Anzac Day 2024: What You Need to Know
Anzac Day falls on a Saturday this year, which means that in Queensland, residents won’t get an extra day off. However, there are still restrictions in place regarding opening hours and alcohol sales, similar to those observed on a regular Anzac Day public holiday.
Non-exempt businesses must remain closed on the day, while some exempt ones can only open from 1pm or 1.30pm. These rules apply regardless of the day of the week.
Who Is Closed All Day?
Several types of businesses are required to stay shut on Anzac Day. This includes large retailers such as supermarkets, department stores, and hardware shops. Examples of these non-exempt shops include Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, Bunnings, Myer, David Jones, Kmart, Target, and Big W—though the Woolworths at Brisbane Airport is an exception, operating from 1pm.
Car dealerships must also remain closed all day. Factories and offices are not allowed to operate unless they are involved in essential services, power and water supply, milk delivery, or food preparation in restaurants and cafes.
Who Can Open at 1pm?
Independent retail shops are permitted to start trading from 1pm on Anzac Day. However, if they are predominantly food and/or grocery stores, they may be able to open without restriction. IGAs, which are independent grocery stores, often remain open on Anzac Day.
Who Is Open as Usual?
Some businesses can operate as usual on Anzac Day. These include food and grocery stores, service stations, butchers, bakers, chemists, florists, greengrocers, and fishmongers. Cafes and other restaurants are considered “cooked provisions shops” and are therefore exempt, meaning you can still enjoy a coffee.
However, many of these “exempt” businesses may choose to remain closed or delay their opening until 1pm. It’s advisable to check ahead to confirm their availability.
What About Pubs?
Pubs, bars, and other licensed premises have specific conditions for Anzac Day. On the day before Anzac Day (Friday, April 24), the sale and supply of alcohol and gambling must stop at midnight. Casinos are allowed to continue gambling until 3am.
On Anzac Day itself, RSLs and service clubs can serve alcohol from 5am, while other licensed premises must wait until 1pm. If they also serve meals, they can open at 10am. Takeaway alcohol is not permitted until 1pm, and gambling is not allowed in licensed premises until noon.
Where Can I Play Two-Up?
Two-up is a traditional game played on designated days such as Anzac Day. It is only allowed at RSLs or service clubs, or at venues that have received approval from an RSL sub-branch.
What About Cinemas and Other Venues?
Places of “public amusement” such as cinemas, galleries, and sporting venues are not allowed to open until 1.30pm on Anzac Day.
Anzac Day Commemorations
Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance
The major dawn service in Anzac Square is a solemn tradition that dates back to 1916, just one year after the Gallipoli landing. The event includes hymns, wreath-laying, a dignitary’s address, the Ode of Remembrance, One Minute’s Silence, and the Last Post. Arriving at 3.30am is recommended to secure a good spot.
Extra early-morning trains, buses, rail buses, and ferries will operate to take people to the Brisbane city dawn service. Free travel is available for veterans, serving personnel in uniform, and those wearing medals. Check Translink for more details.
RSLs are also hosting dawn services—find one near you through local listings.
Anzac Day Parade, Brisbane
The parade features former and current Australian Defence Force members and veterans, along with other support organisations. It starts on George Street at the corner of Elizabeth, turns right at Adelaide Street, and again at Creek Street, finishing at Eagle Street. Road closures will be in place. The governor will give an address in King George Square at 9.45am.
Anzac Day Main March, Ipswich
The parade begins at the corner of Brisbane and Waghorn streets, proceeds down Brisbane Street, turns left into Nicholas Street, and ends at Tulmur Place. Dawn services are also being held in several suburbs of greater Ipswich.
Anzac Day Community Parade, Southport
The parade will assemble at Veterans Lawn roadside next to the car park of the Aquatic Centre, Nind Street, Southport, and proceed on the Gold Coast Highway adjacent to Veterans Lawn between Nerang and Nind Street. There are also dawn services at Currumbin (Elephant Rock), Burleigh Heads (Memorial Park), and Surfers Paradise (Cavill Park), among others.
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