Anzac Day trading hours: What's open in Sydney on April 25?

ANZAC Day trading restrictions have changed in 2025. Last year, the Retail Trading Amendment (ANZAC Day Trading Hours) was included so that “non-exempt” retail shops that were traditionally allowed to trade from 1pm will need to remain closed for the full day.

Traditionally, the Retail Trading Act dictated to businesses were generally restricted from opening before 1pm. This was to encourage more Australians to participate in the ANZAC Day Dawn Service and pay their respects on the day.

Now some businesses that have historically been able to open will need to remain closed to the entirety of ANZAC Day.

Certain shops are still allowed to remain open. In addition to supermarkets, the following types of businesses are allowed to trade on ANZAC Day.

Bazaars, fairs or markets if the bazaars, fairs or markets are conducted for charitable or public fundraising purposes 
Book shops 
Cake and pastry shops 
Chemists shops 
Cooked provision shops 
Florists shops 
Fruit and vegetable shops 
Newsagencies 
Nurseries 
Pet shops 
Recorded music, video or DVD shops 
Restaurants, cafes or kiosks 
Seafood shops 
Shops ancillary to venues for playing sport or physical recreation 
Souvenir shops 
Take-away food and drink shops 
Tobacconists shops 
Vehicle shops, vehicle service centres or petrol stations

So while your favourite department store may be closed on Anzac Day, you’ll still be able to enjoy the city’s many bazaars. See below for more ANZAC Day opening hours in Sydney.

Woolworths

Even though the rules for Anzac Day trading hours has changed, Woolworths will be sticking to the traditional post-1pm opening hours that are allowed on April 25. All your local Woolworths stores will be closed on the day until 1pm, after which most will be open until either 5pm or 9pm. You’d have to check with your local supermarket for specific hours.

Coles

Coles is in the same boat as Woolworths here. The supermarket chain is exempt from the trading restrictions so you’ll find that almost all Coles stores will be open from 1pm until late on Anzac Day.

ALDI

ALDI should ideally be following the same rules as the other big supermarket chains in Sydney. Although almost all retail stores are no longer allowed to open from 1pm on Anzac Day, as per usual, these supermarkets have an exemption. You’ll likely find your local ALDI open from 1pm on Anzac Day, but you’re best off checking with your local store ahead to be safe.

Bunnings

Bunnings might take a hit from the new amendments to the Retail Trading Act. Under the Retail Trading Amendment (ANZAC Day Trading Hours) Act 2024, almost all retail stores that were previously allowed to trade on the day after 1pm and now required to remain closed for the day. This will likely take effect for Bunnings this year so I wouldn’t expect to find any superglue on April 25th.

Target

Target is another non-essential that was previously allowed to trade after 1pm on Anzac Day. That’s all changed now, and Target will be amongst the main retailers required to remain closed for April 25.

Kmart

Target will be closed, so you’d expect Kmart will be similarly shuttered on Anzac Day. You can check with your local store to be safe, but it’s unlikely you’ll find any Kmart thriving on Australia’s day of remembrance.

Big W

All Big W stores will be closed on Anzac Day.

Westfield

All Westfield shopping centres will be closed on Anzac Day.

Liquorland, Vintage Cellars & First Choice Liquor

Although unexpected, it seems more than a few Liquorland stores around Sydney are listing post-1pm trading hours on their social media channels. This likely means that you’ll find your favourite bottle shops open from 1pm on Anzac Day.

Dan Murphys & BWS

All Dan Murphy’s and BWS stores in Sydney should be open from 1pm.

Feature image: City of Sydney.

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