What's Open on Good Friday in Melbourne 2026 — Complete Trading Hours Guide
Last updated: February 2026 | Good Friday falls on Friday 3 April 2026
What's Open on Good Friday in Melbourne 2026 — Complete Trading Hours Guide
Last updated: February 2026 | Good Friday falls on Friday 3 April 2026
Every year, the same question pops up across Melbourne: "What's actually open on Good Friday?"
It's one of the most restricted trading days in Victoria, and if you're not prepared, you can end up driving around to locked doors and dark car parks. Whether you need to grab groceries, find a pharmacy, book a restaurant, or just figure out what to do with the family — this guide has you covered.
Here's everything you need to know about what's open (and what's very much closed) on Good Friday 2026 in Melbourne.
Table of Contents
- When Is Good Friday 2026?
- Is Good Friday a Public Holiday in Victoria?
- Victoria's Restricted Trading Laws Explained
- What's CLOSED on Good Friday in Melbourne
- What's OPEN on Good Friday in Melbourne
- Supermarket Hours Guide — Coles, Woolworths & Aldi
- Shopping Centre Status
- Restaurants Open on Good Friday Melbourne
- Things to Do in Melbourne on Good Friday
- Public Transport Timetable Changes
- Penalty Rates & Employee Entitlements
- FAQ — Good Friday Melbourne 2026
When Is Good Friday 2026?
Good Friday 2026 falls on Friday 3 April 2026.
Easter is a moveable feast — its date changes every year because it's calculated based on the lunar calendar. Good Friday is always the Friday before Easter Sunday. Here's the full Easter long weekend for 2026:
| Day | Date | Public Holiday? |
|---|---|---|
| Good Friday | Friday 3 April | ✅ Yes (Restricted Trading Day) |
| Saturday before Easter Sunday | Saturday 4 April | ✅ Yes |
| Easter Sunday | Sunday 5 April | ✅ Yes |
| Easter Monday | Monday 6 April | ✅ Yes |
That's a full four-day long weekend — one of the longest public holiday stretches of the year in Victoria.
Pro tip: If you take Monday 30 March to Thursday 2 April off work, you can turn the Easter break into a glorious 10-day holiday (combined with the preceding weekend). Just saying.
Is Good Friday a Public Holiday in Victoria?
Yes — Good Friday is a national public holiday observed in every state and territory across Australia, including Victoria.
According to the Fair Work Ombudsman, Good Friday is listed as a public holiday for Victoria on Friday 3 April 2026.
But here's the key distinction for Melbourne and Victoria specifically: Good Friday isn't just a public holiday — it's also a restricted trading day.
This is important because not all public holidays restrict trading. Labour Day, King's Birthday, and Melbourne Cup Day are all public holidays, but shops can still open on those days (with altered hours). Good Friday is different. The shops literally shut.
Victoria has only two-and-a-half restricted trading days per year:
- Good Friday (all day)
- Christmas Day (all day)
- Anzac Day (12:01 AM to 1:00 PM only)
Good Friday is one of the most restrictive days on the Victorian calendar. If you're planning to do a big shop or hit the mall, you'll need to do it on Thursday 2 April instead.
Victoria's Restricted Trading Laws Explained
Victoria's restricted trading rules come from the Shop Trading Reform Act 1996. This legislation prohibits most shops from opening on restricted trading days — and Good Friday is one of the big ones.
What the Law Actually Says
Under the Act, a "shop" is defined as a building, structure, place or vehicle that is used wholly or predominantly for the retail sale of goods. On restricted trading days, shops are prohibited from trading unless they qualify for an exemption.
Who CAN Open? The Exemptions
There are two ways a shop can legally open on Good Friday:
1. Exempt Business Types
The following types of businesses are specifically exempt and can trade on Good Friday:
- ✅ Chemists / Pharmacies
- ✅ Petrol stations (and their attached convenience stores)
- ✅ Restaurants
- ✅ Cafés
- ✅ Takeaway food outlets
2. Small Business Exemption
A shop that meets both of the following criteria is also exempt:
- No more than 20 people employed in the shop at any time on the restricted trading day
- No more than 100 people employed across the business and its related entities during the 7 days before the restricted trading day
This is why you'll notice small independent shops, local delis, corner stores, and family-run businesses can often open on Good Friday — they fall under this size threshold.
