Anzac Day in Queensland: Your Guide to Service Times and Open Businesses

Anzac Day, a solemn occasion for remembrance and reflection, falls on Saturday, April 25th this year, and Queenslanders will observe the day as a public holiday. However, unlike some other states, Queensland will not be granting an additional public holiday on the following Monday. This decision, according to Industrial Relations Minister Jarrod Bleijie, aligns with the Queensland Holidays Act 1983, which designates the day itself as the public holiday when it falls on a weekend.

For residents, this means a day of commemoration marked by over 500 events across the state. While many businesses will be closed or operating on restricted hours, essential services and independent food retailers will remain open. Traditional Anzac Day activities, including games of two-up, will be permitted at some venues, adhering to specific trading laws.

Licensed venues, including RSL clubs, will be able to serve alcohol from 5 am to support dawn services. For other establishments, alcohol service is permitted between 10 am and 1 pm, provided a meal is also served. This nuanced approach to trading hours reflects a balance between allowing commemorative activities and respecting the public holiday status.

It's important for Queenslanders to plan ahead, as major grocery chains will be closed, and other retail stores will not open until 1 pm. Theme parks like Dreamworld and Movie World will also be closed for the day. The state's trading laws also extend to real estate agents, prohibiting property sales on Anzac Day, necessitating alternative arrangements for open houses and auctions.