anzac day public holiday

Anzac Day 2026: What’s Open, Closed, and How the Long Weekend Falls

As Anzac Day approaches in April 2026, Australians across the country are gearing up to honour the service and sacrifice of those who served in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). But this year brings a unique twist — the public holiday falls on a Saturday, prompting questions about closures, business hours, pay arrangements, and how the long weekend will actually play out.

For many, Anzac Day is more than just a day off work — it’s a moment of national reflection, remembrance, and community gathering. Yet with the date shifting from its traditional Monday observance in recent years due to calendar changes, confusion has grown over what’s open, what’s closed, and whether employees are entitled to paid leave.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Anzac Day 2026 in Australia, based on verified news reports and official state-by-state guidelines.

Why Does Anzac Day Fall on a Saturday in 2026?

Unlike most years when Anzac Day (25 April) lands on a weekday and is observed as a public holiday on the following Monday — creating a long weekend — 2026 marks a rare occurrence: the actual day falls directly on a Saturday.

According to 1News, this means that while 25 April itself is still officially recognised as a public holiday, the long weekend effect will depend entirely on individual states and territories. In some regions, businesses may choose to close on Sunday as well, extending the break. However, in others, only Saturday will be treated as a public holiday, leaving Sunday as an ordinary weekend day.

This shift isn’t unprecedented. The Gregorian calendar means that major holidays like Anzac Day occasionally align with weekends. When this happens, governments must decide whether to move the public holiday to a different day or accept the weekend alignment — a decision that affects everything from retail operations to school calendars.

State-by-State Breakdown: What’s Open and Closed on Anzac Day 2026?

While federal law sets Anzac Day as a public holiday, each state and territory has leeway to determine specific closure rules. Here's what we know so far for 2026:

New South Wales

NSW traditionally treats Anzac Day as a full public holiday. According to 9News, all non-essential services will close on Saturday, 25 April. Banks, post offices, and most government offices will remain shut. However, essential services such as hospitals, police, and emergency departments will operate as normal.

Retailers are generally allowed to open, but many choose to close out of respect. Some may operate under restricted hours or apply surcharges, especially if staff are working on a weekend.

Victoria

Victoria follows a similar pattern. Public institutions will be closed, and most shops will either remain shut or operate with limited hours. The Victorian government encourages businesses to observe the day with a shutdown, particularly those in hospitality and retail.

Queensland

In Queensland, the rules vary slightly by council area. The SMH article notes that while Anzac Day is a public holiday, some local councils allow certain businesses to open with restrictions. For example, pharmacies, petrol stations, and supermarkets may operate, but often with reduced hours.

There’s also a growing trend in Queensland to offer “Anzac Day surcharges” — extra fees added to goods and services on the day — though these are not mandatory and are usually voluntary, aimed at supporting veterans’ charities.

Western Australia

WA treats Anzac Day with the same gravity as other states. Most businesses will close, and public transport will run on a holiday schedule. However, essential services remain operational. WA’s strong military heritage means many towns host dawn services and parades, making the day highly visible in community life.

South Australia & Tasmania

Both states confirm that 25 April will be a public holiday. Retail closures are common, and most schools and offices will be shut. Tasmania, with its large veteran population, often extends the observance into the Sunday with special church services and memorial walks.

ACT & Northern Territory

The ACT, being the nation’s capital, hosts the largest Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Australian War Memorial. All federal offices will be closed, and most private businesses follow suit. The NT observes the day with similar respect, though remote communities may have tailored events.

What About Pay and Employee Rights?

One of the biggest concerns this year is employee entitlements. Since 25 April falls on a Saturday, does that mean workers get paid for Sunday too?

According to union representatives and workplace experts cited in the 9News report, employees are only entitled to public holiday pay if they would normally work on that day. Because Sunday is not a public holiday, employers are not required to pay premium rates or additional leave for staff working on that day.

However, many organisations — particularly in retail and hospitality — opt to give staff an extra day off or pay them time-and-a-half voluntarily. This is especially true in industries where weekend staffing is common.

Fair Work Australia’s National Employment Standards (NES) state that public holiday pay applies only to the actual public holiday date. So unless a worker is scheduled to work on Sunday and their contract includes special provisions, they won’t automatically receive double pay.

That said, some unions are calling for broader recognition of Anzac Day as a “cultural day of significance,” arguing that employers should treat it with the same respect as Easter or Christmas — even if it falls on a weekend.

A Brief History: Why Anzac Day Matters

Anzac Day commemorates the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during World War I — the landing at Gallipoli in 1915. Over 8,000 ANZAC soldiers died in that campaign, and the day has since evolved into a symbol of courage, mateship, and sacrifice.

Every year, Australians pause at dawn to remember those who served. From small-town dawn services to the iconic march through Sydney Harbour Bridge, the day blends solemn ceremony with community pride.

Over the decades, Anzac Day has also become a touchstone for discussions about national identity, reconciliation, and the evolving role of veterans in modern society. In recent years, there’s been greater emphasis on including Indigenous perspectives and recognising the contributions of women and peacekeepers.

Economic and Social Impact

The economic ripple effects of Anzac Day are significant. In past years, billions of dollars in sales have been lost as retailers close or operate at reduced capacity. However, this also drives alternative spending — many families use the long weekend to visit war memorials, attend parades, or dine at restaurants offering special menus.

Restaurants and cafes that stay open often see increased foot traffic, especially in tourist-heavy areas. Some venues even partner with veteran organisations to donate portions of profits on the day.

Socially, Anzac Day strengthens community bonds. Schools host student-led services, young people participate in marches, and families gather to learn about history. The day acts as both education and emotional anchor in a fast-paced world.

Looking Ahead: What Does the Future Hold?

With Anzac Day occasionally falling on weekends, pressure is mounting to reconsider how Australia treats public holidays tied to historical events.

Some historians and policy analysts suggest that, in the future, Anzac Day could be permanently moved to a Friday or Monday — a proposal already debated in parliamentary circles. Others argue that preserving the date on 25 April maintains continuity and respect for tradition.

Meanwhile, digital platforms are changing how people engage with the day. Virtual dawn services, online memorials, and social media campaigns now complement physical gatherings, making remembrance more accessible than ever.

As Australia continues to evolve, so too does Anzac Day — balancing reverence with relevance, history with modernity.

Final Thoughts: Respect, Remembrance, and Readiness

For Australians, Anzac Day 2026 is more than a calendar event — it’s a moment to reflect, unite, and honour those who gave their lives. Whether you’re attending a dawn service, visiting a memorial, or simply pausing for silence, your participation matters.

And while the weekend alignment brings logistical challenges, it also offers a chance to extend the spirit of the day. Use the long weekend wisely — spend time with family, learn something new, and consider how you can support veterans’ causes beyond the 25th.

After all, Anzac Day isn’t just about remembering the past. It’s about shaping a future built on gratitude, courage, and care.

Sources: - [Is Anzac Day Saturday or Monday? And what about shops, surcharges and