What About Service Businesses?
Here's an important distinction: the law covers the retail sale of goods. Service providers and hire outlets are not classified as "shops" under the Act, so they can operate on restricted trading days.
This means businesses like hairdressers, nail salons, gyms, and similar service-based operations may be able to open — though many still choose to close.
The Penalty for Breaching
Businesses that trade illegally on a restricted trading day can face significant fines. It's not worth the risk, which is why you'll see even the biggest retailers pulling down the shutters.
For the full legislation, visit legislation.vic.gov.au.
What's CLOSED on Good Friday in Melbourne
Let's get the bad news out of the way first. Here's what you can expect to be closed on Good Friday 2026:
Major Shopping Centres
All major shopping centres in Melbourne close on Good Friday. This includes:
- 🔒 Chadstone Shopping Centre
- 🔒 Highpoint Shopping Centre
- 🔒 Westfield Doncaster
- 🔒 Westfield Fountain Gate
- 🔒 Westfield Knox
- 🔒 Westfield Southland
- 🔒 Eastland Shopping Centre
- 🔒 Northland Shopping Centre
- 🔒 The Glen Shopping Centre
- 🔒 Westfield Airport West
- 🔒 Pacific Werribee
- 🔒 Watergardens Shopping Centre
- 🔒 Vicinity Centres properties (Box Hill Central, Bayside, etc.)
- 🔒 Emporium Melbourne
- 🔒 Melbourne Central
- 🔒 QV Melbourne
- 🔒 DFO outlets (South Wharf, Essendon, Moorabbin, Uni Hill)
Note: Some individual restaurants or cafés located within shopping centre precincts may still open if they have external access (street-facing entrances). Always check the specific venue's socials before heading out.
Big Retailers & Department Stores
- 🔒 Kmart
- 🔒 Target
- 🔒 Big W
- 🔒 Myer
- 🔒 David Jones
- 🔒 Bunnings Warehouse
- 🔒 JB Hi-Fi
- 🔒 Harvey Norman
- 🔒 Officeworks
- 🔒 The Good Guys
- 🔒 IKEA
- 🔒 Costco
Supermarkets
- 🔒 Coles (all stores)
- 🔒 Woolworths (all stores)
- 🔒 Aldi (all stores)
- 🔒 IGA (most large-format stores — some small independents may open)
Other Closures
- 🔒 Most banks and financial institutions
- 🔒 Australia Post offices (no mail delivery)
- 🔒 Most government services
- 🔒 Many medical centres (check your local clinic)
- 🔒 Most car dealerships
- 🔒 Real estate agencies (no auctions permitted)
- 🔒 Dan Murphy's, BWS, and most bottle shops (liquor restrictions also apply — check with the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation)
What's OPEN on Good Friday in Melbourne
Now for the good news. Plenty of places are still open and operating on Good Friday, thanks to the exemptions in the Shop Trading Reform Act. Here's what you can access:
Pharmacies & Chemists ✅
Pharmacies are explicitly exempt under the legislation. Most major pharmacy chains will have at least some locations open on Good Friday, though many operate on reduced hours.
- Chemist Warehouse — Select stores open (check their store locator)
- Priceline Pharmacy — Some locations open with reduced hours
- TerryWhite Chemmart — Select stores
- Amcal — Check individual store hours
- Local independent pharmacies — Many open, especially in busy areas
Tip: If you need a prescription filled, don't leave it to Good Friday. Get it done on Thursday if you can. While pharmacies can open, hours are typically shorter (think 9 AM – 1 PM or similar).
Petrol Stations & Convenience Stores ✅
Petrol stations are exempt and most operate on Good Friday, including their attached convenience stores. This is often your best bet for grabbing basic supplies like milk, bread, and snacks.
