Are supermarkets open on Good Friday in Australia?

Good Friday is one of the most important holidays in Australia, marking the beginning of the Easter long weekend. It’s also one of the strictest trading days of the year and many people start asking are supermarkets open on Good Friday as they plan their shopping. This article breaks down Australian supermarket trading rules by state, important supermarket chains, regional differences and everything you need to know.

Good friday trading restriction

Good Friday is classified as a restricted trading day in most states and regions. That means many major retailers including Coles, Woolworths, ALDI and other big shopping centres must remain closed except some serious reasons. Supermarkets are among the businesses most affected and the rules are depending on where you live. Some states forces full closure while others allow limited trading for certain store types.

Are supermarkets open on good friday?

This is a detailed look at each Australian state and region to explain exactly what you can expect from your local supermarket.

1. New South Wales

Good Friday is a controlled trading day in New South Wales. Important supermarkets must close. This includes:

• Woolworths
• Coles
• ALDI
• IGA supermarkets inside big shopping centre

Shops That May Open

• Small grocers
• Convenience stores 7-Eleven, Metro service stations

2. Victoria

Victoria has some of the harsh Good Friday rules in the country. Supermarkets big or small are almost always closed for the entire day.

3. Queensland

In Queensland most of the markets closed due to good Friday under laws. But many cafes, restaurants and fast-food outlets open, therefore alcohol sales are banned.

4. South Australia

Most major supermarkets remain closed. Some smaller, independent retailers may open if they match the granting conditions, although this is not assured.

5. Western Australia 

Similar to South Australia, large retail shops are usually closed but small shops may open. Also most of the businesses, schools, post offices and government services are closed.

6. Tasmania 

In Tasmania most of the shops often closed. Some specific supermarkets close on Good Friday but tourist favorite places and some smaller businesses usually remain open.

7. Northern Territory 

Trading hours are typically unregulated; major retailers can open on public holidays if they want, but many supermarkets do not.

Why shops are closed: the legal background

Shops are closed on Good Friday in Australia due to state-based regulations that designate a constricted trading day starting from its historical theme as a major Christian public holiday. While the specific laws and exclusion differ by state and region, the tradition of keeping most retail closed is adored in law, although many exclusions exist for smaller shops and certain types of businesses like cafes, chemists and petrol stations.

Why IGA is often the exception

Independent grocers alliance stores can open on Good Friday more regularly because they are independently owned and repeatedly fall under the small business exclusion public holiday regulations. This means smaller store footprint, fewer staff, independent ownership structure, exemption from large retailer restrictions. However, not all IGAs are automatically open it depends completely on local trading laws and the store owner’s choice.

What is open on Good Friday if supermarkets are closed?

Even if the big supermarkets aren’t trading, you’re definitely not stuck. Many of other shops operate legally under Good Friday explosion:

• Petrol stations
• 7-Eleven and other convenience store 
• Local veg and fruit shops
• Bakeries
• Pharmacies

In an emergency situation these places are the best options.

Tips for preparing for Good Friday shopping in Australia

If you want to avoid being caught out, here are some useful tips for Aussie families and shoppers:

1. Stock up the day before

Easter thursday is always a big rush especially in the afternoon as people grasp last-minute supplies.

2. Double check your local IGA hours

Call or check your google maps to check if your nearby local stores are open or not.

3. Expect crowed or easter saturday

Since Good Friday is closed for most big retailers, Easter saturday becomes extremely busy.

4. If traveling, check regional rules

Holiday places like gold coast, sunshine coast, byron bay and margaret river may have different exclusions.

5. Buy Seafood Early

Aussies love seafood on Good Friday. So they buy it as soon as possible.

Conclusion

In important parts of Australia, supermarkets are closed on Good Friday including travel destinations like Woolworth or Aldi. Independent grocers alliance stores may open in selected locations depending on state rules and laws and owner decisions. The Northern regions are the main exclusion, where some important supermarkets may trade as normal. For emergency or anything urgent, petrol stations, convenience stores and some small grocers normally open across the country.