What's Open on Easter Sunday in Melbourne 2026 — Trading Hours & Complete Guide
Find out exactly what's open and closed on Easter Sunday 2026 in Melbourne (April 5). Supermarkets, shops, cafes, restaurants, attractions — plus daylight saving changes, public transport, and penalty rate info.
What's Open on Easter Sunday in Melbourne 2026 — Trading Hours & Complete Guide
Last updated: February 2026 | Easter Sunday falls on Sunday 5 April 2026
Here's the good news you've been looking for: Easter Sunday is a public holiday in Victoria, but it is NOT a restricted trading day. That means most shops, supermarkets, and shopping centres can open — though many choose reduced hours, and some don't open at all.
Unlike Good Friday, where Victorian law forces most retailers to shut their doors, Easter Sunday gives businesses the choice. The result? A patchwork of some places open, some closed, and plenty of confusion.
This guide cuts through the noise. We'll tell you exactly what's open, what's closed, what hours to expect, and what to do on Easter Sunday 2026 in Melbourne — plus the daylight saving change that catches people out every year.
Table of Contents
- When Is Easter Sunday 2026?
- Is Easter Sunday a Public Holiday in Victoria?
- Daylight Saving Ends on Easter Sunday — Don't Get Caught Out
- Is Easter Sunday a Restricted Trading Day?
- What's CLOSED on Easter Sunday in Melbourne
- What's OPEN on Easter Sunday in Melbourne
- Supermarkets — Coles, Woolworths, Aldi & More
- Shopping Centre Status
- Where to Eat — Restaurants & Cafes Open Easter Sunday
- Things to Do in Melbourne on Easter Sunday
- Public Transport on Easter Sunday
- Penalty Rates & Employee Entitlements
- FAQ — Easter Sunday Melbourne 2026
When Is Easter Sunday 2026?
Easter Sunday 2026 falls on Sunday 5 April 2026.
It's the third day of Victoria's four-day Easter long weekend. Here's how the full weekend lines up:
| Day | Date | Public Holiday? | Restricted Trading? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good Friday | Friday 3 April | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes — most shops closed |
| Saturday before Easter Sunday | Saturday 4 April | ✅ Yes | ❌ No — normal trading |
| Easter Sunday | Sunday 5 April | ✅ Yes | ❌ No — shops can open |
| Easter Monday | Monday 6 April | ✅ Yes | ❌ No — shops can open |
The critical thing to understand: while Easter Sunday is a public holiday (meaning penalty rates apply for workers), it is not a restricted trading day under Victorian law. That's a very important distinction that affects whether businesses open or not.
👉 Planning the whole weekend? Check out our Complete Easter Melbourne 2026 Guide for events, egg hunts, day trips, and more.
Is Easter Sunday a Public Holiday in Victoria?
Yes. Easter Sunday has been a public holiday in Victoria since 2003.
Under the Public Holidays Act 1993 (Vic), Easter Sunday is officially gazetted as a public holiday in Victoria. This means:
- Employees who work on Easter Sunday are entitled to public holiday penalty rates under their applicable award or enterprise agreement.
- Employees who don't normally work Sundays and are not rostered on have a right to be absent from work without loss of pay (if they would normally have worked).
- Casual employees who work receive penalty rate loading on top of their casual loading.
Easter Sunday is recognised as a public holiday in every Australian state and territory except Tasmania (where only Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays).
For Victorian workers, the Fair Work Ombudsman confirms that Easter Sunday (5 April 2026) is a public holiday — meaning penalty rates of up to 275% of the base rate may apply for some employees, depending on the relevant award.
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman — 2026 Public Holidays | Business Victoria — Victorian Public Holidays 2026
Daylight Saving Ends on Easter Sunday — Don't Get Caught Out
This is the detail that catches people off guard every year: Daylight saving time (DST) ends on Easter Sunday 2026.
At 3:00 am AEDT on Sunday 5 April 2026, clocks go back one hour to 2:00 am AEST. Victoria moves from Australian Eastern Daylight Time (UTC+11) to Australian Eastern Standard Time (UTC+10).
