What's Open on Boxing Day Melbourne 2026 — Sales Guide, Trading Hours & Best Deals

What's Open on Boxing Day Melbourne 2026 — Sales Guide, Trading Hours & Best Deals

Your complete guide to Boxing Day shopping in Melbourne — what's open, where to go, the biggest sales, and how to make the most of Saturday December 26, 2026.

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Quick Summary

• Boxing Day 2026 falls on Saturday, December 26
• Boxing Day is a public holiday in Victoria — but it is NOT a restricted trading day
• Most shops, shopping centres, and retailers will be OPEN with normal or extended Saturday trading hours
• Monday December 28 is the substitute public holiday (additional day off for workers)
• Boxing Day sales are among the biggest shopping events of the year in Melbourne
• Expect massive discounts at Chadstone, DFO South Wharf, Emporium Melbourne, Melbourne Central, Highpoint, and the entire CBD

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Boxing Day 2026 — Date & Overview

Boxing Day 2026 is on Saturday, December 26 — and for Melbourne shoppers, this is fantastic news.

Because Boxing Day falls on a Saturday, you get the perfect combination: a public holiday atmosphere with regular Saturday trading hours. Shopping centres across Melbourne will swing open their doors, retailers will slash prices, and hundreds of thousands of eager bargain-hunters will descend on the city's best shopping precincts.

Here's the critical detail that confuses people every year: Boxing Day is a Victorian public holiday, but it is NOT a restricted trading day. Under the Shop Trading Reform Act 1996, Victoria only has two-and-a-half restricted trading days per year — Good Friday, Christmas Day, and ANZAC Day (before 1pm). Boxing Day is not one of them.

That means the overwhelming majority of shops, department stores, boutiques, and shopping centres are legally permitted to trade on Boxing Day — and they absolutely will, because it's one of the biggest retail days of the entire year.

The 2026 Holiday Calendar at a Glance

Because Boxing Day falls on a Saturday in 2026, the Victorian Government has gazetted Monday, December 28 as an additional public holiday. This means many workers will enjoy a four-day weekend (Christmas Day Thursday through Sunday) followed by a substitute public holiday on Monday — giving plenty of opportunity for both rest and retail therapy.

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Trading Hours on Boxing Day 2026

Since Boxing Day is not a restricted trading day in Victoria, shopping centres and retailers set their own hours. Most major centres will operate on their regular Saturday trading hours, with some extending hours to accommodate the Boxing Day rush.

Expected Trading Hours by Shopping Centre

Note: Specific Boxing Day 2026 trading hours will be confirmed by individual shopping centres closer to December. The hours below are based on regular Saturday hours and typical Boxing Day adjustments from previous years. Always check the centre's website or social media for confirmed times.

Key Points About Boxing Day Trading

• Department stores (Myer, David Jones, Kmart, Target, Big W) — All typically open with extended hours on Boxing Day
• Specialty retailers — The vast majority will open, especially those running Boxing Day sales
• Restaurants and cafés — Open as usual (exempt from any trading restrictions regardless)
• Small independent shops — Most will open; some may choose to stay closed (it's their call)
• Individual store hours may vary from centre hours — some stores within a centre may open later or close earlier

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The Boxing Day Sales Guide — Melbourne's Biggest Shopping Event

If there's one day Melburnians will brave the crowds, the heat, and the chaos of post-Christmas shopping — it's Boxing Day. The Boxing Day sales are an Australian institution, and Melbourne does them bigger and better than anywhere else in the country.

Why Boxing Day Sales Are Worth It

• Discounts of 20% to 70% off across fashion, electronics, homewares, and more
• First pick of post-Christmas markdowns before stock runs out
• Doorbuster deals at major department stores — loss-leaders designed to get you through the door
• New season stock from brands clearing old lines to make room
• The energy and buzz — it's genuinely one of Melbourne's great cultural experiences

The Biggest Sales to Watch For

Myer Boxing Day Sale

Melbourne's iconic department store goes all out for Boxing Day. Expect the Bourke Street flagship to open early (typically 5am or earlier!) with massive queues forming from the early hours. Discounts across all departments — fashion, beauty, homewares, electronics, toys, and more. Look for doorbusters in the first few hours.

What to expect: 20–60% off across the store, with select items up to 70% off. The best deals go fast.

