Is Anzac Day Saturday or Monday? And what about shops, surcharges and pay?
Is Anzac Day Saturday or Monday? And what about shops, surcharges and pay?
As April 25 approaches, many Australians and New Zealanders are asking: Is Anzac Day Saturday or Monday? In 2026, Anzac Day officially falls on Saturday, April 25, but the way it is observed depends entirely on your location and employment status. This year, the calendar creates a unique situation where some states enjoy an additional public holiday on Monday, April 27, while others only recognize the Saturday. Navigating these regional differences is essential for understanding whether you have the day off, if your local shops will be open, and whether you are entitled to penalty rates or will face weekend surcharges at your favorite cafe.
Anzac Day 2026 falls on Saturday, April 25. While it is a national day of remembrance, the public holiday observation varies by state. In New South Wales, Western Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory, an additional public holiday is observed on Monday, April 27. However, in Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory, the public holiday is only observed on Saturday, April 25, meaning there is no extra day off on Monday for most workers in those regions.
Anzac Day 2026: Saturday vs. Monday Explained
In 2026, the question of whether Anzac Day is Saturday or Monday is a matter of state legislation. Because April 25 falls on a Saturday, the concept of "Mondayisation" or "substitute holidays" comes into play. For residents in Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory, the law provides for a substitute or additional holiday on the following Monday when the date falls on a weekend. New South Wales also joins this list for 2026, providing an additional public holiday on Monday, April 27.
Conversely, states like Victoria and Queensland do not typically provide a substitute weekday holiday for Anzac Day if it falls on a Saturday. In these regions, the solemnity of the day is tied strictly to the date of April 25. This means that if you are a Monday-to-Friday worker in Melbourne or Brisbane, you won't receive an extra day of leave, though you still recognize the day on Saturday. Understanding this distinction is the first step in planning your long weekend or work schedule.
Shop Trading Restrictions and Opening Hours
Anzac Day is one of the most restricted trading days in the Southern Hemisphere. Most states mandate that "non-exempt" businesses remain closed during the morning hours, typically until 1:00 PM. This is designed to allow the community to attend Dawn Services and marches without the distraction of commercial activity. Supermarkets, large department stores, and major shopping malls are usually the most affected, with many forced to stay closed until the early afternoon.
However, "exempt" shops often include pharmacies, service stations, and small grocery stores with a limited number of employees. In Western Australia, for instance, retail trading remains strictly regulated, whereas in the ACT, there are virtually no restrictions on trading hours, even on Anzac Day. It is always best to check your local council or state government website, as specific rules for "restricted trading days" can lead to heavy fines for businesses that open prematurely.
Public Holiday Pay and Penalty Rates for Workers
If you are required to work on Anzac Day, your pay is determined by your employment contract, modern award, or enterprise agreement. Generally, working on a designated public holiday entitles employees to penalty rates. In many sectors, this can be "double time and a half" (250% of the base rate). For casual workers, these rates are often even higher to compensate for the lack of leave entitlements.
In states where both Saturday and Monday are recognized as public holidays (like NSW and WA), the rules can get complex. Often, if you work both days, you are entitled to public holiday rates for both. If you only work one, that specific day is treated as your holiday. For those in states where only Saturday is the holiday, working on Monday is treated as a normal workday with standard pay rates. Always refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman or your union representative to ensure you are being paid correctly for your time.
Understanding Surcharges at Cafes and Restaurants
It has become common practice for hospitality venues to apply a public holiday surcharge, usually ranging from 10% to 15%. This surcharge is intended to help small business owners cover the significant increase in labor costs associated with public holiday penalty rates. While some patrons find these fees frustrating, they are legal as long as the business clearly displays signage informing customers of the extra cost before they order.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the New Zealand Commerce Commission both state that surcharges must be transparent. If a cafe chooses to open on Saturday, April 25, or the Monday holiday, they may apply these fees. Interestingly, in some regions, businesses apply the surcharge on the Monday even if it isn't an official public holiday in that state, simply because they are facing higher operational costs. As a consumer, it is worth checking the menu or front counter for surcharge notices to avoid surprises when the bill arrives.
| State/Territory | 2026 Public Holiday Status |
|---|---|
| ACT, NSW, WA | Saturday 25 April AND Monday 27 April |
| VIC, QLD, SA, TAS, NT | Saturday 25 April ONLY |
| New Zealand | Mondayized (for those not normally working Sat) |
| Typical Trading Start | 1:00 PM (Restrictions apply) |
Mondayisation in New Zealand
In New Zealand, the "Mondayisation" of public holidays is a well-established legal framework. If Anzac Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, and that day is not a day the employee normally works, the public holiday is transferred to the following Monday. This ensures that employees who work standard Monday-to-Friday weeks still receive their 11 statutory holidays per year. If an employee does normally work on the Saturday, the holiday remains on that Saturday, and they receive their entitlements then.