What This Means for You
- ✅ You get an extra hour of sleep — if you let yourself
- ⏰ Don't forget to change your clocks on Saturday night before bed (most phones update automatically, but check wall clocks, ovens, microwaves, and car clocks)
- 🌅 Sunrise will be about an hour earlier on Sunday than it was on Saturday
- 🌆 It will get dark earlier in the evening — sunset shifts from around 7:17 pm to around 6:15 pm
- 🚌 Public transport runs on the NEW time — make sure you've adjusted before heading out
Pro Tip
If you're heading to Easter Sunday brunch or a morning church service, double-check your clock. Turning up an hour early (or late!) because of the time change is a classic Easter Sunday blunder.
Is Easter Sunday a Restricted Trading Day?
No. Easter Sunday is NOT a restricted trading day in Victoria.
This is the most important thing to understand about Easter Sunday shopping in Melbourne. Under the Shop Trading Reform Act 1996 (Vic), Victoria has only two-and-a-half restricted trading days per year:
- Good Friday (all day) — Friday 3 April 2026
- Christmas Day (all day) — Thursday 25 December 2026
- ANZAC Day (12:01 am to 1:00 pm only) — Saturday 25 April 2026
Easter Sunday is not on this list. That means there are no legal restrictions on shops opening on Easter Sunday. Any retail business of any size can legally trade.
However, just because shops can open doesn't mean they will. Many businesses choose to close or reduce their hours on Easter Sunday because:
- Penalty rates are expensive — paying staff at public holiday rates (often 200–275% of base) makes it costly to operate
- Customer foot traffic is lower — many people are away on holiday, at family gatherings, or at church
- It's part of a four-day weekend — some small businesses simply give their staff the break
- Individual centre/landlord decisions — some shopping centres close even though they're legally allowed to open
The bottom line: most large retailers and shopping centres will open with reduced hours, but many smaller independent shops will close. Always check before making a special trip.
Source: Business Victoria — Operating on a Restricted Trading Day
What's CLOSED on Easter Sunday in Melbourne
Even though there's no legal requirement to close, the following types of businesses typically close on Easter Sunday:
Likely Closed
- Banks — all major bank branches (Commonwealth, ANZ, NAB, Westpac) are closed on public holidays. ATMs and online banking remain available.
- Australia Post — post offices are closed. No mail delivery.
- Government offices — state and federal government offices, Service Victoria centres, and Centrelink offices are all closed.
- Many independent/small retail shops — particularly those in strip shopping areas (e.g., Chapel Street boutiques, Bridge Road shops, High Street Armadale). Many small business owners choose not to open due to penalty rate costs.
- Some car dealerships — most are closed on Sundays anyway, and Easter Sunday is no exception.
- Libraries — most council-operated libraries are closed on public holidays.
- Some medical centres and GP clinics — many close or run limited hours. After-hours services and hospital emergency departments remain open.
- Real estate agencies — mostly closed, though some may run open-for-inspection times.
- Office buildings and business parks — closed for the public holiday.
- Some Aldi stores — Aldi has historically closed all stores on Easter Sunday in Victoria (see supermarket section below for details).
Reduced Hours
Many businesses that do open will trade with significantly reduced hours. Don't assume normal Sunday trading hours apply — expect shorter windows (often 10 am – 5 pm or 10 am – 4 pm for shopping centres).