David Jones Boxing Day Sale

David Jones brings refined luxury to the sales event. Their Bourke Street Mall store offers significant markdowns across premium fashion brands, designer homewares, and beauty. Boxing Day is often the best time to pick up high-end items at accessible prices.

What to expect: 20–50% off designer fashion, 30–40% off homewares, significant beauty gift set markdowns.

JB Hi-Fi

The tech lovers' Boxing Day paradise. JB Hi-Fi is famous for aggressive Boxing Day pricing on TVs, laptops, gaming consoles, headphones, speakers, and more. Many deals are available both in-store and online (often launching online on Christmas night).

What to expect: $100–$500+ savings on TVs, laptops, and audio equipment. Gaming deals, accessory bundles, and clearance items.

Kmart, Target & Big W

The discount department stores deliver consistent value. Boxing Day is when they clear remaining Christmas stock and summer lines. Excellent for toys (post-Christmas markdowns), summer clothing, homewares, and outdoor items.

What to expect: 25–50% off across categories, clearance items at 50–70% off.

The Good Guys & Harvey Norman

Major appliance and electronics retailers run significant Boxing Day campaigns. If you've been eyeing a new fridge, washing machine, TV, or air conditioner (hello, Melbourne summer!), Boxing Day is the day.

What to expect: Hundreds off major appliances, bonus gift cards with purchases, bundle deals on tech.

Country Road, Witchery & Seed Heritage

Premium Australian fashion brands typically offer 30–40% off storewide on Boxing Day, with deeper discounts on sale items. These brands are found at most major Melbourne shopping centres.

Nike, Adidas & Sportswear Outlets

DFO South Wharf and outlet stores go particularly hard on Boxing Day. Athletic and sportswear brands often offer an additional percentage off already-reduced outlet prices.

What to expect: Up to 70% off at outlet stores, 30–50% off at full-price retail.

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Where to Shop — Melbourne's Best Boxing Day Destinations

🏆 Chadstone — The Fashion Capital

Address: 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone VIC 3148 Expected hours: 8:00am – 9:00pm (extended Boxing Day hours) Website: chadstone.com.au

Chadstone is the undisputed champion of Boxing Day shopping in Melbourne — and it's the largest shopping centre in the Southern Hemisphere, so there's a lot to cover.

Why Chadstone on Boxing Day:

• Over 550 stores across fashion, dining, entertainment, and luxury
• Every major Australian and international brand in one place
• Luxury precinct featuring Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, Prada, and more — even luxury brands participate in sales
• Massive food court and dining precinct for refuelling
• Dedicated Boxing Day extended trading hours

Pro tips for Chadstone:

• Arrive early. The car park fills fast. Aim for 7:30am or earlier
• Use the multi-level car parks rather than circling for spots near entrances
• Start at the end of the centre furthest from your entry point and work back — fewer people think to do this
• The Luxury Precinct has its own parking area which is often less congested
• Download the Chadstone app for a centre map and real-time parking availability
• Consider using public transport — the 767 bus from Caulfield Station runs to Chadstone

🛍️ DFO South Wharf

Address: 20 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf VIC 3006 Expected hours: 9:00am – 9:00pm (extended) Website: dfosouthwharf.com.au

If you want the deepest discounts in Melbourne, DFO South Wharf is your destination. As a dedicated outlet centre, prices are already reduced year-round — then Boxing Day sales go on top.

Why DFO South Wharf on Boxing Day:

• Outlet pricing PLUS Boxing Day sale discounts = extraordinary savings
• Over 200 outlet stores including Nike, Adidas, Levi's, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Polo Ralph Lauren, and more
• Located right next to the Melbourne Convention Centre with easy public transport access
• Less "luxury shopping centre" atmosphere, more "serious bargain hunting"

What to buy at DFO:

• Sportswear and athletic shoes — Nike, Adidas, New Balance outlets with 40–70% off
• Denim — Levi's outlet is a Boxing Day must-visit
• Designer fashion at outlet prices — Calvin Klein, Coach, Kate Spade
• Kids' clothing — Multiple children's brands at deep discounts

Pro tips for DFO South Wharf:

• Park at the DFO car park early — it's a flat-rate car park
• You can also walk from Southern Cross Station (about 10 minutes along the river)
• The food options are more limited than at Chadstone — eat before you go or pack snacks
• Queues form at popular stores (Nike, Adidas) — hit these first thing

🏙️ Emporium Melbourne

Address: 287 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Expected hours: 8:00am – 9:00pm (extended) Website: emporiummelbourne.com.au

Emporium is Melbourne CBD's premium shopping destination, connected directly to Melbourne Central and the Myer/David Jones precinct via walkways.