- BP — Most locations open
- Shell / Coles Express — Generally open (note: only the convenience store component, not a full Coles supermarket)
- 7-Eleven — Open 24/7 as usual
- Ampol — Most locations open
- United Petroleum — Most locations open
Restaurants, Cafés & Takeaway ✅
Restaurants, cafés, and takeaway outlets are all exempt from restricted trading. This is great news for foodies — Melbourne's hospitality scene doesn't sleep, even on Good Friday.
- Most cafés in inner-city and suburban areas will open (many on reduced hours)
- Restaurants — Expect many to be open, particularly for lunch and dinner service
- Fast food chains — McDonald's, KFC, Hungry Jack's, Subway, Grill'd, and most fast food outlets typically open (individual franchise hours vary)
- Food courts — Generally closed (they're inside shopping centres), but standalone food venues stay open
- Food delivery apps — Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Menulog typically operate on Good Friday, though restaurant availability may be reduced and surge pricing/public holiday surcharges may apply
Expect a public holiday surcharge of 10–15% at most restaurants and cafés on Good Friday. This is standard practice and helps cover the penalty rates staff receive.
Tourist Attractions & Entertainment ✅
Many of Melbourne's top attractions stay open on Good Friday. Here are the ones that typically operate:
- 🎡 Melbourne Zoo — Usually open (check zoo.org.au for confirmed hours)
- 🐧 Melbourne Aquarium (SEA LIFE) — Typically open
- 🖼️ National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) — Check their website; hours may vary
- 🌿 Royal Botanic Gardens — Gardens are open (the Visitor Centre may have reduced hours)
- 🏛️ Melbourne Museum — Check website for Good Friday hours
- 🎭 Arts Centre Melbourne — Depends on scheduled performances
- 🎬 Cinemas — Many cinemas open on Good Friday (Village, Hoyts, Palace — check session times)
- 🏖️ Luna Park — Often open during school holidays/Easter period
- 🐨 Healesville Sanctuary — Typically open
- 🚂 Puffing Billy Railway — Usually runs over Easter
Always check the attraction's official website or socials before heading out, as hours and availability can change year to year.
Other Services That Stay Open ✅
- Hospitals & Emergency Departments — Always open
- Emergency services (000) — Always available
- Some medical clinics — Particularly bulk-billing and after-hours clinics
- Veterinary emergency clinics — Open for emergencies
- Gyms — Many gyms (especially 24/7 ones like Anytime Fitness, Jetts) remain open
- Hotels and accommodation — All operating as normal
- Taxi and rideshare — Uber, DiDi, 13CABS all operating
- Locksmiths, plumbers, emergency tradespeople — Available for callouts
Supermarket Hours Guide — Coles, Woolworths & Aldi
This is the big one. Let's break it down store by store.
Coles
Good Friday (3 April): CLOSED ❌
All Coles supermarkets in Victoria close on Good Friday. This is consistent across all formats — Coles Supermarkets, Coles Local, and Coles Express attached stores (though the petrol station convenience store component of Coles Express may remain open as it falls under the petrol station exemption).
Rest of Easter Weekend:
- Easter Saturday (4 April): Most stores open with reduced hours (typically 7 AM – 9 PM, but check your local store)
- Easter Sunday (5 April): Hours vary by location — some open, some closed
- Easter Monday (6 April): Most stores open with slightly reduced hours
Tip: Use the Coles Store Locator to check your local store's specific Easter trading hours as they're typically published 1–2 weeks before the holiday.
Woolworths
Good Friday (3 April): CLOSED ❌
All Woolworths supermarkets in Victoria are closed on Good Friday. Like Coles, this applies to all store formats.
Rest of Easter Weekend:
- Easter Saturday (4 April): Most stores open with altered hours
- Easter Sunday (5 April): Trading hours vary by store
- Easter Monday (6 April): Most stores open, reduced hours possible
Tip: Check the Woolworths Store Locator for your local store's Easter hours. Woolworths online delivery and pickup services may also be impacted — place orders early.
