A Complete 2026 State-by-State Guide to Supermarkets, Bottleshops, Trading Hours and What’s Actually Open

Ultimate Good Friday Guide: Good Friday is one of the most restricted public holidays in Australia. Every year, thousands of Australians find themselves asking the same urgent question: Where can I buy food and alcohol on Good Friday? Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, heading away for the long weekend, or simply forgot to stock up, knowing what’s open — and what’s closed — can save you time and frustration.

Because Good Friday is governed by state and territory trading laws, the answer varies depending on where you live. Supermarkets, liquor stores, and even convenience outlets face different regulations across Australia. In this comprehensive SEO-optimised guide, we break down exactly where you can buy groceries and alcohol on Good Friday, state by state, along with practical tips to help you plan ahead.

Why Are So Many Stores Closed on Good Friday?

Good Friday is a significant Christian public holiday marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In Australia, it is one of the few days where retail trading restrictions are heavily enforced.

Unlike Christmas Day — when nearly everything closes nationwide — Good Friday closures depend on:

• State and territory retail laws
• Whether a store is classified as “essential”
• Whether it is located in a designated tourist zone
• Size and ownership (small independent vs major chains)

Large supermarkets and liquor chains typically close in most states, while smaller independent retailers may be allowed to open.

Where Can I Buy Food on Good Friday?

Below is a detailed breakdown of supermarket and grocery store openings across Australia.

New South Wales (NSW)

In NSW, most major retailers must close on Good Friday.

Major Supermarkets

Stores such as:

• Coles
• Woolworths
• ALDI

are generally closed across the state.

What May Be Open

• Small independent grocers
• Some IGA stores (depending on size and local exemptions)
• Convenience stores
• Service station supermarkets
• Shops in certain tourist areas

Key Tip for NSW

Always check your local store’s website or call ahead — exemptions vary widely by suburb.

Victoria (VIC)

Victoria has some of the strictest Good Friday trading laws in Australia.

Major Supermarkets

Most large stores, including:

• Coles
• Woolworths
• ALDI

are closed statewide.

What May Be Open

• Small independent supermarkets
• Local grocers
• Some regional or tourist area retailers
• Petrol station convenience stores

Queensland (QLD)

Queensland allows slightly more flexibility in some regions.

Major Supermarkets

In most metropolitan areas, large chains close.

However, certain tourist zones may have exemptions.

What May Be Open

• Convenience stores
• Small grocery shops
• Selected stores in designated tourist precincts
• Service stations

South Australia (SA)

South Australia enforces strict trading restrictions.

Major Supermarkets

Large retailers are generally closed.

Exceptions

• Some smaller independent stores
• Rural and regional areas may have different rules

Western Australia (WA)

Western Australia has regulated retail trading hours.

Major Supermarkets

Large chains are usually closed.

What May Be Open

• Small owner-operated stores
• Some regional supermarkets
• Convenience outlets

Tasmania (TAS)

Tasmania’s rules are strict but can vary depending on location.

Most major chains close, but smaller retailers may operate under exemptions.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

The ACT often has slightly more relaxed trading laws.

Some major supermarkets may open with reduced hours, but this varies annually.

Northern Territory (NT)

The Northern Territory has fewer restrictions compared to other states.

Some larger supermarkets may open with limited trading hours.

Where Can I Buy Alcohol on Good Friday?

Buying alcohol on Good Friday is generally more difficult than buying groceries.

Are Bottle Shops Open on Good Friday?

In most states, standalone bottle shops such as:

• Dan Murphy’s
• BWS
• Liquorland

are typically closed.

However, rules vary by state and licensing exemptions.

Can Pubs and Restaurants Serve Alcohol?

In many states:

• Licensed venues can serve alcohol only with a meal.
• Takeaway alcohol sales are often prohibited.
• Some venues may not open at all.

Always check venue licensing rules in your state.

Why Good Friday Trading Laws Differ Across Australia

Australia’s retail laws are determined at the state and territory level, not federally.

Factors that influence trading exemptions include:

• Store size (under or over a certain floor area)
• Number of employees
• Whether the store is owner-operated
• Location in a declared tourist zone

This is why one IGA may open while another closes.

Tips to Avoid Being Caught Out

1. Shop Before Thursday Night

Most supermarkets close at normal times on Thursday but may experience heavy traffic.

2. Check Store Locators

Major chains update their holiday trading hours online.

3. Consider Local Independents

Small grocers often remain open.

4. Plan Alcohol Purchases Early

Buy alcohol by Thursday if needed.

5. Check Petrol Stations

Service stations often operate 24/7 and stock basic groceries.

What About Online Grocery Delivery?

Some delivery services pause operations on Good Friday, while others operate with limited schedules. Delivery slots typically book out early.

Essential Services That Stay Open

Despite retail closures, the following remain operational:

• Hospitals
• Pharmacies (selected locations)
• Petrol stations
• Public transport (holiday timetables)
• Emergency services

Why Planning Ahead Matters

Good Friday is one of the busiest pre-holiday shopping periods in Australia. Supermarkets report surges similar to Christmas Eve.

Stocking up early ensures you avoid:

• Long queues
• Empty shelves
• Limited alcohol availability
• Store closures

Frequently Overlooked Options on Good Friday

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Final Thoughts

If you’re wondering where to buy food and alcohol on Good Friday in Australia, the safest approach is simple:

✔ Shop before Friday
✔ Check local store websites
✔ Consider small independents
✔ Buy alcohol in advance

Because trading laws differ by state, there is no universal answer — but preparation prevents inconvenience.

Good Friday may bring closures, but with proper planning, your long weekend won’t be disrupted

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