Why Emporium on Boxing Day:

• Curated mix of premium and contemporary fashion brands
• H&M, Zara, Uniqlo, Country Road, and more
• Connected to Melbourne Central and Bourke Street Mall — shop the entire CBD precinct in one go
• Underground access from Melbourne Central Station

Best buys at Emporium:

• Contemporary fashion (COS, & Other Stories, Saba)
• Fast fashion clearance (H&M, Zara, Uniqlo — enormous summer lines to clear)
• Beauty and skincare (Mecca, Sephora — limited Boxing Day offers but they do happen)
• Homewares (Country Road Home, West Elm)

🎯 Melbourne Central

Address: Corner La Trobe Street and Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Expected hours: 8:00am – 9:00pm (extended)

Melbourne Central sits right on top of the train station, making it one of the most accessible Boxing Day shopping destinations. Connected to Emporium via internal walkway.

Highlights: Hype DC, Platypus Shoes, JB Hi-Fi, Cotton On, General Pants, Lorna Jane, and hundreds more.

🛒 Highpoint Shopping Centre

Address: 120-200 Rosamond Road, Maribyrnong VIC 3032 Expected hours: 8:00am – 9:00pm (extended)

Highpoint is the largest shopping centre in Melbourne's west and a serious Boxing Day contender.

Why Highpoint:

• Over 500 stores — one of the biggest centre in the state
• Myer, Kmart, Target, Big W all in one centre
• Less congested than Chadstone (relatively!)
• Large dining precinct
• Easy access from the Western Ring Road

🏪 Harbour Town Melbourne (Docklands)

Address: 440 Docklands Drive, Docklands VIC 3008 Expected hours: 10:00am – 6:00pm

A smaller outlet centre in Docklands with brands like Bonds, Cotton On Outlet, and Puma. Less intense than DFO South Wharf but a good option if you're already in the Docklands area.

🏬 Bourke Street Mall & CBD Strip

Don't forget the CBD itself. The entire Bourke Street Mall, Collins Street, and surrounding laneways become a Boxing Day shopping precinct:

• Myer Melbourne — The flagship 6-storey store on Bourke Street is Ground Zero for Boxing Day in Melbourne
• David Jones — Both Bourke Street and Little Collins Street stores
• GPO Melbourne — H&M, Muji, and specialty retailers
• QV Melbourne — Another option with a mix of retail and dining
• Collins Street luxury — For high-end fashion, Collins Street between Swanston and Spring holds brands like Chanel, Dior, and Tiffany & Co.

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Online vs In-Store — Where to Find the Best Boxing Day Deals

The Case for Shopping In-Store

• See the actual deals. Online prices don't always match in-store clearance
• Try before you buy. Especially important for fashion and footwear
• The experience. Boxing Day shopping in Melbourne is an event — embrace it!
• In-store exclusives. Some deals are available in-store only
• Immediate gratification. No waiting for delivery during the busy post-Christmas shipping period

The Case for Shopping Online

• Many sales start online on Christmas night (December 25 from around 8pm–midnight), giving you a head start
• No crowds, no parking, no sweat — shop from the couch in your PJs
• Wider range. Online stock often includes more sizes and colours
• Easy comparison shopping. Multiple tabs, multiple retailers, best price wins
• Click & Collect. Order online, pick up in-store — the best of both worlds
• Delivery deals. Many retailers offer free shipping during Boxing Day sales

The Smart Strategy: Do Both

Here's the pro move that seasoned Boxing Day shoppers know:

1. Christmas night (Dec 25, from 8pm): Browse online sales as they launch. Snap up any specific items you've been watching — sizes sell out fast
2. Boxing Day morning (Dec 26): Hit the physical stores for in-store exclusives, clearance racks, and the deals that don't make it online
3. Boxing Day evening: Go back online for any items you saw in-store but didn't buy — they're often still available and sometimes at better online prices
4. The following week: Keep an eye on "extended Boxing Day sales" that many retailers run through New Year

Key Retailers' Online Boxing Day Sales

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Best Boxing Day Deals by Category

👗 Fashion & Clothing

Boxing Day is THE day for fashion deals in Melbourne. Here's what to target:

