ANZAC Day 2026: What’s open and closed across Australia

One of Australia’s most important national occasions, Anzac Day is just around the corner. For Australians, it is a day to pause and commemorate the work of the defence forces. Anzac Day falls on the weekend this year, which means no extra day off. However, the opening hours and alcohol sales rules still apply, just as on a weekday Anzac Day public holiday. Non-exempt businesses must stay closed, and some exempt ones can only open from 1 or 1.30 pm.
Here’s a quick rundown of what’s open and closed based on the latest information.

Anzac Day falls on Saturday, April 25, 2026. This day marks the 111th anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War, landing in Gallipoli in 1915. ANZAC stands for ‘Australian and New Zealand Army Corps’.

Yes, all states and territories across Australia recognise ANZAC Day as a public holiday.

Essential services such as hospitals, emergency services, petrol stations and most pharmacies are open as usual. Shops such as grocery or convenience stores, food outlets, butchers, bakers, chemists, florists, greengrocers, fishmongers and service stations are also open, though hours can be shorter than usual and vary by state. The Business Queensland website has listed the shops that are allowed to open.

You can still grab a coffee or have a meal with your loved ones, as cafés, takeaways and restaurants will also be open. However, some of these shops may still choose to stay closed or open later (after 1 pm), so ensure you check before you head out.

The trading restrictions vary significantly by state this year. However, major retailers - particularly the larger chains tied to shopping centres, supermarkets, department stores and hardware shops - are ‘non-exempt shops’ and will remain closed on Anzac Day. Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, Bunnings, Myer, David Jones, Kmart, Target and Big W will remain closed, according to Brisbane Times. The Woolworths at Brisbane Airport, however, will remain open from 1 pm.

Licensed pubs and clubs have special rules. On the night before, April 24, alcohol service and gambling must stop at midnight. Casinos, however, can allow gambling until 3 am, so you have until 12.30 am to finish your drink. On Anzac Day, RSLs and service clubs can serve alcohol from 5 am; however, other venues can serve from 1 pm, or from 10 am if they also serve meals. Takeaway alcohol, on the other hand, cannot be sold until 1 pm. Also, gambling is not permitted until noon in licensed premises.

Places of ‘public amusement’ such as cinemas, amusement parks and sporting events are not allowed to open until 1.30 pm.