With Easter just around the corner, you may be wondering, “Does Australia celebrate Easter?” The answer is yes, we do! In fact, there are many different ways to celebrate Easter in Australia in 2024.
While celebrating a holiday away from home can feel strange, there are plenty of activities and events taking place that are sure to entertain you over the long weekend.
Below, we’ve put together a list of Easter events happening across the country, as well as a brief explanation of what is open on Easter in Australia. No matter your interests, you’ll have no trouble finding fun and creative ways to celebrate Easter in your city!
What is open on Easter in Australia?
Major supermarkets (such as Coles and Woolworths) tend to close on Good Friday. They are usually open the rest of the Easter weekend, although they may have slightly different hours of operation than usual.
If you’re wondering whether or not your favourite local café, grocer or restaurant is going to be open over the long weekend, don’t hesitate to visit their website, call them or ask them in person. Learn more about what’s open on Easter weekend in Australia.
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The best Easter events in Sydney
Head to Western Sydney for a day of fun at the Fairfield Easter Fair, running from 28 March – 2 April. With amusement rides, entertainment, food trucks and firework shows every single night, it’s a great way to get in touch with your playful side. Entry is $2pp, and unlimited ride passes are available for $27.50 online or $35 at the fair.
The iconic Sydney Royal Easter Show offers a great blend of entertainment, agricultural displays and mouthwatering local cuisine. From 22 March – 2 April, you can spend the day defying gravity on carnival rides, or be charmed by Australia’s diverse animal kingdom at the petting zoo.
Don’t miss out on the quintessential Showbag Pavilion, where you can grab bags filled with souvenirs and treats to share with loved ones back home, then round off your day with an exciting fireworks show.
The best Easter events in Melbourne
If you’re looking for entertainment this Easter in Melbourne, head on down to St Kilda beach on 30th March for the Electric Gardens music festival. The festival is back after a three year hiatus, and features one of the biggest names in electronic music, Armand van Helden. Tickets are on sale now from $139.
For an action packed Easter weekend, you can’t go past Luna Park. The amusement park is home to Australia’s largest Easter egg hunt on 30 and 31 March, and this year there’s a twist – there’s a 600g golden egg hidden somewhere in the park! Whoever finds it will win an annual pass to Luna Park – worth searching for, we think!
The best Easter events in Brisbane
Looking for something a bit different to do on Good Friday? Why not head to the Bluewater Festival for a memorable day and night of fun? Held in Shorncliffe on 28 and 29 March, the annual festival features the iconic Gladstone Yacht Race, live bands, rides, food, a nighttime beach party and an epic firework display!
For a weekend of groovy tunes in the sunshine, head down the coast to Byron Bay for Bluesfest 2024. With Australian and international artists like Matt Corby, Tom Jones and Jack Johnson taking to the stage and plenty of food and market stalls to shop from, you’ll be entertained all weekend.
The best Easter events in Perth
Celebrate Fremantle’s thriving arts scene by attending the Fremantle International Street Arts Festival over Easter weekend. From 29 March to 1 April, the streets of Fremantle will be filled with buskers, pop-up eateries, musicians and performances. There’s sure to be something for everyone. Additionally, the Perth Easter Gathering is being held in the Perth Council House Gardens on Easter Sunday from 4:30-6:30 pm. The Easter Parade team invites people from all walks of life and all cultures to come together in collective prayer and worship.
The best Easter events in Adelaide
For some sweet treats among the beautiful Adelaide Hills, you can’t go past iconic chocolate shop Melba’s Easter Long Weekend. Enjoy garden games, a picnic lunch on the lawns and an endless supply of chocolate and confectionary. Open from 9am-4:30pm all Easter weekend.
Want to support a local small business? Check out the Gathered Easter Design Market in picturesque Hahndorf! Gathered prides itself on only showcasing South Australian businesses, and for $3 entry you’ll have access to over 60 stalls featuring fashion, homewares, skincare, jewellery and art (plus much, much more)!
The best Easter events in Canberra
If you’re feeling adventurous, Easter is the perfect time to head to Corin Forest Mountain Resort. For $28, you get an hour on their alpine slide, plus you’ll get to join in on an Easter egg hunt.
Got a sweet tooth? Indulge in Easter Chocolate High Tea at the Rydges Hotel. Enjoy a chocolate milkshake and assorted teas to pair with chocolate tarts, chocolate dipped berries, creme brûlée and mud cake. Delicious!
The best Easter events in Darwin
Join the Easter Eggstravaganza at the Waterfront on Saturday 30 March from 9am-1pm, for a delightful morning of Easter activities. Enjoy lunch and live music, swim at the Wave Lagoon, and explore Darwin Waterfront and Stokes Hill Wharf restaurants throughout the Easter weekend.
You’ve likely heard of the Easter Bunny, but what about the Easter Tawny Frogmouth or the Easter Emu? No? Well, it’s about time you met them! Territory Wildlife Park is open all Easter weekend and hosts Good Friday Easter Markets from 9am-1pm on 29 March. There will be plenty of stalls to browse and furry animals to meet.
The best Easter events in Hobart
Easter eggs in Australia are a classic symbol of the holiday, which is why many cities around the country host massive Easter egg hunts – and Hobart is no exception! Hobart’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt is predominantly targeted at children, but adults are more than welcome to enjoy the free live music, tours and tastings, and delicious cocktails. Plus, you’ll be supporting a great cause – all proceeds from the event go towards funding vital medical research in Tasmania.