• Department stores (Myer, David Jones): 20–60% off across womenswear, menswear, and childrenswear. Look for "red dot" or clearance sections for the deepest discounts
• Fast fashion (H&M, Zara, Uniqlo): End-of-season summer sale items from 30–70% off. Zara's sale in particular creates enormous queues
• Premium Australian brands (Country Road, Witchery, Seed Heritage, Saba): Typically 30–40% off storewide, deeper on sale items
• Sportswear (Nike, Adidas, Lululemon): 20–50% off. Outlet stores at DFO offer additional discounts on already-reduced prices
• Denim (Levi's, Wrangler, Lee): 30–50% off — stock up

Top tip: Know your sizes. Boxing Day fitting rooms have long waits. If you know your size in a brand, grab and go.

📱 Electronics & Tech

Melbourne's Boxing Day electronics deals are genuinely excellent:

• TVs: Expect $200–$1000 off flagship and mid-range TVs at JB Hi-Fi, The Good Guys, and Harvey Norman. The biggest TV deals of the year outside Black Friday
• Laptops: $100–$500 off across brands. Look for previous-gen models being cleared
• Gaming consoles & games: Bundle deals on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch. Game clearances at 30–50% off
• Headphones & audio: Major savings on Sony, Bose, Apple AirPods, and Samsung Galaxy Buds
• Smartphones: While rarely discounted heavily, you'll find bundle deals (free cases, screen protectors) and trade-in bonuses
• Home tech: Robot vacuums, smart speakers, smart home devices — typically 20–40% off
• Air conditioners and fans: Peak demand = competitive pricing. The Good Guys and Harvey Norman run aggressive summer cooling deals

🏠 Homewares & Home Furnishing

• Bed linen and towels: 40–60% off at Myer, David Jones, Adairs, and Pillow Talk. Boxing Day is the best time to refresh your linen
• Kitchenware: Le Creuset, Scanpan, and KitchenAid regularly discounted 30–50% at department stores
• Furniture: Freedom, IKEA (Springvale and Richmond), and Temple & Webster offer Boxing Day through New Year sales
• Outdoor and BBQ: With summer in full swing, expect deals on outdoor furniture, BBQs, and garden equipment at Bunnings and BBQs Galore
• Candles and diffusion: Glasshouse, Ecoya, and similar brands often included in department store sales

🧸 Toys & Kids

Post-Christmas toy sales are legendary:

• Kmart, Target, Big W: Massive toy clearance. Anything Christmas-themed goes to 50–70% off. Other toys 20–50% off
• Myer Toy Sales: Boxing Day extends the discounts from the Christmas gifting season
• LEGO: Select sets discounted at department stores and LEGO stores
• Outdoor toys: Trampolines, pools, bikes — summer gear at reduced prices
• Board games and puzzles: Often 30–40% off

Parent tip: Boxing Day is an excellent time to buy birthday presents for the year ahead. Stock up while prices are low.

💄 Beauty & Skincare

• Mecca and Sephora: These rarely do deep discounts, but Boxing Day may bring select value sets and limited offers
• Department store beauty counters: Gift-with-purchase promotions, value sets, and select brand sales
• Priceline: Often runs a concurrent sale — check for half-price skincare and cosmetics
• Chemist Warehouse: Already discount-priced, but additional Boxing Day specials on fragrances and premium skincare

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Tips for Boxing Day Shopping in Melbourne 2026

Boxing Day shopping in Melbourne is a sport. Here's how to win.

🌅 1. Get There Early

This cannot be overstated. The serious bargain-hunters arrive at shopping centres before doors open. At Chadstone and the CBD Myer store, queues start forming from 5am or earlier. If you want first pick of doorbuster deals, set that alarm.

If early mornings aren't your thing, the sweet spot is actually mid-afternoon (2pm–4pm). The morning rush has subsided, stock has been replenished, and the energy is calmer. You won't get the absolute best doorbusters, but you'll still find excellent deals without the chaos.

