Australia Day 2026: What’s open across the country for the long weekend

Australians are set to enjoy a three-day break as Australia Day falls next Monday, giving many the perfect excuse to relax, catch up with friends, or head out and enjoy what’s on offer.

Whether you’re planning a barbecue, tackling a home project, or squeezing in some shopping before the festivities, most major retailers and services will be open nationwide, although trading hours will vary depending on where you live.

Supermarkets and major retailers

Coles and Woolworths supermarkets will largely remain open across the country, with public holiday hours applying in most states.

Stores in NSW, Victoria, the ACT and Tasmania are expected to trade close to normal hours, while Queensland outlets will generally open later and close earlier unless located in tourist precincts.

South Australia will again have the strictest rules, with most metropolitan supermarkets closed and limited CBD and regional trading available.

Western Australia and the Northern Territory will operate under government-approved public holiday hours.

Big W and Kmart will also trade across most of the country, though several South Australian and regional stores will close for the day.

DIY enthusiasts can breathe easy, with Bunnings Warehouse stores open nationwide throughout the long weekend. Trade Centres, however, will remain closed on the public holiday.

Liquor stores

Bottle shops will be open in most areas, making it easy to stock up for celebrations.

Dan Murphy’s stores are expected to open from about 10am and close between 6pm and 7pm, while BWS and Liquorland outlets will trade with reduced hours depending on state and council regulations.

Some regional and remote stores may remain closed.

Shopping centres

Shopping centre trading will depend heavily on state legislation.

Centres in the ACT, parts of Queensland and the Northern Territory will be open with reduced hours, while South Australia’s Rundle Mall will be one of the few metropolitan shopping districts open in that state.

Transport and services

Public transport services will run on public holiday or weekend timetables in major cities, with additional services in some areas to support Australia Day events and fireworks.

Commuters are advised to plan ahead, particularly in Sydney and Perth, where road closures and ferry disruptions will occur around evening celebrations.

Australia Post outlets will be closed, with no mail deliveries taking place.

Many cafes and restaurants will open but may apply a public holiday surcharge of about 10–15 per cent.

Australia Day 2026: Key times and highlights by state

New South Wales

Supermarkets: Most Coles and Woolworths stores open with public holiday hours

Liquor: Dan Murphy’s and BWS open, typically 10am–6/7 pm

Transport: Extra services running; ferry disruptions at Circular Quay during events

Roads: Major closures around The Rocks, Circular Quay and Harbour Bridge in the evening

Victoria

Supermarkets: Most stores open; select CBD Woolworths closed

Retail: Big W and Kmart largely open

Transport: Trams and V/Line running on Saturday timetables

Queensland

Supermarkets: Tourist areas open 7am–9pm; others 9am–6pm

Shopping centres: Many open with reduced hours

Liquor: Reduced hours statewide

Transport: Evening rail disruptions on Beenleigh, Cleveland and Gold Coast lines

South Australia

Supermarkets: Most Adelaide metro stores closed

CBD trading: Rundle Mall open 11am–5pm

Retail: Many Big W and Kmart stores closed outside the CBD

Western Australia

Supermarkets: Open 8am–6pm in Perth metro area

Liquor: Reduced public holiday hours

Transport: Public holiday timetable; station restrictions after fireworks

Australian Capital Territory

Shopping centres: Canberra Centre open 10am–4pm; Canberra Outlet 10am–6 pm

Supermarkets: Trading largely as normal

Northern Territory

Supermarkets: Most stores open 8am–8pm

Shopping centres: Casuarina Square open 10am–3pm

Liquor: Some regional closures apply

Tasmania

Supermarkets: Coles and Woolworths expected to trade as normal

Retail: Most major stores open with reduced hours

For those planning to head out, plenty will be open this Australia Day, but checking local store hours ahead of time will help ensure a smooth and stress-free long weekend.