Australia Day Reality 7 Things That Stay Open on the Public Holiday

Australia Day is officially recognised as a national public holiday, but for thousands of retail workers across the country, it is still a working day. While many Australians enjoy a day off with family gatherings, beach trips, or backyard barbecues, shops, supermarkets, and essential services continue operating, often with adjusted trading hours.

This Australia Day Reality means that although stores remain accessible, opening times can vary widely depending on your state, city, or even suburb. Planning ahead is essential to avoid last-minute surprises.

Below is a detailed guide to what major retailers are doing on January 26 and how shoppers can prepare.

Supermarkets: What to Expect Nationwide

Supermarkets are among the most searched services on public holidays, and the Australia Day Reality is that most major chains will remain open, though not always on standard schedules.

Coles Trading Hours

Coles has confirmed that all stores will be open on Australia Day in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory. Customers in these states can expect most locations to trade under public holiday hours rather than full-day schedules.

In South Australia, however, the Australia Day Reality is more limited. Most Coles stores will be closed, with exceptions including Port Lincoln, Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Mount Barker, Adelaide Rundle Place, Whyalla, Murray Bridge Green, Mount Gambier, and Victor Harbor.

Shoppers in the Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania are advised to check the Coles website directly, as trading hours may vary by location. You can find official updates on the Coles store locator (external link example).

Woolworths: Mostly Open, With Exceptions

Woolworths stores will be open across New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, and Western Australia on January 26. This aligns with the broader Australia Day Reality that grocery access remains largely uninterrupted.

In South Australia and the Northern Territory, only selected Woolworths stores will open. Customers in these regions should confirm opening hours via the Woolworths website to avoid inconvenience.

For a comparison of major supermarket trading rules by state, see our full public holiday shopping guide (internal link example).

Aldi: State-Based Differences Apply

Aldi’s Australia Day operations also reflect the Australia Day Reality of state-based trading rules.

Stores in New South Wales, the ACT, the Northern Territory, Tasmania, and Victoria will be open. In Queensland and Western Australia, Aldi locations will operate with reduced public holiday hours.

South Australia remains mixed, with some Aldi stores closed entirely while others trade on limited schedules. As Aldi stores differ by region, checking local listings ahead of time is strongly recommended.

IGA: Check Your Local Store

IGA stores operate independently, which makes their opening hours less predictable. Some IGA locations will trade as usual, while others will shorten hours or close entirely.

This Australia Day Reality highlights the importance of checking directly with your local IGA store. Many stores update their holiday hours on social media or local notice boards.

Department Stores and Home Improvement Retailers

Major department stores such as Kmart, Target, and Big W will largely remain open across Australia on Australia Day. However, some South Australian and regional outlets may close or reduce hours.

Bunnings Warehouse stores will also be open nationwide, making Australia Day a popular time for home improvement projects. That said, some Bunnings Trade Centres will be closed over the long weekend, particularly those catering to commercial clients.

This Australia Day Reality is especially relevant for tradies and DIY enthusiasts planning last-minute purchases.

Liquor Stores: Mostly Open, But Not Everywhere

Liquor store trading hours can vary significantly by state and location. In most parts of the country, bottle shops will remain open, though many will operate under public holiday hours.

Liquorland has confirmed that all stores will be open in Victoria, New South Wales, the ACT, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory, with the exception of Alice Springs. In Western Australia, all Liquorland stores will open except those in Secret Harbour, Northgate, and Bunbury.

Queensland shoppers are encouraged to check locally, as trading hours may differ by suburb. Many BWS and Dan Murphy’s stores will also trade with reduced public holiday hours, depending on location.

For responsible drinking guidelines and licensing rules, readers can consult state government resources (external link example).

Why Trading Hours Differ So Much

The Australia Day Reality of uneven opening hours is largely driven by state-based retail trading laws, union agreements, and public holiday penalty rates. Retailers must balance customer demand with higher staffing costs, leading some stores to shorten hours or close entirely.

Retail workers who do work on Australia Day often receive higher pay rates, which is why some businesses choose to operate with minimal staff or limited trading windows.

Tips for Shoppers on Australia Day

Understanding the Australia Day Reality can help shoppers avoid frustration. Here are a few practical tips:

• Check official store websites before leaving home

• Expect reduced hours even if stores are open

• Plan grocery shopping a day earlier where possible

• Be patient with staff working public holiday shifts

These small steps can make the day smoother for both customers and workers.

The Bigger Picture

Australia Day highlights how public holidays affect everyday life beyond celebrations. While many services remain available, the Australia Day Reality is that access depends heavily on where you live and which retailer you rely on.

For families, travelers, and workers alike, staying informed is key. Whether you are planning a quiet day at home or hosting a gathering, knowing what is open can save time and stress.

Final Thoughts

The Australia Day Reality is simple: most major retailers will be open, but not all, and rarely at normal hours. Supermarkets like Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, and IGA provide broad coverage, while department stores, hardware retailers, and liquor outlets mostly continue trading with adjustments.

By checking ahead and understanding local differences, Australians can make the most of the public holiday while respecting the workers who keep essential services running.