🅿️ 2. Park Strategically (or Don't Drive at All)

Parking on Boxing Day is the single biggest source of frustration. Here's how to handle it:

• Arrive before the centre opens to secure a car park spot
• Use multi-level car parks rather than circling outdoor lots
• Park further away from entrances — the walk is worth skipping 30 minutes of circling
• Consider parking at a train station and taking public transport to your destination
• Use parking apps (Wilson Parking, Secure Parking) to pre-book CBD car parks
• Rideshare — Uber or DiDi can be cost-effective when you factor in parking costs and stress
• At Chadstone: Park in the multi-storey car parks on the outer edges; use the Chadstone app to check live car park availability

💧 3. Stay Hydrated and Fuelled

December 26 in Melbourne can be HOT. Some years it's 35°C+. Even inside air-conditioned centres, the combination of crowds, walking, and excitement dehydrates you fast.

• Bring a water bottle. Most centres have water fountains or refill stations
• Eat a proper breakfast before you head out
• Plan a lunch break. Don't try to power through 6+ hours without eating
• Pack snacks — muesli bars, fruit, trail mix
• Wear comfortable shoes. You'll be walking kilometres

📋 4. Make a Plan (But Stay Flexible)

• Research sales in advance. Most retailers announce Boxing Day deals on social media and email lists from December 24–25
• Make a priority list. What do you need vs what would be nice to have?
• Set a budget. Boxing Day FOMO is real. The deals feel urgent. Decide your limit beforehand
• Know the layout. Download centre maps or apps
• Have a meeting point if shopping with family/friends — phone reception in crowded centres is unreliable

📱 5. Sign Up for Retailer Emails and Apps

Many retailers give early access or exclusive deals to loyalty program members and email subscribers:

• Myer One — early access to sale prices
• David Jones Loyalty — preview sale selections
• Chadstone First Member — exclusive offers and parking benefits
• The Iconic — email subscribers often get a head start
• JB Hi-Fi Perks — member-only pricing

🧾 6. Know the Returns Policy

• Keep all receipts
• Many Boxing Day sale items are final sale / no returns — check before you buy
• If in doubt, buy it — it's easier to return (if allowed) than to come back for a sold-out item
• Online purchases generally have the standard return window
• Credit card purchases may offer additional buyer protection

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 7. Leave the Kids at Home (If You Can)

Boxing Day shopping with young children is brave. The crowds are intense, the queues are long, and patience wears thin — for everyone. If you have the option, this is a great day for one parent to shop while the other enjoys a relaxed day at home or the park with the kids.

If you do bring kids:

• Use a pram/stroller for little ones (it doubles as a bag carrier)
• Plan breaks at play areas or food courts
• Bring entertainment (tablet, books)
• Know where the parent rooms are

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Supermarket & Grocery Hours on Boxing Day 2026

Good news if you need to stock up after Christmas — supermarkets are generally open on Boxing Day.

Expected Supermarket Hours

Also Open:

• Bottle shops (Dan Murphy's, BWS, First Choice) — typically open regular Saturday hours
• Bakeries — many independent bakeries open morning hours
• Convenience stores (7-Eleven etc.) — open 24/7 as usual

Tip: Confirm your specific store's hours on their website or app before heading out. Hours can vary between individual locations, especially in regional areas.

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What's NOT Open on Boxing Day 2026

While the vast majority of retail is open, a few things to note:

Likely Closed or Restricted:

• Banks — Major banks are closed on public holidays
• Post offices — Australia Post is closed on Boxing Day
• Government offices — State and federal government services closed
• Some medical centres — GP clinics may be closed; check your local practice. Hospital emergency departments are always open
• Libraries — Most public libraries closed on the public holiday
• Some small independent businesses — Individual shop owners may choose to close

Open With Reduced Services:

• Pharmacies — Many chemists open on Boxing Day (especially those in shopping centres), but independent pharmacies may be closed. Chemist Warehouse stores in major centres will almost certainly be open
• Petrol stations — Open as usual (exempt from any trading restrictions)
• Restaurants, cafés, bars — Open as usual. Many run their own Boxing Day specials
• Cinemas — Hoyts, Village, IMAX, Palace — all typically open. Boxing Day is actually one of the biggest days for movie releases
• Tourist attractions — Melbourne Zoo, Sea Life Aquarium, Melbourne Museum — most open on Boxing Day (check individual attraction for hours)

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Public Transport on Boxing Day 2026

Public Transport Victoria (PTV) runs a modified public holiday timetable on Boxing Day. Here's what to expect:

Trains

• Running on a Saturday/public holiday timetable
• Services will operate but potentially at reduced frequency
• Key city loop stations will be busy with shoppers — Melbourne Central, Flinders Street, Southern Cross
• Plan extra travel time — services may be less frequent, especially on outer suburban lines

