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Home / News & Insights / ANZAC Day Public Holiday Trading Hours In Australia (2026)

ANZAC Day Public Holiday Trading Hours In Australia (2026)

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The following is a state by state breakdown of the public holiday information for ANZAC Day 2026.

When is ANZAC Day in 2026?

ANZAC Day is on Saturday, 25th of April in 2026.

Is ANZAC Day a public holiday?

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

What happens if ANZAC Day is on a Saturday?

If ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday, it is still observed on 25 April and most Australians do not receive a substitute weekday public holiday.

In 2026, only the ACT and Western Australia will observe an additional public holiday on the Monday, with WA recognising both the Saturday and Monday.

In other states, no replacement day off applies when ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday.

Australian Capital Territory ANZAC Day 2026 Trading Information

In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), ANZAC Day is recognised as a public holiday. In 2026, the public holiday falls on Saturday, the 25th of April.

In the ACT, businesses can remain open all day on ANZAC Day without restrictions.

In 2026, the ACT will also observe a substitute public holiday on Monday, 27 April, as ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday.

Public Holiday Date In 2026 ACT Trading Hours
ANZAC Day Saturday, 25th of April No restrictions on trading hours

New South Wales ANZAC Day 2026 Trading Information

ANZAC Day is recognised as a public holiday in New South Wales. In 2026, the public holiday falls on Saturday, the 25th of April.

New South Wales previously adhered to specific trading hours to honour this significant day. Under the former Retail Trading Act, businesses were generally restricted from opening before 1.00pm.

However, under the Retail Trading Amendment (ANZAC Day Trading Hours) Act 2024, non exempt retail shops are no longer permitted to open after 1.00pm on ANZAC Day. Many businesses that were previously able to trade after 1.00pm must now remain closed for the entire day.

Some exempt businesses may still be permitted to trade. To access the most up to date NSW ANZAC Day trading rules, consult the NSW Government website.

In 2026, there is no substitute public holiday in New South Wales, and no additional day off applies as ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday.

Public Holiday Date In 2026 NSW Trading Hours
ANZAC Day Saturday, 25th of April Trading not permitted (exemptions apply)

Northern Territory ANZAC Day 2026 Trading Information

In the Northern Territory, ANZAC Day is recognised as a public holiday. In 2026, the public holiday falls on Saturday, the 25th of April.

Similar to the ACT, businesses in the Northern Territory can remain open all day on ANZAC Day without restrictions.

In 2026, there is no substitute public holiday in the Northern Territory, and no additional day off applies as ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday.

Public Holiday Date In 2026 NT Trading Hours
ANZAC Day Saturday, 25th of April No restrictions on trading hours

Queensland ANZAC Day 2026 Trading Information

ANZAC Day is recognised as a public holiday in Queensland. In 2026, the public holiday falls on Saturday, the 25th of April.

In Queensland, ANZAC Day trading hours for businesses are clearly defined and depend on the category of the retail shop.

Exempt shops, which cover a wide range of essential and specified businesses, may trade without restriction on ANZAC Day, with details outlined on the Queensland government’s website.

Independent retail shops, unless they are predominantly food and or grocery stores, are permitted to commence trading from 1.00pm on ANZAC Day.

In 2026, there is no substitute public holiday in Queensland, and no additional weekday public holiday applies as ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday.

Public Holiday Date In 2026 QLD Trading Hours
ANZAC Day Saturday, 25th of April Exempt shops may trade without restriction. Independent retail shops may open from 1.00pm. Predominantly food and grocery stores may trade without restriction

South Australia ANZAC Day 2026 Trading Information

In South Australia, ANZAC Day is observed on Saturday, the 25th of April 2026.

ANZAC Day is subject to specific trading hour restrictions that vary depending on the shop category and location.

In the Adelaide CBD, non exempt shops may be permitted to trade between 12.00pm and 5.00pm only. Certain hardware stores may also be permitted to trade during these hours, subject to location based rules.

However, businesses located within metropolitan shopping districts, the Glenelg tourist precinct, and other proclaimed shopping districts are required to remain closed. For a full list of the 25 exempt business categories, refer to the official guidelines.

In 2026, South Australia will observe a substitute public holiday on Monday, 27 April, as ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday.

Public Holiday Date In 2026 SA Trading Hours
ANZAC Day Saturday, 25th of April Trading permitted between 12.00pm and 5.00pm only in Adelaide CBD

Tasmania ANZAC Day 2026 Trading Information

ANZAC Day is recognised as a public holiday in Tasmania. In 2026, the public holiday falls on Saturday, the 25th of April.

In Tasmania, most businesses are restricted from opening before 12.30pm on ANZAC Day.

