Major retailers announce limited hours and closures for the upcoming Easter long weekend.
Category: Economy
As Easter approaches, major supermarkets and bottle shops across Australia have announced their trading hours for the long weekend, highlighting closures and reduced hours that shoppers should keep in mind. With Good Friday falling on April 3, many retailers will be closed, leading consumers to plan ahead for their holiday shopping.
Coles supermarkets will be closed on Good Friday, with exceptions for select stores in South Australia and Western Australia. In South Australia, the stores in Mt Barker, Mount Barker South, Murray Bridge Marketplace, and Victor Harbor will remain open. Meanwhile, in Western Australia, Dunsborough, Perth Airport, Eaton Fair, Margaret River, and Busselton will also serve customers on this day. All Coles locations will resume normal operations on Easter Saturday and Sunday, though some may have reduced trading hours.
Woolworths will follow a similar pattern, closing all stores on Good Friday except for a handful of locations in South Australia and Western Australia. Customers in New South Wales, ACT, Victoria, Queensland, and Tasmania will find all Woolworths stores closed on the holiday. The stores will reopen on Easter Saturday, April 4, with many locations operating under reduced hours.
ALDI, too, will close its doors on Good Friday, with trading hours varying for the remainder of the weekend. Most ALDI stores will be open on Easter Saturday and Monday, but some locations may remain closed on Easter Sunday.
Liquorland stores nationwide will also be closed on Good Friday, with the exception of a few locations in Victoria and Tasmania. Most stores will open on Easter Saturday, but like other retailers, several will have limited hours on Easter Sunday. BWS and Dan Murphy's will be closed on Good Friday but will operate as normal on Easter Saturday, with some stores open on Sunday.
As millions of Australians prepare to travel during the Easter break, authorities are reminding drivers to stay safe on the roads. Double demerit points will be in effect in New South Wales, the ACT, and Western Australia from 12:01 AM on Thursday, April 2, to 11:59 PM on Monday, April 6. Queensland does not have a traditional double demerit holiday period, but its year-round system means that repeat offences can still incur doubled penalties within a 12-month period.
Research conducted by LHD Lawyers has identified the most dangerous roads in Australia, with Western Australia's Kwinana Freeway topping the list, followed closely by the Mitchell Freeway. The Bruce Highway in Queensland ranks third, and New South Wales accounts for four of the top ten most perilous roads, including the Pacific, Princes, Hume, and Great Western highways.
For those planning to visit IGA stores over the Easter weekend, the hours will vary by location, with some stores open on Good Friday and others closed. Shoppers are encouraged to check their local IGA for specific hours.
In terms of shopping centers, all Westfield locations will be closed on Good Friday, with varying hours on Easter Saturday and Sunday. Most centers will be open on Easter Monday.
As the holiday weekend approaches, it is clear that planning ahead is key for consumers. With many supermarkets and liquor stores closed on Good Friday, shoppers will need to stock up on their Easter essentials beforehand. This year’s Easter weekend also coincides with the end of daylight saving time in parts of Australia, with clocks turning back one hour at 3 AM on Sunday, April 5. This change will provide residents in states that observe daylight saving—such as New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and the ACT—an extra hour of sleep.
As families and friends gather to celebrate Easter, they will need to be mindful of the limited shopping options available during the holiday. With many stores closed on Good Friday and reduced hours on Easter Sunday, planning ahead will be more important than ever. For example, most Woolworths and Coles stores will be closed on Good Friday, and shoppers may want to adjust their schedules accordingly.
In South Australia, for example, only a few Coles and Woolworths locations will be open on Good Friday, which could impact shopping plans for those hoping to buy last-minute items. Similarly, in Western Australia, select stores will remain open, but many will be closed.
As Easter Sunday approaches, shoppers should also be aware that many supermarkets will have reduced hours or be closed entirely. In South Australia, for example, most stores will be closed, with only a few exceptions. This pattern is consistent across many states, so checking local store hours is advised.
For those looking to purchase alcohol, it’s important to note that Liquorland and Dan Murphy's will be closed on Good Friday, with limited hours on Easter Sunday. BWS will also have restricted hours, emphasizing the need for consumers to plan ahead.
As the Easter long weekend draws near, the message from authorities is clear: plan ahead and stay safe on the roads. With double demerit points in effect, drivers are reminded to adhere to road rules and avoid distractions. The holiday period is a time for celebration, but it is also a time to be cautious, especially on the nation’s roads, which have been identified as increasingly dangerous.
As Australians prepare to celebrate Easter, the importance of knowing store hours and planning travel routes cannot be overstated. With closures and reduced hours across major retailers, the upcoming holiday weekend presents both challenges and opportunities for consumers.
In the end, whether it’s shopping for Easter eggs or making travel plans, being informed and prepared will help everyone enjoy a safe and festive holiday weekend.