What’s Open This Long Weekend? King’s Birthday & Labour Day Trading Hours Explained
From supermarkets to shopping centres, here’s your essential guide to what’s open today as Aussies in several states enjoy a long weekend.
Australians in several states are set to enjoy a public holiday on Monday, with Labour Day observed in NSW, the ACT, and South Australia, while Queenslanders celebrate the King’s Birthday.
The Labour Day holiday commemorates the establishment of the eight-hour working day in the 1850s. Whether shoppers can enjoy a retail spree depends heavily on local trading laws, which vary across the country.
NSW – Labour Day
In NSW, most major retailers are expected to open, though hours may be reduced. Trading is largely deregulated, allowing stores to set their own operating hours.
Supermarkets: Woolworths, Coles, and Aldi stores are generally open, but hours vary.
Department stores: Kmart typically runs 8 am – 9 pm, while Big W and Target depend on location.
Shopping centres: Westfield malls open roughly 10 am – 7 pm, though some stores may close.
Homegoods: Ikea opens 10 am – 9 pm; Bunnings hours differ.
Liquor stores: Dan Murphy’s, BWS, Liquorland, Vintage Cellars, and First Choice Liquor will trade as normal.
For NSW residents looking to spend the long weekend dining out, check our related guide on Sydney food and lifestyle updates.
ACT – Labour Day
The ACT has a fully deregulated trading system, so nearly all shops, supermarkets, and cafés remain open.
Public transport runs on a Sunday timetable, and museums and galleries will stay accessible throughout the day.
South Australia – Labour Day
In South Australia, “exempt” shops such as cafés, restaurants, florists, pharmacies, petrol stations, and small retailers can trade freely.
Most large supermarkets — Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi — will likely remain closed, though independent grocery stores under 200 sq m may open.
Non-exempt shops in CBD tourist precincts can open 11 am – 5 pm, while car dealerships and Service SA branches will close.
Online services remain available for those running errands.
Queensland – King’s Birthday
Queensland celebrates the King’s Birthday, and most trading follows public-holiday schedules.
Supermarkets: Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi will trade, though hours may shorten.
Homegoods: Bunnings and Ikea open with adjusted hours.
Department stores: Kmart, Big W, and Target trade based on location.
Shopping centres: Malls open with reduced hours; some stores may close.
Liquor stores: Dan Murphy’s and BWS open per licensing conditions.
Exempt shops: Butchers, hairdressers, chemists, florists, and newsagents can open freely.
In short, shoppers across Australia should check local store hours before heading out, as long-weekend trading varies widely by region.