What's OPEN on Easter Sunday in Melbourne
Here's the good news — there's plenty open on Easter Sunday for both essentials and entertainment:
Retail & Shopping
- ✅ Major shopping centres — most will open with reduced hours (see shopping centre section below)
- ✅ Many chain retailers — Kmart, Target, Big W, Bunnings, JB Hi-Fi, and Officeworks typically open on Easter Sunday with reduced hours
- ✅ Bunnings Warehouse — usually opens (often 9 am – 5 pm or similar) — great for those Easter long weekend projects
Food & Groceries
- ✅ Major supermarkets — Coles and Woolworths generally open with reduced hours (see detailed supermarket section below)
- ✅ Convenience stores — 7-Eleven, local milk bars, and independent convenience stores
- ✅ Bakeries — many independent bakeries open, especially those selling hot cross buns
- ✅ Petrol stations — all open as usual, including those with attached convenience shops
Hospitality
- ✅ Restaurants — many restaurants open, especially those doing Easter Sunday lunch specials or brunch service
- ✅ Cafes — most inner-city and suburban cafes open (often at normal Sunday hours, though some may open later due to daylight saving)
- ✅ Pubs and bars — most pubs open, especially those serving food
- ✅ Fast food — McDonald's, KFC, Hungry Jack's, Grill'd, and most fast-food chains open (hours may vary by location)
- ✅ Food courts — open within shopping centres that choose to open
Services
- ✅ Pharmacies — many pharmacies open, especially those in shopping centres. Standalone pharmacies may vary. Check the Pharmacy Guild Finder for locations near you.
- ✅ Petrol stations — all operational
- ✅ Hospitals and emergency departments — open 24/7 as always
- ✅ Urgent care clinics — most open
- ✅ Veterinary emergency clinics — open for pet emergencies
Attractions & Entertainment
- ✅ Melbourne Zoo — open (often with Easter-themed activities)
- ✅ Royal Botanic Gardens — open (free entry)
- ✅ National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) — generally open on Easter Sunday (check for special exhibitions)
- ✅ Melbourne Museum — typically open on public holidays
- ✅ Scienceworks — typically open
- ✅ ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) — usually open
- ✅ Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex — open
- ✅ Luna Park Melbourne — usually open on Easter Sunday (check for special Easter events)
- ✅ Cinemas — Hoyts, Village, Palace, and IMAX cinemas are generally open
- ✅ Queen Victoria Market — note: QVM is not typically open on Sundays (regular trading days are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and some Wednesdays). Check their website for any special Easter Sunday markets.
- ✅ South Melbourne Market — normally a Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday market. Check for Easter Sunday hours.
- ✅ Puffing Billy Railway — usually operates on Easter Sunday with special timetables
- ✅ Melbourne Aquarium (SEA LIFE) — open
Supermarkets — Coles, Woolworths, Aldi & More
This is one of the biggest questions every Easter: "Can I do my grocery shopping on Easter Sunday?"
Since Easter Sunday is not a restricted trading day in Victoria, supermarkets are legally allowed to open. Here's what to expect from each major chain:
Coles
- Status: ✅ Generally OPEN on Easter Sunday
- Expected hours: Reduced — typically 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (varies by store)
- Key notes:
- Hours can differ between locations — inner-city stores may have different hours than suburban stores
- Coles Express (petrol station shops) generally open longer hours
- Check the Coles Store Finder closer to the date for confirmed hours at your local store
Woolworths
- Status: ✅ Generally OPEN on Easter Sunday
- Expected hours: Reduced — typically 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (varies by store)
- Key notes:
- Metro stores (smaller format) may have different hours
- Some stores in shopping centres will match the centre's trading hours
- Check the Woolworths Store Finder closer to the date
Aldi
- Status: ⚠️ LIKELY CLOSED on Easter Sunday
- Expected hours: Aldi has historically closed all Victorian stores on Easter Sunday
- Key notes:
- Aldi tends to close on both Good Friday and Easter Sunday in Victoria
- This is a company decision, not a legal requirement
- Check Aldi's website closer to Easter for confirmation
IGA / Independent Grocers
- Status: ✅ Varies by store — many open
- Expected hours: Depends on individual store owner
- Key notes:
- IGA stores are independently owned, so each store makes its own decision
- Many IGA and IGA Express stores open on Easter Sunday with reduced hours
- Local neighbourhood IGAs and independent grocers are often your best bet for essentials
Costco
- Status: ⚠️ LIKELY CLOSED on Easter Sunday
- Key notes:
- Costco typically closes on most public holidays including Easter Sunday
- Check Costco's website for confirmation closer to the date
Harris Farm Markets / Specialty Grocers
- Status: ✅ Likely open with reduced hours
- Key notes: Check individual stores — Harris Farm Markets in Melbourne often operate on public holidays
Summary Table
| Supermarket | Open Easter Sunday? | Expected Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Coles | ✅ Yes (most stores) | ~10 am – 6 pm |
| Woolworths | ✅ Yes (most stores) | ~10 am – 6 pm |
| Aldi | ❌ Likely closed | N/A |
| IGA | ✅ Varies (many open) | Varies |
| Costco | ❌ Likely closed | N/A |
| Coles Express | ✅ Yes | Extended hours |
⚠️ Important: These are typical Easter Sunday patterns based on previous years. Always confirm hours at your specific store closer to the date — hours are usually published 1–2 weeks before Easter.