Aldi
Good Friday (3 April): CLOSED ❌
Aldi stores are closed on Good Friday. Given Aldi's already limited trading hours compared to Coles and Woolworths, plan your Easter shop well in advance.
Rest of Easter Weekend:
- Easter Saturday (4 April): Most stores open with reduced hours
- Easter Sunday (5 April): Typically closed
- Easter Monday (6 April): Varies — check Aldi Store Locator
What About IGA and Independent Grocers?
This is where it gets interesting. Under the small business exemption in the Shop Trading Reform Act, some independent grocers and IGA stores may be able to open on Good Friday — provided they meet the size criteria (20 or fewer staff in-store, 100 or fewer across the business).
Smaller family-run IGAs, Asian grocers, and independent food stores in areas like:
- Richmond (Victoria Street)
- Footscray
- Springvale
- Box Hill
- Clayton
- CBD (convenience-style stores)
...may be open on Good Friday. Hours will be limited and stock may be reduced, but if you need fresh ingredients for that Good Friday seafood feast, these could be your saving grace.
Last-Minute Shopping Strategy
Since every major supermarket closes on Good Friday, here's your game plan:
- Do your big shop by Thursday 2 April — Expect supermarkets to be packed on Thursday evening
- Stock up on essentials — Milk, bread, eggs, coffee (the non-negotiables)
- Petrol station convenience stores — Your emergency backup for basics
- 7-Eleven — Open 24/7 for snacks, drinks, and basic supplies
- Local independent stores — Your best bet for fresh produce
Shopping Centre Status
Here's a quick-reference guide for Melbourne's major shopping centres on Good Friday 2026:
| Shopping Centre | Good Friday | Easter Saturday | Easter Sunday | Easter Monday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chadstone | ❌ Closed | ✅ Open (reduced) | Check website | ✅ Open (reduced) |
| Highpoint | ❌ Closed | ✅ Open (reduced) | Check website | ✅ Open (reduced) |
| Westfield Doncaster | ❌ Closed | ✅ Open (reduced) | Check website | ✅ Open (reduced) |
| Westfield Fountain Gate | ❌ Closed | ✅ Open (reduced) | Check website | ✅ Open (reduced) |
| Westfield Knox | ❌ Closed | ✅ Open (reduced) | Check website | ✅ Open (reduced) |
| Westfield Southland | ❌ Closed | ✅ Open (reduced) | Check website | ✅ Open (reduced) |
| Eastland | ❌ Closed | ✅ Open (reduced) | Check website | ✅ Open (reduced) |
| Northland | ❌ Closed | ✅ Open (reduced) | Check website | ✅ Open (reduced) |
| Emporium Melbourne | ❌ Closed | ✅ Open (reduced) | Check website | ✅ Open (reduced) |
| Melbourne Central | ❌ Closed | ✅ Open (reduced) | Check website | ✅ Open (reduced) |
| DFO South Wharf | ❌ Closed | ✅ Open (reduced) | Check website | ✅ Open (reduced) |
| Chapel Street Precinct | ❌ Shops closed | ✅ Cafés/restaurants open | ✅ Open | ✅ Open |
Important: While the main shopping centres and their retail stores close, some street-front restaurants, cafés, and food outlets within shopping precincts may still operate independently. Always call ahead or check Google Maps for live "open now" status.
Each shopping centre typically publishes their Easter trading hours on their website and social media channels 1–2 weeks before the holiday. Bookmark these:
Restaurants Open on Good Friday Melbourne
Good Friday is one of Melbourne's biggest dining-out days. With the shops closed and a long weekend ahead, Melburnians flock to restaurants — and there's a strong tradition of eating seafood on Good Friday.
Why Seafood on Good Friday?
The tradition comes from Catholic practice. Historically, Christians abstained from eating meat on Good Friday as a form of fasting and penance. Fish was not considered "meat" in this context, so seafood became the traditional Good Friday meal. Even for non-religious Melburnians, the tradition has stuck — and honestly, any excuse to eat seafood in this city is a good one.
