easter saturday

Everything You Need to Know About the 2026 Easter Long Weekend in Australia

The 2026 Easter long weekend is fast approaching, and Aussies across the country are gearing up for a mix of religious observance, retail closures, and holiday cheer. With Good Friday falling on March 28, Easter Saturday on March 29, and Easter Sunday on March 30, this year’s break promises to be one of the most anticipated yet—thanks in part to its alignment with school holidays and a full calendar of public events.

But while families prepare for picnics, church services, and time off work, many shoppers are wondering: what’s open over Easter Saturday 2026? The answer varies significantly by state due to Australia’s complex patchwork of trading laws—but rest assured, we’ve done the heavy lifting so you don’t have to.

What Is Holy Saturday (Easter Saturday), and Why Does It Matter?

Before diving into store hours, it's worth understanding what Easter Saturday actually means. In Western Christian traditions, Easter Saturday—also known as Holy Saturday or the Day of the Resurrection—falls between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It’s a day of quiet reflection, marking the period when Jesus Christ was believed to have been buried in the tomb.

While not a public holiday in most Australian states (unlike Good Friday and Easter Monday), Easter Saturday holds deep spiritual significance for millions of Christians. Many attend special church services, particularly the Easter Vigil, which marks the symbolic lighting of candles and celebration of resurrection.

Interestingly, in some parts of the world—especially in Eastern Orthodox traditions—Easter Saturday can fall on different dates than in Western churches, depending on whether the liturgical calendar follows the Julian or Gregorian system. However, in Australia, all major denominations observe the same date: Saturday, March 29, 2026.

State-by-State Breakdown: Where Are Stores Open on Easter Saturday?

One of the biggest questions Australians ask every Easter is: Can I go shopping this Saturday? Unfortunately, the answer isn’t straightforward—because each state and territory regulates retail opening hours differently.

According to verified reports from 7NEWS and 9News, here’s how key retailers will operate across the country:

Supermarkets & Grocery Chains

• Coles: Open in all states except New South Wales and Victoria during Good Friday and Easter Saturday. However, individual store managers may exercise discretion under local regulations.
• Woolworths: Similar to Coles, Woolworths generally closes on Good Friday and Easter Saturday in NSW and VIC but remains open in other jurisdictions like Queensland, WA, SA, ACT, and TAS.
• Aldi: Typically follows Woolworths’ lead—closed on Easter Saturday in NSW and VIC; open elsewhere.
• IGA: Hours vary by franchise owner, but most IGA stores close on Easter Saturday in metropolitan areas of NSW and VIC.

Liquor & Alcohol Retailers

This is where things get especially tricky—and why so many Australians end up frustrated come Easter morning.

• BWS (Beer, Wine & Spirits): Closed on Easter Saturday in NSW, VIC, and ACT.
• Dan Murphy’s: Also closed in those same states.
• Liquorland: Generally follows BWS/Dan Murphy’s schedule—closed in NSW and VIC, open in QLD, WA, SA, and TAS.

That means if you live in Sydney, Melbourne, or Canberra, you won’t be able to pick up a six-pack or bottle of wine until Easter Sunday at the earliest.

Other Major Retailers

• Bunnings: Open in all states on Easter Saturday, though some locations may have reduced hours.
• Kmart, Target, Big W: Typically closed on Easter Saturday in NSW and VIC; open in other states.
• Pharmacies: Chemist Warehouse and similar chains usually remain open in most regions, including NSW and VIC, making them lifesavers for last-minute medication needs.

“It’s frustrating because you plan your whole weekend around stocking up before the long weekend,” says Sarah Thompson, a mother of two from Melbourne. “You think you’ve got time, then suddenly everything’s shut down.”

Why Do Trading Hours Differ So Much Between States?

Australia’s retail landscape operates under a federation model—meaning power over public holidays and trading laws is split between federal government and state/territory authorities. While the Commonwealth sets broad guidelines, individual states have significant leeway to enact their own rules.

For decades, these differences have sparked debate. Some argue that strict Easter trading bans protect family time and religious observance; others claim they unfairly punish small businesses and inconvenience consumers.

In recent years, there’s been growing pressure to standardise Easter trading hours nationwide. A 2022 review by the Productivity Commission recommended harmonising public holiday trading laws, citing inconsistencies that disadvantage workers and consumers alike. However, as of 2026, no unified policy has been adopted.

What’s Happening During the Easter Long Weekend?

Beyond shopping concerns, Easter 2026 brings a host of cultural, religious, and recreational activities:

• Church Services: Major cathedrals and parishes across the country will hold special Easter Vigils on Holy Saturday evening, culminating in midnight masses.
• Public Events: Many cities—including Brisbane, Adelaide, and Hobart—host Easter-themed markets, egg hunts, and community fairs. Check your local council website for details.
• Travel Surge: With three consecutive days off, expect busy roads and popular destinations like Byron Bay, Kangaroo Island, and the Blue Mountains to fill up quickly. Book accommodation early!

Planning Your Easter Weekend: Tips for Shoppers

To avoid last-minute stress, experts recommend planning ahead:

1. Check Local Council Websites: Rules can change annually. Visit your state’s commerce department site for official updates.
2. Use Store Locator Tools: Most supermarkets now offer real-time hour trackers via their apps.
3. Stock Up Early: If you know your local stores will be closed, do your grocery run before Thursday.
4. Consider Alternatives: Pharmacies, convenience stores, and 24-hour petrol stations often stay open.

Looking Ahead: Will Easter Trading Ever Be Standardised?

As Australia becomes increasingly secular and consumer-driven, calls for reform grow louder. In 2023, a petition signed by over 10,000 people urged the federal government to establish uniform Easter trading rules. While no legislation has passed, the conversation continues.

Meanwhile, retailers adapt. Some big-box stores now offer online ordering with click-and-collect options, allowing customers to bypass physical store closures altogether.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re attending an Easter vigil, chasing eggs in the park, or simply trying to survive without toilet paper, the 2026 Easter long weekend offers something for everyone. Just remember: your ability to shop on Easter Saturday depends entirely on where you live.

Stay informed, plan smart, and enjoy your well-earned break. After all, even the busiest of weekends needs a little downtime.

Sources: - 7NEWS – Easter 2026 Trading Hours - 9News – Easter Long Weekend 2026 - Herald Sun – What’s Open in Melbourne - Wikipedia – Easter Saturday - Parade Magazine – Holy Saturday Traditions