Shopping Centre Status
Most major Melbourne shopping centres do open on Easter Sunday, but with significantly reduced trading hours. Here's what to expect from the biggest centres:
Major Shopping Centres — Likely Open (Reduced Hours)
| Shopping Centre | Location | Expected Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Chadstone Shopping Centre | Malvern East | ~10 am – 5 pm |
| Highpoint Shopping Centre | Maribyrnong | ~10 am – 5 pm |
| Westfield Doncaster | Doncaster | ~10 am – 5 pm |
| Westfield Fountain Gate | Narre Warren | ~10 am – 5 pm |
| Westfield Southland | Cheltenham | ~10 am – 5 pm |
| Northland Shopping Centre | Preston | ~10 am – 5 pm |
| Eastland Shopping Centre | Ringwood | ~10 am – 5 pm |
| The Glen Shopping Centre | Glen Waverley | ~10 am – 5 pm |
| Westfield Knox | Wantirna South | ~10 am – 5 pm |
| Pacific Werribee | Werribee | ~10 am – 5 pm |
| Emporium Melbourne | CBD | ~10 am – 5 pm |
| Melbourne Central | CBD | ~10 am – 5 pm |
Important Notes
- Hours above are estimates based on typical Easter Sunday trading in previous years. Each centre confirms its own hours closer to Easter.
- Not every store within a centre will open — anchor tenants (Coles, Woolworths, Kmart, Myer, David Jones) usually open, but many speciality stores may remain closed.
- Myer and David Jones — these department stores have historically opened on Easter Sunday in their major locations, but with reduced hours (typically 10 am – 5 pm).
- DFO (Direct Factory Outlet) — DFO South Wharf and DFO Essendon typically open on Easter Sunday with reduced hours.
- CBD retail — Bourke Street Mall, Collins Street, and Melbourne Central stores generally open with Sunday/public holiday hours.
- Strip shopping — independent retailers along strips like Chapel Street, Brunswick Street, and Lygon Street will be a mix of open and closed.
Pro tip: Always check the specific shopping centre's website or social media in the week before Easter for confirmed hours. Google Maps also updates store hours close to public holidays.
Where to Eat — Restaurants & Cafes Open Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday is one of the best days of the long weekend for dining out. Unlike Good Friday (where many restaurants close due to restricted trading laws), Easter Sunday sees the hospitality industry out in force.
What to Expect
- Cafes — Most Melbourne cafes that normally open on Sundays will open on Easter Sunday. Many feature special Easter brunch menus (think: hot cross bun French toast, Easter-themed pastries, and chocolate-drizzled everything).
- Restaurants — Easter Sunday lunch is a big deal in Melbourne. Many restaurants offer special set menus or Easter lunch experiences. Bookings are strongly recommended.
- Pubs — Hotel dining rooms and pub bistros are generally open. Great option for a relaxed family lunch.
- Fine dining — Many of Melbourne's top restaurants open on Easter Sunday. Expect prix fixe menus and higher prices.
Popular Dining Precincts Open Easter Sunday
Here are Melbourne's best dining strips where you'll find plenty of open restaurants and cafes:
- Lygon Street, Carlton — Melbourne's Italian heart is always buzzing, and Easter Sunday is no exception. Many Italian restaurants serve special Easter menus.
- Southbank & Crown — Waterfront dining along Southbank Promenade. Crown's restaurants are open.
- Hardware Lane, CBD — Laneway dining with many restaurants open for lunch and dinner.
- Degraves Street & Centre Place — Melbourne's famous laneway cafes.