Crucially, shop trading restrictions in New Zealand always apply to the actual date—Saturday, April 25—regardless of Mondayisation. This means shops must remain closed until 1:00 PM on Saturday. The Monday is treated as a public holiday for pay and leave purposes, but there are no trade restrictions on that day, meaning all shops can open their usual hours. This distinction between "trading restrictions" and "pay entitlements" is a common source of confusion for both employers and staff.
Exemptions: Who Can Open on Anzac Day Morning?
While the general rule is to remain closed until 1:00 PM, there are numerous exemptions that vary by jurisdiction. Generally, essential services and small-scale hospitality are allowed to operate. This includes pharmacies, petrol stations, newsagents, and sometimes small independent grocers. In many Australian states, cafes and restaurants are also exempt, allowing them to serve breakfast to those returning from Dawn Services.
In Queensland, for example, "independent retail shops" can open from 1:00 PM, but "exempt shops" (like bookshops or florists) can trade all day. In Victoria, the list of exempt businesses is quite specific, including chemists, petrol stations, and shops with fewer than 20 staff. For business owners, failing to verify your status can result in significant legal penalties, so consulting the local "Shop Trading Reform Act" or similar legislation is vital.
How to Calculate Your Holiday Pay
Calculating pay for Anzac Day depends on whether you work or stay home. If you are a full-time or part-time employee and the public holiday falls on a day you would "ordinarily work," you are entitled to the day off with your base rate of pay. If you do work, you typically receive your base rate plus a public holiday penalty. For example, if your base rate is $30 and the penalty is 250%, you would earn $75 per hour.
For those in states with a Monday substitute, the calculation depends on your roster. If you work both Saturday and Monday in NSW, you may be eligible for public holiday rates on both days. However, if you are a casual worker who is not rostered on either day, you generally do not receive any payment. The complexity of these rules is why tools like the Fair Work "Pay Calculator" are highly recommended for both staff and employers during the April holiday period.
Anzac Day Etiquette for Businesses and Consumers
Beyond the legalities of pay and trading hours, Anzac Day carries a deep cultural significance. Businesses that choose to open are often expected to maintain a respectful atmosphere. Many venues pause for a minute of silence or display commemorative posters. For consumers, it is important to remember that the staff working on these days are often giving up their own time of remembrance to serve the public, which is why surcharges are a necessary part of the economic balance.
If you are planning to visit a local RSL or club after the morning services, be aware that these venues often have their own specific rules and restricted hours. They are the heart of Anzac Day commemorations, and while they are open for "Two-up" and social gatherings in the afternoon, the morning remains dedicated to veterans and their families. Respecting these traditions while navigating the modern complexities of public holidays ensures the spirit of the day remains intact.
FAQ
- Is Anzac Day a public holiday on Monday in 2026? In 2026, Monday April 27 is an additional public holiday in New South Wales, Western Australia, and the ACT. In other states like Victoria and Queensland, the holiday is only observed on Saturday April 25.
- What time do shops open on Anzac Day? Most restricted retail shops must remain closed until 1:00 PM on Anzac Day (April 25). Some exempt businesses like pharmacies and cafes may open earlier.
- Do I get paid more for working on Anzac Day? Yes, most employees are entitled to public holiday penalty rates, often 250% of their base pay, depending on their award or agreement.
- Why is there a surcharge at cafes on Anzac Day? Surcharges help businesses cover the higher cost of paying staff penalty rates on public holidays. These are legal as long as they are clearly disclosed.
- What is Mondayisation in New Zealand? Mondayisation is a law in NZ that moves the public holiday entitlements to Monday if the holiday falls on a weekend and it's not a day the employee usually works.
Conclusion
Understanding the intersection of tradition, law, and commerce is essential when Anzac Day falls on a weekend. In 2026, the question "Is Anzac Day Saturday or Monday?" has different answers depending on your geography. While the spiritual and commemorative focus remains on Saturday, April 25, the legal holidays in NSW, WA, and the ACT extend into Monday. For consumers, this means being mindful of shop closures on Saturday morning and potential surcharges throughout the weekend. For employees, it means knowing your rights to penalty rates and leave. By staying informed about these regional variations, you can honor the legacy of the Anzacs while navigating the practicalities of the modern public holiday system.
Is Anzac Day Saturday or Monday? And what about shops, surcharges and pay?
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