Anzac Day is an annual public holiday where we commemorate those who lost their lives on April 25 in Gallipoli. On this day, many things are closed for our fallen ANZACS. However, sometimes, folks need last-minute things such as food, drinks and clothing. So we’ve wrangled up all the info on what will be open during this time of reflection and mourning.
On April 25, 1915, approximately 8,141 Aussies and Kiwis died storming the beaches of Turkey’s Gallipoli. The men landed further away from their original target and were mowed down from the higher ground present at their new destination.
As the years have passed, we have continued to observe the tragic reminder that so many lives were lost in the name of a pointless war. The storming of Gallipoli especially stands as a prime example of a (literal) uphill battle, which did not need to take place but did.
Although most things are shut down out of respect for our fallen soldiers, some stores will open up at a later time with reduced hours, which is helpful for those who may need to do some last-minute shopping or just need some time out of the house.
To help you figure out how to spend your day off, or if you’re in desperate need of high-priced avocados, here’s what’s open on Anzac Day.
What shops are open on ANZAC Day?
Supermarkets
Need some last-minute groceries? Unfortunately for you, not every state will be swinging their supermarket doors open on April 25.
Coles and Woolies will be open in NSW, ACT and Vic from 1pm. All stores will also be open in Tassie but from 12:30pm. They like to be different down there.
For our friends in the NT, most Woolies shops will open after 1pm but it’s best to check your local! But if you’re a Coles girly, stores will open after 12pm with reduced trading hours.
Unfortunately for folks in WA and SA, you may be out of luck in terms of copping groceries.
Most Coles and Woolies will be closed in WA and SA, however, some Coles branches will be open with reduced hours.
So, if you want to avoid looking like a stunned mullet in front of those giant grocery store doors, best to peep your local’s ANZAC Day trading hours online.
Meanwhile, QLD is completely CLOSED for business.
If you’re an Aldi shopper who froths the abyss that is the middle aisle, punters across the nation are encouraged to check the hours of their local shop if they’re keen for a quick geeze on the ANZAC Day public holiday.
Big Retailers
WA and QLD shoppers will have to wait until Friday to shop for their fave homewares, entertainment necessities and clothing as both Big W and Kmart shut down on April 25.
Every other state and territory will have reduced Big W hours.
As for Kmart, things get a bit more complex.
For NSW and ACT Kmart aficionados, the stores will open from 1.30pm. For the punters in Vic, most Kmart stores will open after 1pm and for SA and Tassie folks, select stores will open after 1pm.
SA and Tassie customers who are fanging for a Stanley Cup dupe can check online to see if their local store is open.
Shopping Centres
NSW, Vic and ACT Westfield centres will open from 1pm.
For QLD, SA and QA shoppers, the centres will be — as Skepta said — SHUTDOWN.
Punters can also check online if they want to double-check if their favourite mall is still kicking it on for ANZAC DAY.
Bunnings
Hoping to spend your time finishing up you home projects?
Well, if you’re in NSW, ACT, NT and Vic, you’re in luck because all Bunnings stores will open from 1pm.
SA and WA shoppers can visit Bunnings from midday and Tassie folks can head to the shop from 12.30pm.
Sorry, QLD, all your DIY projects will have to wait until the 26.
Bunnings Trade Centres across the country will be closed.
Can you still get food or drinks on ANZAC Day?
Pubs
Pubs across the nation will be open! Most facilities will also be hosting rounds of Two-Up. Please, don’t ask me what that is because I have no clue!
After all, this is an article about what’s open, and pubs are open.
If you’re hoping to send out some mail or pick up a package you missed on the 24th, you may have to wait until Friday, April 26!
At least you’ll have time to make any edits to the letters you’re about to send out.
Food Delivery
Menulog, Uber Eats and your other associated food delivery apps are still functioning, and whatever restaurants that’ll be open (it really is a case-by-case kinda thing) will still sling you tasty treats as normal.
You might have a little extra wait, of course. After all, it is a public holiday and I can’t imagine many people are keen on cooking.
What else is open on ANZAC Day?
Movies
Most cinemas will be open on ANZAC Day, but it’s best to check online to see when they start rolling out the flicks.
Bottle-Os
BWS and Dan Murphy’s will be open nationally from 1pm and will close around 7pm.
If you’re loyal to Liquorland, all stores in NSW will be open with reduced trading hours. Vic, NT, ACT and Tassie Liquorlands will also open up shop but with reduced shopping time.
Unfortunately, for our besties in QLD, SA and WA, most Liquorlands will be shut.
Banks
All banks will be closed on this public holiday.
Image source: Getty Images / Jack Thomas and Education Images
