This guide covers Easter public holidays, retail and liquor trading rules, and one institution’s description of Holy Week, each as the sources state them and with dates. It deliberately lists no events, show dates or shop hours.
The Easter public holidays
At 9 November 2026, the Holidays Act 1983 schedule provides as follows. A public holiday is to be observed on the Friday publicly observed as Good Friday, on the day after Good Friday, on the Sunday following Good Friday, and on the Monday following Good Friday.
At 9 November 2026, the Queensland Government’s public holidays page says Easter Sunday is appointed as a public holiday. At 9 November 2026, it also says the arrangements it describes have been in place since 2017 following amendments to the Holidays Act 1983 passed by Parliament on 1 December 2016. The calendar dates of these days are not listed here, because the Act ties them to the Friday publicly observed as Good Friday.
How Queensland shop trading rules treat Easter
At 9 November 2026, Business Queensland’s Easter trading hours page shows it was last reviewed and last updated on 5 February 2026. At 9 November 2026, that page says trading hours for Easter depend on the category of the retail shop.
At 9 November 2026, per that page, exempt shops, except for the sub-category of independent retail shops, have unrestricted trading hours and may trade during the Easter period. At 9 November 2026, per that page, independent retail shops must remain closed on Good Friday except if they are a predominantly food and/or grocery store, which can trade without restriction. At 9 November 2026, per the same page, non-exempt shops must not open on Good Friday.
For the other Easter public holidays, the page says, at 9 November 2026, that trading may be permitted for non-exempt shops and will depend on the location or type of trading area. At 9 November 2026, it links to a summary of the 2026 Easter trading hours (PDF), including car and caravan sales. At 9 November 2026, it also gives the Industrial Relations infoline as (07) 3406 9999.
Licensed premises and Good Friday
The rules for pubs, clubs and other licensed premises sit on a separate Business Queensland page, which, at 9 November 2026, shows it was last reviewed on 6 April 2023 and last updated on 23 April 2025. At 9 November 2026, it says Good Friday affects trading hours of Queensland licensed premises. At 9 November 2026, it also says the restrictions are provided under the Liquor Act 1992.
As that page states at 9 November 2026, on the Thursday before Good Friday (Good Friday Eve) the sale and supply of alcohol must stop at midnight, and patrons have until 12.30am to finish their drinks. On Good Friday, liquor can be sold and supplied from 10am to midnight, but only with a meal, in a part of the premises ordinarily set aside for dining. At 9 November 2026, the page also says takeaway alcohol cannot be sold on Good Friday.
On gambling, the page says, at 9 November 2026, that gambling at hotels and clubs is not permitted on Good Friday. At 9 November 2026, it notes that gambling is not permitted until 10am on Easter Saturday. At 9 November 2026, it says ordinary trading hours apply on Easter Sunday and Monday (and Saturday), without restriction.
How a Christian organisation describes the days
This section gives the account of one institution, The Salvation Army Australia, reported as its description rather than as settled fact. At 9 November 2026, it says that for a great number of Christians around the globe, well over two billion in total, the days leading up to Easter Sunday are sometimes known as Holy Week.
At 9 November 2026, The Salvation Army Australia describes Holy Week as the most sacred time in the Christian calendar, marking Jesus’ final days on earth and his ultimate sacrifice for humanity. At 9 November 2026, it describes Good Friday as a day of reflection, remembering the crucifixion of Jesus.
On the Saturday, the organisation says, at 9 November 2026, that Holy Saturday marks a day of anticipation, meditation and reflection, and for some, preparations for Easter Sunday celebrations. At 9 November 2026, it adds that the day also marks the end of Lent (fasting) that many undertake in the leadup to Easter. On Easter Sunday, it says at 9 November 2026, Christians celebrate Jesus rising to life again.
Planning around the long weekend
Other guides on this site cover neighbouring questions. The Christmas and Public Holiday Trading Hours in Queensland article deals with the other major holiday period, the Brisbane School Holidays: A Planning Guide for Parents page looks at school breaks, and How to Read TransLink Service Alerts and Go Card and Public Transport Tickets Explained cover getting around. The Brisbane Anzac Day Guide covers the Anzac Day holiday.
Frequently asked questions
Which days are Easter public holidays in Queensland?
At 9 November 2026, the Holidays Act 1983 schedule provides for a public holiday on the Friday publicly observed as Good Friday, on the day after Good Friday, on the Sunday following Good Friday, and on the Monday following Good Friday.
Can non-exempt or independent retail shops open on Good Friday in Queensland?
At 9 November 2026, per Business Queensland, non-exempt shops must not open on Good Friday. At 9 November 2026, per the same page, independent retail shops must remain closed on Good Friday except if they are a predominantly food and/or grocery store.
Can takeaway alcohol be sold on Good Friday?
At 9 November 2026, per Business Queensland’s licensed premises page, takeaway alcohol cannot be sold on Good Friday. At 9 November 2026, per the same page, liquor can be sold from 10am to midnight on Good Friday only with a meal, in a part of the premises ordinarily set aside for dining.
Do normal trading hours apply for licensed premises on Easter Sunday?
At 9 November 2026, Business Queensland says ordinary trading hours apply on Easter Sunday and Monday (and Saturday), without restriction.
