stations
- Small shop retailers
- Businesses that hold a hotel or small bar licence.
To help you figure out how to spend your day off, or if you’re in desperate need of high-priced avocados, here’s what’s open on Anzac Day.
What shops are open on ANZAC Day?
Supermarkets
Need some last-minute groceries? Unfortunately for you, not every state will be swinging their supermarket doors open on April 25.
Coles and Woolies in Vic will operate from 1pm. All stores will also be open in Tassie but from 12:30pm. They like to be different down there.
For our friends in the NT, most Woolies and Coles shops will open after 12pm, but it’s best to check your local!
Unfortunately for folks in SA, you may be out of luck in terms of copping groceries. Woolies branches in Perth will be shut. However, select WA regional stores will be open for business.
So, if you want to avoid looking like a stunned mullet in front of those giant grocery store doors, best to peep your local’s ANZAC Day trading hours online.
Meanwhile, QLD is completely CLOSED for business.
Aldi
If you’re an Aldi shopper who froths the abyss that is the middle aisle, punters across the nation are encouraged to check the hours of their local shop if they’re keen for a quick geeze on the ANZAC Day public holiday.
Big W
WA, NSW and QLD shoppers will have to wait until after Friday to shop for their fave homewares, entertainment necessities and clothing as Big W will shut down on April 25.
Every other state and territory will have reduced Big W hours, so be sure to check online before heading on over.
Kmart
As for Kmart, things get a bit more complex.
In NSW, Queensland and WA, Kmart is c-c-c-cloooooseeed. So, you’ll have to wait until after Friday to satisfy your Anko fix.
For ACT, Kmart is expected to open after 1.30pm and for the Vic and SA shoppers, Kmart will open after 1pm.
Shopping Centres
Vic and ACT Westfield centres will open from 1pm.
For QLD, SA, WA and NSW shoppers, the centres will be — as Skepta said — SHUTDOWN.
Punters can also check online if they want to double-check if their favourite mall is still kicking it on for ANZAC DAY.
Bunnings
Hoping to spend your time finishing up you home projects?
Well, if you’re in ACT, NT and Vic, you’re in luck because all Bunnings stores will open from 1pm.
SA and WA shoppers can visit Bunnings from midday and Tassie folks can head to the shop from 12.30pm.
Sorry, QLD, all your DIY projects will have to wait until the 26th.
Bunnings Trade Centres across the country will be closed.
Can you still get food or drinks on ANZAC Day?
Pubs
Pubs across the nation will be open! Most facilities will also be hosting rounds of Two-Up. Please, don’t ask me what that is because I have no clue!
After all, this is an article about what’s open, and pubs are open.
If you’re hoping to send out some mail or pick up a package you missed on the 24th, you may have to wait until Friday, April 26!
At least you’ll have time to make any edits to the letters you’re about to send out.
Food Delivery
Menulog, Uber Eats and your other associated food delivery apps are still functioning, and whatever restaurants that’ll be open (it really is a case-by-case kinda thing) will still sling you tasty treats as normal.
You might have a little extra wait, of course. After all, it is a public holiday and I can’t imagine many people are keen on cooking.
What else is open on ANZAC Day?
Movies
Most cinemas will be open on ANZAC Day, but it’s best to check online to see when they start rolling out the flicks.
Bottle-Os
BWS and Dan Murphy’s will be open nationally from 1pm and will close around 7pm.
If you’re loyal to Liquorland, all stores in NSW will be open with reduced trading hours. Vic, NT, ACT and Tassie Liquorlands will also open up shop but with reduced shopping time.
Unfortunately, for our besties in QLD, SA and WA, most Liquorlands will be shut.
Banks
All banks will be closed on this public holiday.
Image source: Getty Images / Jack Thomas and Education Images
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