Where to Eat Seafood on Good Friday
Melbourne has an incredible seafood dining scene. Here are some top spots that are typically open on Good Friday (always book ahead — they fill up fast):
Fine Dining & Upscale Seafood
- Attica (Ripponlea) — If you can snag a reservation, one of Australia's best
- Steer Dining Room (South Yarra) — Modern seafood-forward menu
- Supernormal (CBD) — New England lobster roll and Asian-inspired seafood
- Gimlet at Cavendish House (CBD) — Classic seafood dishes
- Estelle (Northcote) — Inventive tasting menus with seasonal seafood
Classic Seafood Restaurants
- Claypots Seafood Bar (St Kilda) — An institution; the fish curry is legendary
- The Atlantic (Crown Melbourne) — Expansive seafood restaurant
- Half Moon (Brighton) — A local favourite for fish and chips by the beach
- Donovans (St Kilda) — Beachside fine dining with great seafood options
Casual Seafood & Fish and Chips
- Hunky Dory (multiple locations) — Quality fish and chips chain
- Biggie Smalls — Kebab spot but great fried fish options
- Local fish and chip shops — Nearly every suburb has one, and most open on Good Friday
- Queen Victoria Market area fish shops — Note: QVM itself is typically closed on Good Friday, but surrounding restaurants may open
Waterside Dining
- The Boatbuilders Yard (South Wharf) — Great for a waterside lunch
- Arbory Bar & Eatery (Flinders Street) — Right on the Yarra
- Port Melbourne and Williamstown restaurants — Bayside dining with fresh catches
Booking Tips for Good Friday Dining
- Book NOW — Don't wait until the week before Easter. Good Friday restaurant bookings fill up fast
- Expect a surcharge — Most restaurants add a 10–15% public holiday surcharge
- Consider lunch — Dinner spots fill up first; a long, leisurely lunch is very Melbourne
- Check opening hours — Some restaurants may only open for one service (lunch OR dinner)
- Use OpenTable, Dimmi, or call directly — Online bookings give you the best chance
Beyond Seafood
Not into seafood? No worries. Plenty of other cuisines are on offer:
- Lygon Street (Carlton) — Italian restaurants galore, many open on Good Friday
- Chinatown (CBD) — Chinese, Malaysian, and other Asian restaurants typically open
- Victoria Street (Richmond) — Vietnamese restaurants often open
- Chapel Street (South Yarra/Prahran) — Cafés and restaurants along the strip
- Brunswick Street (Fitzroy) — Always buzzing, holiday or not
- Smith Street (Collingwood) — Similar vibe to Brunswick Street
- Lonsdale Street (CBD) — Greek precinct with several restaurant options
Things to Do in Melbourne on Good Friday
So the shops are closed and you've eaten your weight in seafood. What else is there to do? Plenty, actually. Good Friday falls right in the middle of autumn, and Melbourne in early April is gorgeous — think mild temperatures, golden light, and beautiful foliage.
Free Activities
- 🌿 Walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens — The gardens are open and stunning in autumn
- 🏖️ Hit the beach — St Kilda, Brighton, Sandringham, and Half Moon Bay are all lovely for an autumn walk (maybe not swimming weather, but perfect for a stroll)
- 🚶 Explore Melbourne's laneways — The street art doesn't take a day off. Hosier Lane, AC/DC Lane, and Centre Place are always worth a wander
- 🌅 Walk the Tan Track — The iconic 3.8 km loop around the Botanic Gardens
- 🚴 Ride the Capital City Trail — Melbourne's cycling paths are spectacular in autumn
- 🐕 Dog-friendly parks — Albert Park, Princes Park, Edinburgh Gardens
- ⛪ Attend a church service — Many churches hold special Good Friday services, including St Paul's Cathedral and St Patrick's Cathedral
Paid Activities & Attractions
- 🎡 Melbourne Zoo — A perennial favourite for families
- 🐧 SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium — Perfect for a Good Friday family outing
- 🏛️ NGV (National Gallery of Victoria) — Check for current exhibitions
- 🎬 Go to the movies — Cinemas are generally open on Good Friday
- 🏊 Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre — Check holiday hours for a swim
- 🍷 Yarra Valley wineries — Many cellar doors are open over Easter (and it's gorgeous in autumn)
- 🏔️ Dandenong Ranges — Explore the gardens at William Ricketts Sanctuary or walk the 1000 Steps
- 🐨 Healesville Sanctuary — Get up close with native wildlife
- 🚂 Puffing Billy Railway — The heritage steam train usually runs over Easter
- 🎾 Play a sport — Tennis courts, golf courses, and outdoor facilities are generally accessible
Day Trips from Melbourne
If you've got the long weekend and want to escape the city:
- Great Ocean Road — The Twelve Apostles are always spectacular
- Mornington Peninsula — Hot springs, wineries, coastal walks
- Phillip Island — Penguin Parade (book ahead!)
