The holiest weekend on the Christian calendar is here but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun or get a drink.
Although takeaway alcohol sales are banned Australia-wide on Good Friday, many clubs, cafes, pubs and restaurants are still allowed to trade.
Those lucky enough to have the day off will be able to buy alcohol at licenced premises with a meal in most states.
Good Friday and Easter Sunday are restricted trading days with supermarkets and bottle shops such as Coles, Aldi, Woolworths, and Dan Murphy’s shutting their doors
Although take-away alcohol sales are banned Australia-wide on Good Friday, many clubs, cafes, pubs and restaurants are still allowed to trade
In NSW, small bars and restaurants with a liquor licence for fewer than 120 customers can trade from 12pm to 10pm, but gaming is strictly prohibited.
For Sydneysiders, another way to enjoy the day is the Royal Easter Show at Olympic Park, Taronga Zoo on the north shore, or the Wild Life Sydney Zoo in Bungarribee.
But shoppers are warned department stores such as Myer and discount chains like Kmart, Big W and Target will all be closed and across Australia.
Grocery giants Coles, Woolworths and Aldi will also be closed across the country but there will be a few exceptions in some areas.
Buyers looking to snap up a traditional seafood feast can still shop on Good Friday at the Sydney Fish Market which will remain open with extended trading hours.
But Bunnings hardware stores will also shut nationwide as well as all bottle shops including Dan Murphy’s, BWS and Liquorland.
Grocery juggernauts like Coles, Woolworths and Aldi will also be closed across Australia but there will be a few exceptions in some areas. Pictured: A man passes an Easter display at a supermarket
In most states pubs, breweries, wineries, and bowling clubs can open from noon
Cinemas will remain open throughout Australia along with businesses like chemists, fruit and vegetable shops, petrol stations, and other small independent traders.
Most fast food chains like McDonalds and dominos are open and food delivery services Foodora, UberEats, Deliveroo and Menulog will trade as normal.
And those looking for a game of golf can most likely get a round in at their local club.
For Victorians wondering what to do on the first day of the Easter break, some cafes, pubs and restaurants are permitted to trade.
The state eased many public holiday restrictions to spur on the economy which was crushed by the five-month coronavirus lockdown last year.
In Melbourne, footy fans can also catch the North Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs AFL match at Docklands Stadium at 4.20pm.
Queensland’s iconic theme parks – Movie World, Dreamworld, WhiteWater World, and Sea World – will all remain open on Good Friday. Pictured: Dreamworld
Lager retailers such as supermarkets will be closed on Good Friday around Australia. Pictured: A shopper in a face mask stocks up before the long weekend
For Sydneysiders, another way to enjoy the day is to get out of the Royal Easter Show at Homebush (pictured)
Most pubs, cafes and restaurants will shut in Queensland but there are a few that will remain open – able to serve patrons alcohol with a meal.
The Sunshine State’s iconic theme parks – Movie World, Dreamworld, WhiteWater World, and Sea World – will all remain open.
But Queenslanders are warned to follow the Covid restrictions still in place after a recent outbreak, even though lockdown ended on Thursday.
Patrons must be seated at all times in licensed venues, no dancing is permitted and household gatherings are limited to 30 people.
The one person per 2sqm rule also applies.
Good Friday has an alcohol restriction across the country, although alcohol can still be served at many restaurants, bars, hotels and pubs
Most pubs, cafes and restaurants will shut in Queensland but there are a few that will remain open – able to serve patrons alcohol with a meal
Western Australia has similar Good Friday laws requiring licenced venues to only serve alcohol with a meal.
In South Australia cafes, pubs and restaurants are now allowed to trade after groundbreaking legislation was passed in 2018 easing previously archaic restrictions.
Many of the Barossa Valley’s famed wineries are also open.
In Tasmania, most businesses will close but some bars and eateries in Hobart’s tourist hotspots will keep trading.
While most cafes, pubs and restaurants will also shut in the ACT and NT there will be a handful of venues that remain open only able to serve alcohol with a meal.
The vast majority of Australian businesses will be back to normal trading on Saturday.
A shopper is seen exiting a grocery store in Brisbane days before the Easter holidays
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