How Does Sunday & Holiday Hours Work in Australia?
Last verified: 2025-01 · Oceania
1The Quick Answer
Shops open Sundays with slightly shorter hours. Supermarkets open 7 days. Public holidays vary by state and cause widespread closures.
2What You Need to Know
Australia's Sunday trading is largely unrestricted compared to Europe — supermarkets, shopping malls, and most retailers are open on Sundays, though often with shorter hours (typically 10am–5pm instead of 7am–9pm). Smaller independent shops may choose to close. Public holidays vary significantly by state — each state has its own bank holidays on top of national ones. On public holidays, many shops operate reduced hours or close entirely, and penalty rates mean many small businesses choose to close. The Easter period (Good Friday, Saturday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday) and Christmas/Boxing Day are the biggest closure periods.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Woolworths and Coles supermarkets are open 7 days a week — reliable for all supplies
- 2Good Friday sees many businesses close — plan supplies in advance
- 3Each state has unique public holidays: Melbourne Cup Day (VIC), Show Day (QLD/SA/WA etc.)
- 4Christmas Day: almost everything closes including most restaurants — book hotel dining in advance
- 5Pharmacy chains like Chemist Warehouse are usually open public holidays with reduced hours
Important Warning
Good Friday in Australia is treated as a major holiday with widespread closures of shops, restaurants, and attractions. The Easter long weekend is one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
How does this compare?
Sunday & Holiday Hours rules in nearby and similar countries:
Most shops, restaurants, and convenience stores are open 7 days a week. Convenience stores never close. Banks close on weekends.
The UAE weekend is Saturday–Sunday. Businesses close on Friday for prayers. Malls are open 7 days a week. Ramadan significantly changes all hours.
Most shops, malls, and restaurants are open 7 days a week. Convenience stores never close. Buddhist holidays cause alcohol bans and some closures.
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