- Daylesford & Hepburn Springs — Mineral springs and boutique dining
- Bellarine Peninsula — Wineries, beaches, and the Queenscliff ferry
Public Transport Timetable Changes
Melbourne's public transport runs on a modified timetable on Good Friday. Here's what to expect:
Trains 🚆
- Most metropolitan train lines operate on a Sunday/public holiday timetable
- Services run less frequently than a normal weekday — expect trains every 20–40 minutes on most lines
- First services start later and last services run earlier than usual
- V/Line regional services also run on a reduced holiday timetable
Trams 🚊
- Trams generally run on a Sunday/public holiday timetable
- Reduced frequency across most routes
- Some routes may not operate at all — check the PTV website
- The City Circle Tram (Route 35) may or may not run — verify before relying on it
Buses 🚌
- Most bus routes operate on a Sunday/public holiday timetable
- Some routes may not run at all on Good Friday
- NightBus services are typically not available on Good Friday night (but check for Easter weekend schedules)
How to Check
The best way to confirm exact timetables is:
- PTV Website: ptv.vic.gov.au — Check the "Disruptions" or "Public Holidays" section
- PTV App: Download the PTV app for real-time information
- Google Maps: Use the "Depart at" function with the date set to 3 April 2026
- 1800 800 007: Call PTV's information line
Key tip: Don't assume your normal route runs at normal times. Check before you leave — there's nothing worse than standing at a tram stop for 40 minutes on a public holiday.
Myki Still Required
Your Myki card is still required for travel on Good Friday. There are no free travel concessions on Good Friday (unlike some other special events). Tap on, tap off, as usual.
Penalty Rates & Employee Entitlements
If you're an employer or employee working on Good Friday, here's what you need to know about pay.
The Basics
Under Australian workplace law, all employees have a right to be absent from work on a public holiday. If you do work on Good Friday, you're typically entitled to penalty rates — which means extra pay on top of your base rate.
What Are the Penalty Rates?
The exact penalty rate depends on your award or enterprise agreement. However, typical public holiday penalty rates in common industries are:
| Industry/Award | Penalty Rate (Full-Time/Part-Time) | Penalty Rate (Casual) |
|---|---|---|
| Retail (General Retail Industry Award) | 225% of base rate | 250% of base rate |
| Hospitality (Hospitality Industry Award) | 225% of base rate | 250% of base rate |
| Fast Food (Fast Food Industry Award) | 225% of base rate | 250% of base rate |
| Pharmacy (Pharmacy Industry Award) | 225% of base rate | 250% of base rate |
Note: These are general indicative rates. Your specific entitlements depend on your award, enterprise agreement, or employment contract. Always check.
Can Your Employer Make You Work?
An employer can request that you work on a public holiday, but you can refuse if the request is unreasonable — or if your refusal is reasonable. Factors include:
- The nature of your work
- Your personal circumstances (family responsibilities, etc.)