Some exemptions apply. Pharmacies, newsagents, bottle shops, cafes and restaurants, along with service stations, car yards and real estate agencies, may trade without these restrictions.

Smaller shops within large shopping complexes may also be exempt if they employ fewer than 10 staff members, based on employee numbers at the relevant reference period.

In 2026, there is no substitute public holiday in Tasmania, and no additional weekday public holiday applies as ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday.

Public Holiday Date In 2026 TAS Trading Hours
ANZAC Day Saturday, 25th of April Trading permitted after 12.30pm

Victoria ANZAC Day 2026 Trading Information

ANZAC Day is recognised as a public holiday in Victoria. In 2026, the public holiday falls on Saturday, the 25th of April.

In Victoria, ANZAC Day is a time of remembrance and respect, which is reflected in trading restrictions. Under the Shop Trading Reform Act 1996, most Victorian retail businesses must remain closed until 1.00pm on ANZAC Day.

Exemptions apply for essential services such as chemists and petrol stations, as well as hospitality venues including restaurants and cafes. Small businesses employing 20 or fewer people may also trade during the morning.

Cinemas, live entertainment venues and real estate auctions are permitted to operate but must observe the 1.00pm opening restriction.

In 2026, there is no substitute public holiday in Victoria, and no additional weekday public holiday applies as ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday.

Public Holiday Date In 2026 VIC Trading Hours
ANZAC Day Saturday, 25th of April Trading allowed after 1.00pm (exemptions apply)

Western Australia ANZAC Day 2026 Trading Information

ANZAC Day is recognised as a public holiday in Western Australia. In 2026, the public holiday falls on Saturday, the 25th of April.

If you’re unsure about trading hours, it’s important to note that only certain types of businesses are permitted to trade on ANZAC Day. This includes essential services such as pharmacies and newsagents, as well as some recreational outlets.

Dining options may remain open, with restaurants, cafes and takeaway food shops typically exempt from the closure. To confirm whether your store qualifies for an exemption, refer to the Western Australian Government website for the full list.

In 2026, Western Australia will observe both Saturday, 25 April and Monday, 27 April as public holidays, as ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday.

Public Holiday Date In 2026 WA Trading Hours
ANZAC Day Saturday, 25th of April Closed, with exemptions

 


How trading hours are regulated in each State/Territory

 

Trading hours are subject to regulation at the state and territory level. While some jurisdictions only regulate trading hours on public holidays and other occasions, other states restrict hours generally or have other restrictions based on geographic area or type of retailer.

Generally, in jurisdictions that have regulations, small businesses are considered “exempt” from trading hour restrictions and it is “non-exempt” retailers, supermarkets and department stores that are most restricted in the hours that they can open.

Public holidays also vary across states and territories and so do the restrictions that apply for these holidays.

State Regulation Status Notes
ACT Deregulated Retailers just need to be aware of public holidays.
NSW Some regulation of specified public holidays Some public holidays (Good Friday, Easter Sunday, ANZAC Day before 1pm, Christmas Day and Boxing Day are restricted under the Retail Trading Act 2008 (NSW).

However, there are many exemptions for different types of retailers (set out in Schedule 1 of the Act), including a broad exemption for small shops which are defined as having 4 or fewer employees.

NT Deregulated Retailers just need to be aware of public holidays.
QLD Regulated Queensland updated its Trading (Allowable Hours) 1990 legislation with amendments in 2022, however, trading hours are still restricted according to location and/or type of retailer.
SA Regulated SA has recently updated its Shop Trading Hour Act 1977 to enable less restricted trading hours, allowing most shops to now open from 9am on Sundays and Public Holidays, and to allow trading on Boxing Day for certain shops, as well as three midnight trading days in the lead up to Christmas.
TAS Regulated Tasmanian trading hours are regulated under the Shop Trading Hours Act 1984 according to location and/or type of shop.
VIC Some regulation of specified public holidays Partially deregulated.

Some restrictions apply for Christmas, Good Friday and ANZAC Day with exemptions for certain types of retailers, including cafes and chemists.

WA Regulated Trading hours are regulated in WA under the Retail Trading Hours Act 1987 (WA) according to location and/or category of retailer with small retail shops unrestricted.

2026 Public Holidays by State or Territory

ACT Australian Capital Territory Public Holiday Dates
NSW New South Wales Public Holiday Dates
NT Northern Territory Public Holiday Dates
QLD Queensland Public Holiday Dates
SA South Australian Public Holiday Dates
TAS Tasmania Public Holiday Dates
VIC Victoria Public Holiday Dates
WA Western Australia Public Holiday Dates