Trams

• Running on a public holiday timetable
• The free City Circle tram (Route 35) may operate on a reduced schedule
• Trams along Bourke Street, Collins Street, and Chapel Street will be running — these are your key shopping routes
• Tip: The Route 109 tram from Box Hill to Port Melbourne via the CBD is excellent for accessing multiple shopping precincts

Buses

• Running on a public holiday timetable
• Some bus routes may have reduced services
• The 767 bus from Caulfield Station to Chadstone is particularly useful for Boxing Day shoppers

Rideshare & Taxis

• Uber, DiDi, and taxis operate as normal — but expect surge pricing during peak Boxing Day shopping hours (especially around Chadstone and the CBD from 9am–12pm)
• Consider scheduling rides in advance if possible

General Transport Tips

• Use the PTV app or website (ptv.vic.gov.au) to plan your journey and check real-time departures
• Myki cards — make sure your Myki has sufficient balance or a valid pass. Top up before Boxing Day to avoid queues at machines
• Allow extra time. Everything takes a bit longer on public holidays
• Chadstone shuttle buses sometimes operate from surrounding stations during major shopping events — check the Chadstone website closer to the date

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The Substitute Public Holiday — Monday December 28, 2026

Because Boxing Day falls on a Saturday in 2026, the Victorian Government has designated Monday, December 28 as an additional public holiday.

What Does This Mean?

For workers:

• If you work on Monday December 28, you're entitled to public holiday penalty rates under your award or enterprise agreement
• If you don't normally work Mondays, your entitlements depend on your specific award — check with Fair Work
• Casual employees working on the substitute holiday are entitled to public holiday loading

For shoppers:

• Monday December 28 is NOT a restricted trading day — shops CAN open
• Many retailers will still be running their Boxing Day sales (most Boxing Day sales extend for several days or even a week)
• Shopping centres will likely operate on reduced public holiday hours (similar to Sunday trading)
• It's typically quieter than Boxing Day itself — a great option if you want the deals without the crowds

For everyone:

• This effectively creates an extended long weekend: Saturday (Boxing Day) → Sunday → Monday (substitute holiday)
• Many Melburnians will take the opportunity for a short getaway or extended family time
• The CBD may be quieter than Boxing Day but still active with sales shoppers

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Boxing Day Beyond Shopping — Other Things to Do

Not everything on Boxing Day is about retail therapy. Melbourne has plenty going on:

🏏 Boxing Day Test — MCG

The iconic Boxing Day Test Match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground is one of Australia's greatest sporting traditions. In 2026, check Cricket Australia's schedule for who Australia is playing. Tickets range from general admission (~$30) to premium reserved seating.

🎬 Boxing Day Movie Releases

Major blockbusters traditionally launch on Boxing Day. Head to Hoyts Melbourne Central, Village Doncaster, IMAX Melbourne, or Palace Cinemas for the latest releases in air-conditioned comfort.

🏖️ Beach Day

If the weather is warm (and it often is), many Melburnians head to St Kilda Beach, Brighton Beach, or the Mornington Peninsula. A morning at the shops followed by an afternoon at the beach is peak Melbourne summer vibes.

🍽️ Boxing Day Dining

Restaurants across Melbourne are open and many run special Boxing Day menus or deals. South Wharf, Southbank, and the CBD laneways are all great options for a post-shopping meal.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Boxing Day a public holiday in Victoria in 2026?

Yes. Saturday, December 26, 2026 is a public holiday in Victoria. Additionally, Monday, December 28 is a substitute public holiday because Boxing Day falls on a Saturday.

Are shops open on Boxing Day in Melbourne?

Yes! Boxing Day is NOT a restricted trading day in Victoria. The only restricted trading days are Good Friday, Christmas Day, and ANZAC Day (before 1pm). The overwhelming majority of shops, shopping centres, and retailers will be open on Boxing Day with normal or extended hours.

What time do shops open on Boxing Day 2026?

Most major shopping centres will open between 7:00am and 9:00am, with some flagship stores (Myer Bourke Street, for example) traditionally opening as early as 5:00am. Regular retailers typically open from 8:00am or 9:00am. Check individual centre websites closer to the date for confirmed hours.

What time do shops close on Boxing Day?

