Good Friday

Good Friday kicks off the Australian Easter celebrations and will next be observed on Friday, April 18th, 2025.

Good Friday is a public holiday. Almost all shops and stores close, and people spend the day at home with family and friends or attending a church service. Traditionally, fish or seafood is served on Good Friday, with many fish and chip shops remaining open to serve thousands of customers.

The four-day Easter holiday occurs as part of a Christian festival that, according to tradition, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from death. According to the New Testament, this occurred on what is now known as Easter Sunday, the third day of his burial in 30AD.

The Easter long weekend in Australia will be celebrated with several public holidays, starting with Good Friday on the 18th of April, Easter Saturday on the 19th of April, Easter Sunday on the 20th of April and Easter Monday on the 21st of April. This creates a 4-day long weekend for Australians, meaning many families use this time to travel and spend time with their family and friends.

Visitors to Sydney should note that most shops, supermarkets, and attractions are closed on Good Friday. However, service/petrol stations and 7/11 stores are open, and some cinemas are still open. Other attractions that remain open on Good Friday include the Taronga Zoo, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, and Luna Park.

Thousands of people travel during the Easter long weekend, so there is a lot of traffic, and accommodation books up quickly. If you want to take a holiday over the long weekend, click the link below to find the best accommodation deals. Don’t hesitate, as holiday accommodation is very popular during this time.