- Fitzroy (Brunswick Street & Smith Street) — Trendy cafes and eateries — most will be open.
- South Melbourne / Clarendon Street — Popular brunch spots and restaurants.
- Chapel Street, South Yarra / Prahran — Mix of cafes, restaurants, and bars.
- Chinatown (Little Bourke Street) — Chinese and Asian restaurants are frequently open on public holidays.
- Richmond (Bridge Road & Victoria Street) — Vietnamese restaurants on Victoria Street are commonly open; Bridge Road is more mixed.
- St Kilda (Acland Street & Fitzroy Street) — Beachside dining, cake shops, and cafes.
Easter Sunday Meal Ideas
| Meal | Where to Look |
|---|---|
| Easter brunch | Inner-city cafes in Fitzroy, South Melbourne, CBD laneways |
| Family lunch | Pub bistros, Italian restaurants on Lygon Street, waterfront dining at Southbank |
| Seafood | Continuing the Good Friday tradition — South Melbourne Market (if open), St Kilda restaurants |
| Asian cuisine | Chinatown, Victoria Street Richmond, Box Hill |
| Fine dining | Book ahead at top restaurants — many offer special Easter menus |
| Quick bites | Fast food chains, food courts in open shopping centres |
📞 Book ahead! Easter Sunday is one of the busiest dining days of the year in Melbourne. Popular restaurants fill up fast, especially for lunch. Book at least a week in advance.
Things to Do in Melbourne on Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday in Melbourne offers a wonderful mix of family-friendly activities, cultural experiences, and outdoor fun. Here's what's on:
🐰 Easter Egg Hunts & Family Fun
- Royal Botanic Gardens — A beautiful setting for a family picnic and DIY egg hunt. Pack your own eggs and let the kids loose in the gardens (free entry).
- Melbourne Zoo — Typically runs special Easter activities including animal encounters and themed activities. Check their website for 2026 programs.
- Collingwood Children's Farm — A popular family spot that often opens on Easter with special animal activities.
- Local council events — Many councils run free Easter egg hunts in local parks. Check your council's website for details.
- Luna Park — Often runs Easter-themed events and activities. Great for older kids and thrill-seekers.
🎨 Arts & Culture
- NGV (National Gallery of Victoria) — Free entry to the permanent collection. Check for special Easter exhibitions at both NGV International (St Kilda Road) and The Ian Potter Centre (Fed Square).
- Melbourne Museum — Explore the permanent exhibitions or check for special Easter programming.
- ACMI — Free exhibitions and screenings at Federation Square.
- Street art walking tour — Easter Sunday is a perfect day to explore Melbourne's famous laneways and street art. Hosier Lane, AC/DC Lane, and Union Lane are all freely accessible.
🏞️ Outdoors & Nature
- Walk along the Yarra — The Yarra Trail from Southbank to Abbotsford (or beyond) is a beautiful autumn walk.
- Brighton Beach Boxes — Drive down to Brighton Beach for photos with the iconic bathing boxes. Note: sunrise will be earlier due to the clock change — great for photography.
- Mornington Peninsula — A popular Easter getaway. Wineries, hot springs, and coastal walks. Note: it will be busy.
- Dandenong Ranges — Autumn colours are starting to appear in early April. Visit Puffing Billy, Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, or the gardens of Olinda and Sassafras.
- Great Ocean Road — If you're up for a day trip, Easter Sunday is a beautiful day to drive the Great Ocean Road. Leave early to beat traffic.
🎬 Entertainment
- Cinemas — All major cinema chains (Hoyts, Village, Palace) open. Easter Sunday is traditionally a big release weekend for family films.
- Crown Casino & Entertainment Complex — Open all day and evening. Restaurants, bowling, cinema, and gaming.
- Escape rooms — Many escape room venues open on public holidays.
- Bowling, mini golf, and arcades — Strike Bowling, Holey Moley, and similar entertainment venues typically open.
- Live music — Check for Easter Sunday sessions at venues across Melbourne.
⛪ Church Services
Easter Sunday is the most important day in the Christian calendar, and Melbourne's churches hold special services:
- St Patrick's Cathedral — Easter Sunday Mass (check cathedral website for service times — remember the daylight saving change!)