Most major shopping centres will trade until 6:00pm to 9:00pm, depending on the centre. CBD stores and Chadstone typically have the latest closing times (up to 9:00pm). Suburban centres may close at 5:00pm or 6:00pm.

Is Chadstone open on Boxing Day 2026?

Yes. Chadstone is open on Boxing Day and typically extends its hours. Based on regular Saturday hours (9:00am – 9:00pm), expect extended Boxing Day hours of approximately 8:00am – 9:00pm or similar. Chadstone will confirm specific hours closer to the date.

Is DFO South Wharf open on Boxing Day?

Yes. DFO South Wharf is open on Boxing Day with extended hours. It's one of the best destinations for deep discounts as an outlet centre.

Are supermarkets open on Boxing Day in Melbourne?

Yes. Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi stores generally open on Boxing Day, though some locations may have slightly reduced hours. Check your specific store's hours online.

Do I get penalty rates for working on Boxing Day 2026?

Yes. Boxing Day (Saturday December 26) is a public holiday, so workers are entitled to public holiday penalty rates under their applicable award or enterprise agreement. The substitute holiday on Monday December 28 also attracts public holiday rates. Check the Fair Work Ombudsman for specific rates.

What is the substitute public holiday for Boxing Day 2026?

Because Boxing Day falls on a Saturday, Monday, December 28, 2026 is the designated additional/substitute public holiday. This is confirmed by both Business Victoria and the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Is public transport running on Boxing Day?

Yes. Trains, trams, and buses operate on Boxing Day, but on a public holiday timetable with potentially reduced frequency. Use the PTV app or website for real-time journey planning. Myki cards work as normal.

Are restaurants and cafés open on Boxing Day?

Yes. Restaurants, cafés, and takeaway outlets are exempt from trading restrictions and are open as usual on Boxing Day. Many hospitality venues across Melbourne's CBD, Southbank, South Wharf, and suburban areas will be open.

What are the best Boxing Day sales in Melbourne?

The biggest and most popular Boxing Day sales include Myer (flagship store on Bourke Street), David Jones, JB Hi-Fi (electronics), The Good Guys (appliances), Chadstone (500+ stores), and DFO South Wharf (outlet pricing). Fashion, electronics, homewares, and toys see the deepest discounts.

Is it worth going to the Boxing Day sales?

Absolutely. If you have specific items in mind — especially electronics, fashion, and homewares — Boxing Day offers genuine, significant discounts. The key is to go with a plan, set a budget, and target specific stores. Impulse buying is where people overspend. But for planned purchases, Boxing Day savings of 30–60% are very real.

Can I shop Boxing Day sales online instead?

Yes. Most major retailers launch their Boxing Day sales online on Christmas night (December 25 from approximately 8pm). You can shop from home and either have items delivered or use Click & Collect. Many savvy shoppers buy the specific items they want online first, then head to stores for in-person browsing.

What should I wear to Boxing Day shopping?

Dress for comfort and the weather. December 26 in Melbourne can be anywhere from 18°C to 40°C. Wear comfortable walking shoes (you'll cover serious kilometres), lightweight clothing, and carry a hat and sunscreen if walking between venues. Avoid heavy bags — bring a lightweight tote or backpack for your purchases.

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Final Thoughts

Boxing Day 2026 in Melbourne is shaping up to be a brilliant shopping day. With the holiday falling on a Saturday, most Melburnians will have the entire day free to hunt down bargains without worrying about work. The combination of a public holiday (meaning penalty rates for retail workers, so they're compensated fairly) and unrestricted trading (meaning shops are open as normal) makes Boxing Day one of the most anticipated retail events on Melbourne's calendar.

Whether you're an early-morning doorbuster warrior queuing outside Myer at 5am, a strategic online shopper securing deals from the couch on Christmas night, or a casual mid-afternoon browser looking for a few good deals — Melbourne's Boxing Day sales have something for everyone.

Plan ahead, stay hydrated, wear comfy shoes, and set a budget. Happy shopping, Melbourne! 🛍️

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Last updated: February 2026. Specific trading hours for Boxing Day 2026 will be confirmed by individual shopping centres and retailers closer to December. We recommend checking centre websites and social media in the week leading up to Boxing Day for confirmed hours and sale previews.

Sources: Business Victoria — Victorian Public Holidays 2026 | Fair Work Ombudsman — 2026 Public Holidays | Business Victoria — Restricted Trading Days