The Easter long weekend is almost upon us, and while a four-day weekend is great if you’re needing a break, it’s slightly less fun when you realise your fridge is empty and everything is closed.
Whether you’re planning to work, shop, or just hoping to grab a coffee that doesn’t come with a huge surcharge, here’s what to expect.
Public holidays across the country
For most, the Easter long weekend runs from Friday through to Monday, but not every day is treated the same across the country.
Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays nationwide, so if you’re working on either of these, you should be getting public holiday rates.
Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday are also public holidays in most states, but there are a few exceptions:
- In Western Australia, only Easter Sunday is a public holiday
- In Tasmania, neither weekend days are public holiday, but if you happen to work for the public service in Tasmania, then you do get ‘Easter Tuesday’ as a holiday.
For students juggling casual jobs, it’s worth double-checking your award or contract so you know exactly what you’re entitled to.
Supermarkets
If you’ve ever made the mistake of leaving your grocery shop until Good Friday… Well, let’s just say you’ll only do it once.
Most major supermarkets, including Coles, Woolworths and ALDI, close their doors on Good Friday. That means Thursday evening becomes a bit of a survival sport, with packed aisles and last-minute trolley dashes as everyone panics about not having 700 rolls of toilet paper or the fish they forgot they needed for Good Friday.
If you’re really desperate, some smaller independent grocers, like IGA, may stay open, but hours are usually limited. Check in with your locals this week to find out their planned opening hours.
Most bigger stores reopen for Easter Saturday and Sunday, but often with reduced hours, and you may find these days are when your smaller local shops are more likely to be closed.
Entertainment, gyms and fuel
Thankfully, not everything shuts down.
Cinemas are usually open right across the long weekend, including Good Friday, making them a popular go-to when other options are limited. Gyms also tend to stay open, although you might notice shorter staffed hours or reduced class schedules.
Attractions like zoos, aquariums and tourist spots often remain open as well, especially over the weekend when people are looking for things to do. Just keep in mind that public holiday surcharges may apply; it’s a good idea to check ahead to avoid the nasty surprise of having to pay extra.
Most major petrol chains, like 7-Eleven, BP, Ampol and Shell generally operate as usual, with many open 24/7, even on Good Friday. Their attached stores can be a lifesaver if you need milk, snacks or a last-minute essential, although you’ll likely pay a bit more for the convenience.
Eating out and takeaway
Many cafés and restaurants stay open throughout Easter, but it’s very common to see public holiday surcharges, especially on Good Friday and Easter Monday. These can range anywhere from 10 to 20 per cent, and sometimes apply on Sunday too, depending on the state.
There can also be slightly stricter rules around alcohol service on Good Friday in some areas (such as NSW), often requiring food to be ordered alongside drinks, or restriction of takeaway alcohol.
If you’re trying to keep costs down, maybe wait until Tuesday to get your Uber Eats (unless you’re in Tassie, then Easter Saturday is going to be your cheapest option)!