- St Paul's Cathedral — Anglican Easter services in the heart of the CBD
- Many suburban churches — Services across all denominations. Check your local church for times.
🕐 Don't forget: Clocks go back one hour on Easter Sunday morning. Double-check service times and adjust your alarm!
Public Transport on Easter Sunday
Public transport in Melbourne runs on a modified timetable on Easter Sunday. Here's what to expect:
Timetable
- Easter Sunday typically runs on a Sunday/public holiday timetable — this means reduced frequency compared to normal weekdays.
- Trains — Usually run to a Sunday timetable, with services approximately every 20–40 minutes on most lines.
- Trams — Run on a Sunday/public holiday timetable, with reduced frequency. The City Circle tram (Route 35) may operate.
- Buses — Sunday/public holiday timetable. Some routes may not operate at all.
- Night Network — Night services typically do not run on Easter Sunday night (check PTV closer to the date).
Key Tips
- Check the PTV website or app — ptv.vic.gov.au will publish the confirmed Easter timetable in the weeks before Easter.
- Allow extra time — Services are less frequent, so plan your journey with buffer time.
- Use the PTV app — Real-time tracking will help you avoid long waits.
- Driving? — Roads will be quieter in Melbourne on Easter Sunday (many people are away), but the return from regional areas on Easter Sunday afternoon/evening can be busy on major freeways.
Daylight Saving Impact on Transport
The clock change happens at 3:00 am Sunday, before services start running. Public transport runs on the new time (AEST). There should be no operational impact on services, but make sure your phone has updated automatically before checking timetables.
Penalty Rates & Employee Entitlements
Easter Sunday is a public holiday in Victoria, which triggers specific entitlements under the Fair Work Act 2009 and applicable modern awards.
Key Employee Rights
- Right to refuse work — All employees (except certain essential workers) can refuse a reasonable request to work on a public holiday if the refusal is reasonable.
- Penalty rates — Employees who work on Easter Sunday are entitled to public holiday penalty rates. The exact rate depends on the applicable award or enterprise agreement.
- Not working? — Full-time and part-time employees who would normally work on a Sunday but don't work on Easter Sunday are entitled to be paid their ordinary hours (i.e., the public holiday doesn't cost them a day's pay).
Typical Penalty Rates (General Retail Industry Award)
| Employee Type | Easter Sunday Rate |
|---|---|
| Full-time / Part-time | 250% of ordinary hourly rate |
| Casual | 275% of ordinary hourly rate |
These rates can vary by award — hospitality, pharmacy, fast food, and other industries each have their own rates. Check the Fair Work Pay Calculator for your specific award.
Why Some Businesses Stay Closed
The high penalty rates are the main reason many smaller businesses choose not to open on Easter Sunday. Paying staff at 2.5x the normal rate makes it financially unviable for businesses with thin margins — particularly small retailers and independent shops. This is a business decision, not a legal requirement.
FAQ — Easter Sunday Melbourne 2026
1. What date is Easter Sunday 2026?
Easter Sunday 2026 is Sunday 5 April 2026. The full Easter long weekend runs from Good Friday (3 April) to Easter Monday (6 April).
2. Is Easter Sunday a public holiday in Victoria?
Yes. Easter Sunday is a gazetted public holiday in Victoria. Employees are entitled to penalty rates if they work, and have a right to refuse work on the day.
3. Is Easter Sunday a restricted trading day in Victoria?
No. Easter Sunday is NOT a restricted trading day. Only Good Friday, Christmas Day, and ANZAC Day (until 1 pm) are restricted trading days in Victoria. Shops of any size are legally allowed to open on Easter Sunday.
4. Are Coles and Woolworths open on Easter Sunday?
Generally, yes. Most Coles and Woolworths stores open on Easter Sunday with reduced hours (typically around 10 am – 6 pm). Hours vary by location, so check the Coles or Woolworths store finder for your local store closer to Easter.
