Whats open Australia Day: store hours, openings and closures

Introduction — why knowing whats open australia day matters

Australia Day public holiday trading affects travel plans, shopping and services for millions of Australians. Unlike New Year’s Eve or Anzac Day, Australia Day is generally treated as a normal trading holiday, so many shops will be open — but hours can vary widely by state, territory and retailer. Clear information on whats open australia day helps households plan errands, grocery runs and social gatherings over the long weekend.

Main details — who is open and where

Supermarkets

Major supermarket chains will largely remain open, but many will operate on public holiday or reduced hours. Coles will be open across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Woolworths will open on Australia Day in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia. In Queensland and Western Australia, public holiday hours are expected; outlets in NSW, Victoria, the ACT and Tasmania are likely to trade close to normal hours.

Large retail chains

Most Kmart, Target and Big W stores are expected to trade on Australia Day, although some South Australian and regional stores may remain closed. Rundle Mall in Adelaide is one of the few metropolitan shopping districts open in South Australia.

Liquor stores

Liquorland will open in Victoria, NSW, the ACT, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory (excluding Alice Springs). Dan Murphy’s stores are typically expected to open around 10am and close between 6pm and 7pm. BWS and other outlets will trade with reduced hours depending on state and local council regulations. Shoppers in Queensland should check local store hours as hours can differ by location.

Shop trading rules and Western Australia specifics

Under state Shop Trading Hours Acts, shops are classed as exempt or non-exempt, which affects whether they can trade unrestricted hours. Exempt shops (generally larger chains) may have unrestricted trading except for independent retailers which can face restrictions. In Perth metropolitan areas, shops can open from 8am to 6pm on Australia Day; shops outside the Perth metro area commonly remain closed.

Conclusion — what this means for readers

Most Australians will find essential supermarkets, major retailers and many liquor stores open on Australia Day, but hours will often be reduced or subject to public holiday trading rules. Check your local store’s website or call ahead, particularly in South Australia, regional areas and parts of Queensland or Western Australia, to avoid surprises. For planning travel, gatherings or shopping, confirm opening times before you go.