Australians are in for a treat this year as Australia Day conveniently falls on a Monday, January 26, providing an opportunity for a long weekend celebration. This timing offers a perfect chance for extended leisure and festivities.

Despite its significance, Australia Day doesn’t follow the same trading restrictions as New Year’s Eve or Anzac Day. Hence, most shops will remain open, treating it as a regular trading day. This is good news for those looking to indulge in some retail therapy or access essential services during the holiday.

However, it’s important to note that some states might impose specific trading hour restrictions due to public holiday regulations. Therefore, it’s wise to check local guidelines to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Across various states and territories, shoppers can expect businesses to operate normally. Major chains like Coles and Woolworths, while open, may adjust their hours to align with public holiday schedules. So, Australians can plan their shopping sprees accordingly, ensuring they make the most of the long weekend.

NSW, Victoria, Northern Territory, ACT and Tasmania

Shops are open as usual on Australia Day in these states and territories, although some — such as Coles and Woolworths — may apply public holiday hours.

South Australia

Under the state’s Shop Trading Hours Act, shops are subjected to restricted trading hours on Australia Day, depending on whether it’s an exempt or non-exempt shop.

If it’s an exempt shop, it can trade on any day of the year during hours that suit the business and its customers.

If it’s a non-exempt shop, it will have restricted hours or be closed on Australia Day, depending on its location.

For non-exempt shops in the CBD Tourist Precinct, shops are open from 11am to 5pm.

For those in the Metropolitan Shopping District, Binnum, Grace and Millicent, shops have to be closed.

For businesses that run hardware, furniture, floor coverings, motor vehicle parts and accessories, shops may open from 9am to 5pm.

Car and boat dealerships will be closed on Australia Day.

Queensland

On Australia Day, shops that belong to exempt shops — except for independent retailers — have unrestricted trading hours.

For the rest, it depends on whether it belongs to Type 1 trading areas, which include most CBDs and tourism precincts.

For supermarkets and department stores, those in Type 1 trading areas can be open from 7am to 9pm, while the rest can be open from 9am to 6pm.

For Hardware shops in Type 1 trading areas, those in Type 1 trading areas can be open from 6am to 9pm, and those outside the areas can be open from 6am to 6pm.

For car yards located in the cities, it can be open from 8am to 6pm, while those outside the area remain closed.

Western Australia

On Australia Day, shops in the Perth metropolitan area can open from 8am to 6pm, while those outside the metropolitan area remain closed.

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