Australians planning their ANZAC Day activities should be aware of restricted trading hours across the country, with major retailers such as Coles, Woolworths, and Bunnings adjusting their schedules to comply with state and territory laws.
National Overview of ANZAC Day Trading
ANZAC Day, observed on April 25, is a public holiday in Australia, and trading hours are governed by each state's legislation. Generally, shops are prohibited from opening until after 1:00 PM local time, though exceptions exist for certain essential services and smaller businesses.
Major Supermarkets: Coles and Woolworths
Coles and Woolworths supermarkets will open at 1:00 PM in most states, including New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory. However, some stores in Western Australia and Tasmania may open earlier or later depending on local council regulations. Customers are advised to check their local store's hours online.
Hardware and Home Improvement: Bunnings
Bunnings Warehouse will open at 1:00 PM nationally, with the exception of stores in Western Australia where trading hours may vary. The retailer has confirmed that all stores will observe the afternoon opening restriction.
Other Retailers
- Kmart and Target: Both chains will open from 1:00 PM in most locations, but some regional stores may have different hours.
- Big W: Trading from 1:00 PM across the country.
- ALDI: Stores will open at 1:00 PM, though a small number of stores in shopping centres may follow centre hours.
- Dan Murphy's and BWS: Bottle shops will open after 1:00 PM, but some states have additional restrictions on alcohol sales.
Regional Variations
In Western Australia, trading hours are more restrictive, with many shops not opening until 1:00 PM, while in the Northern Territory, there are no restrictions on ANZAC Day trading. In South Australia, some shops may open earlier if they are located in designated tourist precincts.
Essential Services
Pharmacies, petrol stations, convenience stores, and cafes are generally allowed to open earlier, though some may choose to open later out of respect for the ANZAC Day commemorations. Major shopping centres will typically open from 1:00 PM, but individual store hours may vary.
Shoppers are encouraged to plan ahead and check the websites of their preferred retailers for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Many retailers also have store locator tools that display specific trading hours for ANZAC Day.