- Whether you were given adequate notice
- How much extra you'll be paid
Where to Check Your Entitlements
- Fair Work Pay Calculator: fairwork.gov.au/pay-and-wages/pay-calculator — Enter your award and see exact rates
- Fair Work Public Holiday Info: fairwork.gov.au/employment-conditions/public-holidays
- Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94
If you believe you're not being paid correctly for working on Good Friday, you can lodge a complaint with the Fair Work Ombudsman.
FAQ — Good Friday Melbourne 2026
1. When is Good Friday 2026 in Melbourne?
Good Friday 2026 is on Friday 3 April 2026. It's part of a four-day weekend that runs through Easter Monday on 6 April.
2. Is Good Friday a public holiday in Victoria?
Yes. Good Friday is a national public holiday observed in all Australian states and territories. In Victoria, it is also a restricted trading day, meaning most retail shops must close.
3. Are shops open on Good Friday in Melbourne?
Most shops are closed. Under Victoria's Shop Trading Reform Act 1996, retail shops are prohibited from trading on Good Friday unless they're exempt. Exempt businesses include pharmacies, petrol stations, restaurants, cafés, takeaway outlets, and small businesses with 20 or fewer employees.
4. Is Coles or Woolworths open on Good Friday?
No. Both Coles and Woolworths close all Victorian stores on Good Friday. Plan your grocery shopping for Thursday 2 April at the latest. Some Coles Express convenience stores (attached to petrol stations) may remain open under the petrol station exemption.
5. Is Aldi open on Good Friday?
No. All Aldi stores in Victoria are closed on Good Friday.
6. Are pharmacies open on Good Friday in Melbourne?
Yes — pharmacies are exempt from restricted trading. However, not all locations will be open, and those that are will likely operate on reduced hours. Check your local pharmacy's website or call ahead.
7. Is Bunnings open on Good Friday?
No. Bunnings Warehouse closes on Good Friday across Victoria. If you need hardware supplies, head in on Thursday or wait until Easter Saturday.
8. Are restaurants open on Good Friday?
Yes! Restaurants, cafés, and takeaway outlets are exempt from restricted trading in Victoria. Expect most to be open, though hours may vary. A public holiday surcharge of 10–15% is standard. Booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially for seafood restaurants.
9. Does public transport run on Good Friday?
Yes, but on a reduced public holiday timetable (similar to a Sunday timetable). Trains, trams, and buses run less frequently, with services starting later and finishing earlier. Check ptv.vic.gov.au for exact times.
10. Is the Melbourne Zoo open on Good Friday?
Melbourne Zoo typically opens on Good Friday, but hours may differ from standard operating times. Check zoo.org.au closer to the date for confirmed hours.
11. Are petrol stations open on Good Friday?
Yes. Petrol stations are exempt from restricted trading in Victoria. Most BP, Shell, Ampol, 7-Eleven, and United stations will be open, along with their attached convenience stores.
12. Do workers get penalty rates on Good Friday?
Yes. Employees who work on Good Friday are typically entitled to penalty rates under their award or enterprise agreement. For most retail and hospitality workers, this is around 225% of base rate (full-time/part-time) or 250% (casual). Check the Fair Work Pay Calculator for your specific entitlements.
The Bottom Line
Good Friday in Melbourne is one of the quietest days of the year when it comes to retail — and that's kind of the point. It's a day to slow down, spend time with family, eat some incredible seafood, and enjoy the city without the usual hustle.
Your Good Friday Checklist:
- ☑️ Do your grocery shopping by Thursday 2 April
- ☑️ Book restaurants NOW (especially seafood spots)
- ☑️ Check pharmacy hours if you need prescriptions
- ☑️ Download the PTV app for transport updates
- ☑️ Plan activities that don't involve shopping centres
- ☑️ Enjoy the long weekend!
Happy Easter, Melbourne. 🐰
This article is updated annually for accuracy. Information is based on Victorian legislation (Shop Trading Reform Act 1996), Fair Work Ombudsman guidelines, and publicly available business information. Individual store and venue hours may vary — always confirm directly with the business before visiting.
Sources: Business Victoria | Fair Work Ombudsman | Shop Trading Reform Act 1996 (Vic)
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