5. Is Aldi open on Easter Sunday in Melbourne?
Likely no. Aldi has historically closed all Victorian stores on Easter Sunday. This is a company decision, not a legal requirement. Check Aldi's website closer to the date for confirmation.
6. Are shopping centres open on Easter Sunday?
Most major shopping centres open with reduced hours — typically around 10 am – 5 pm. However, not every store within the centre may open. Anchor tenants and food courts usually operate, while some speciality stores remain closed.
7. Does daylight saving change on Easter Sunday 2026?
Yes! Daylight saving time ends on Easter Sunday 2026. At 3:00 am AEDT, clocks go back one hour to 2:00 am AEST. You gain an extra hour. Remember to change non-automatic clocks (ovens, wall clocks, car clocks) on Saturday night.
8. Is public transport running on Easter Sunday?
Yes, on a reduced Sunday/public holiday timetable. Trains, trams, and buses will run with lower frequency than normal weekdays. Check the PTV app or website for the confirmed Easter timetable.
9. Are restaurants open on Easter Sunday in Melbourne?
Yes — many are. Easter Sunday is a popular day for dining out in Melbourne. Cafes, restaurants, and pubs across the city open for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Bookings are recommended for popular venues.
10. Is the Melbourne Zoo open on Easter Sunday?
Yes. Melbourne Zoo typically opens on Easter Sunday and often runs special Easter-themed activities and programs. Check their website for hours and any special events.
11. Do I get penalty rates for working Easter Sunday?
Yes. As a public holiday in Victoria, employees who work on Easter Sunday receive penalty rates under their applicable award. Under the General Retail Industry Award, this is 250% for full-time/part-time and 275% for casuals. Rates vary by industry — use the Fair Work Pay Calculator for your specific award.
12. What's the difference between Good Friday and Easter Sunday trading?
Big difference. Good Friday is a restricted trading day — most shops are legally required to close (only exempt shops like pharmacies, petrol stations, cafes, restaurants, and small businesses with ≤20 staff can open). Easter Sunday is a public holiday but NOT a restricted trading day — any shop can legally open, though many choose not to due to penalty rates.
13. Are bottle shops open on Easter Sunday?
It depends. Many bottle shops within supermarkets (BWS, Liquorland, Dan Murphy's) that are open on Easter Sunday will typically trade. Standalone bottle shops may vary. Liquor licensing restrictions may apply — check the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) for any specific Easter Sunday liquor restrictions.
14. Is Bunnings open on Easter Sunday?
Typically yes. Bunnings Warehouse stores generally open on Easter Sunday with reduced hours (around 9 am – 5 pm). It's one of the most popular stores on the Easter long weekend for DIY projects and gardening.
15. Are chemists/pharmacies open on Easter Sunday?
Many are. Pharmacies in shopping centres typically open if the centre is open. Some standalone pharmacies also open on Easter Sunday. Hospital pharmacies and 24-hour pharmacies (like Chemist Warehouse in some locations) are your safest bet. Use the Pharmacy Guild Finder to find one near you.
Quick Reference — Easter Sunday Melbourne 2026
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday 5 April 2026 |
| Public holiday? | ✅ Yes (Victoria) |
| Restricted trading? | ❌ No — shops can open |
| Daylight saving | Clocks go BACK 1 hour at 3 am (AEDT → AEST) |
| Supermarkets | Most Coles/Woolworths open (reduced hours). Aldi likely closed. |
| Shopping centres | Most open ~10 am – 5 pm |
| Restaurants & cafes | Widely open — book ahead for popular spots |
| Public transport | Sunday/public holiday timetable (reduced) |
| Penalty rates | Up to 275% for casuals (varies by award) |
Related Easter Guides
- 👉 What's Open on Good Friday in Melbourne 2026 — The restricted trading day guide
- 👉 Easter Melbourne 2026 — Complete Guide to the Long Weekend — Events, egg hunts, dining, day trips & more
This guide is based on Victorian legislation, Fair Work Ombudsman information, and historical trading patterns from previous Easter periods. Trading hours for individual businesses can change — always confirm directly with the store or venue closer to Easter Sunday 2026. Hours are typically published 1–2 weeks before Easter.
Last updated: February 2026
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