As the Easter holiday approaches, Australians are gearing up for family gatherings, festive meals, and, of course, the inevitable question: 'Are the shops open?'

With public holidays including Good Friday and Easter Monday, it's essential to plan ahead to avoid any last-minute dashes to closed doors.

To help you navigate the holiday shopping maze, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the Easter 2024 trading hours for major stores like Woolworths, Coles, ALDI, Bunnings, and BIG W.

Before we dive into the specifics, it's worth noting that Easter has different trading hours across the country, with different states and territories observing their regulations.

This can lead to a patchwork of opening times that may leave even the most seasoned shopper scratching their head.

But fear not, we've done the legwork for you!

Plan your shopping ahead with this year’s Easter trading hours. Credit: Shutterstock

Good Friday Shopping: A Quiet Start to Easter

If you're in New South Wales, Victoria, or Tasmania, you'll find that all Woolworths locations are shut down. The same goes for most stores across the rest of Australia.

Coles follows suit, with only a few exceptions in South Australia.

As for ALDI, BIG W, and Bunnings, they've confirmed all their stores nationwide will be closed.

So, if you've got last-minute shopping to do, make sure to tick it off your list by Thursday.

Easter Saturday: Back in Business

The shutters roll up on Saturday, and it's business as usual for most stores.

Woolworths will welcome shoppers nationwide, with a few metro stores remaining closed.

Be sure to snag its seafood selections, as this supermarket giant has implemented significant price reductions on customer favourites like salmon, prawns, and barramundi.

Coles will also have most of its stores open, with some stores in New South Wales, Queensland, and the Northern Territory on reduced hours.

ALDI and Bunnings are all systems go, so you can get your DIY fix or stock up on Easter treats without a hitch.

Easter Sunday: A Mixed Basket

Woolworths keeps its doors open in Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia, and Tasmania, with a select few stores in the remaining states and territories open.

Most Coles stores in New South Wales and South Australia will be closed, while stores in Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, and Northern Territory will adjust their hours.

ALDI will be open in Victoria and Western Australia and at reduced hours in other states.

BIG W and Bunnings are largely open, though some New South Wales stores will rest in line with state laws.

If you’re heading to BIG W on this day, check out its latest autumn and winter homewares collection. This new release was designed to bring luxury into your home without breaking the bank.

And if you want to make your Easter Sunday sweeter, try ALDI’s Dairy Fine Mini Peanut Butter Filled Eggs for $2.99!

This product has caught every shopper’s attention, labelling it as a ‘ten out of ten’ indulgence.

Easter Monday: Almost Business as Usual

Easter Monday offers one last chance for a shopping spree as the long weekend winds down.

Woolworths is open nationwide, with some exceptions in South Australia and the Northern Territory.

Coles keeps most of its South Australian stores closed but is otherwise ready to serve.

ALDI and BIG W are on board, too, though South Australia sees a few closures.

All Bunnings stores will be open on this day.

Here’s the summarised list of supermarkets’ Easter trading hours:

Remember, these trading hours are a general guide and can vary by location. It's always best to check with your local store online before heading out.

Key Takeaways

• Major Australian stores such as Woolworths, Coles, ALDI, Bunnings, and BIG W will have varied trading hours across the country during the Easter 2024 long weekend, with most closed on Good Friday.
• On Easter Saturday, most Woolworths, Coles, ALDI, and Bunnings stores will be open, with some Coles locations operating with reduced hours.
• Easter Sunday sees Woolworths open in several states, with Coles and ALDI stores having more variation in their trading hours based on location. BIG W stores will remain open, and all Bunnings stores will operate, barring some exceptions in New South Wales.
• Easter Monday will see wide reopenings for Woolworths, Coles, ALDI, BIG W, and Bunnings, with all stores open except for some in South Australia and the Northern Territory, which will have only a handful of stores open or operating with reduced hours.

What are your Easter shopping strategies? Do you prefer to get everything early, or are you a last-minute dash type? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!

 

[Lisa]

Can't wait for the social media pages to start..Is Woolworths open on Good Friday?Why don't people use their brains and look at the store operating hours that are posted either on the centres windows or store itself....or God forbid we actually ask someone

 

[Ezzy]

Gone are the days when stores observed Public & Religious Holidays.

Pay a loading to the staff & build this into the price of every item so we are charged 365 days for those few Public Holidays they open in a year. Doesn't matter about the fact that staff want to stay home on those days does it? Looks good at the end of each Financial Year with profits & Shareholders are happy aren't they?

Can't remember if l have ever or when was the last time l visited a grocery store or Bunnings on a Public Holiday. Planning ahead for what is needed helps greatly.