Easter 2026 gives Melbourne a proper four-day long weekend. If you’re trying to work out the dates, what’s open, or what to actually do with four days off, here’s everything you need.
Easter 2026 Dates
Good Friday: Friday 3 April 2026 Easter Saturday: Saturday 4 April 2026 Easter Sunday: Sunday 5 April 2026 Easter Monday: Monday 6 April 2026
Good Friday and Easter Monday are national public holidays across all Australian states and territories. Easter Saturday is also a public holiday in Victoria, NSW, South Australia, and Tasmania. That means most Victorians get the full four days off.
If you take Thursday 2 April as annual leave, you can stretch it into a five-day break.
What’s Open and Closed
Good Friday is the strictest day. Most shops, supermarkets, and businesses will be closed. Some cafes and restaurants in tourist areas (St Kilda, Southbank, Lygon Street) may open, but don’t count on it.
Easter Saturday and Sunday are more relaxed. Most major shopping centres, supermarkets (with reduced hours), and restaurants will be open. Queen Victoria Market typically closes on Good Friday and Easter Sunday but check their website closer to the date.
Easter Monday is a public holiday. Expect reduced hours similar to a Sunday. Most cafes and restaurants will be open, especially in the inner suburbs.
Public transport runs on a public holiday timetable across all four days. Fewer trains and trams, longer waits. Check the PTV app before you head out.
Things to Do Over Easter in Melbourne
Markets & Food
The South Melbourne Market usually stays open for most of the weekend (closed Good Friday). It’s the perfect spot for a long weekend brunch. The Prahran Market is another good option for fresh produce and pastries if you’re cooking at home.
Parks & Gardens
April in Melbourne is beautiful. The heat of summer has passed and autumn colours are starting to come through. The Royal Botanic Gardens are open every day including public holidays and they’re stunning in early autumn. Pack a picnic and spend an afternoon.
Fitzroy Gardens and Carlton Gardens are also gorgeous this time of year, and both are free.
Day Trips
A four-day weekend is perfect for getting out of the city. The Great Ocean Road is spectacular in autumn when the crowds have thinned out from summer. The Yarra Valley wineries are open year-round and Easter weekend is a great time for a cellar door visit. Mornington Peninsula hot springs and wineries make an excellent Easter escape, and the Dandenong Ranges are beautiful as the leaves start to turn.
Family-Friendly Easter Activities
Melbourne goes all in on Easter egg hunts and family events. Keep an eye on what’s happening at the Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne Museum, Sea Life Aquarium, and Scienceworks, as they typically run Easter school holiday programs. Luna Park in St Kilda is usually open over the long weekend with extended hours.
For egg hunts, check listings for the Royal Botanic Gardens and various suburban parks. Many local councils run free community events on Easter Saturday.
Stay in the City
If you’re staying local, Easter weekend is a great time to explore Melbourne without the usual weekday rush. The NGV (free entry to the permanent collection), the State Library, and ACMI at Federation Square are all open most of the weekend and are excellent rainy-day options.
Hit up a rooftop bar on a sunny autumn afternoon, do a street art walk through Hosier Lane and Fitzroy’s back streets, or just wander through your favourite neighbourhood and try somewhere new for brunch.
Weather
Early April in Melbourne typically sits between 12-20°C. It’s pleasant but unpredictable, so layers are essential. Rain is always possible (this is Melbourne), but the days are often crisp and sunny. Perfect walking weather.
Plan Ahead
Easter is one of the busiest travel periods in Australia. If you’re planning to leave Melbourne for the long weekend, book accommodation now. The Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, and the Mornington Peninsula fill up fast.
For restaurants, any decent spot will be busy on Easter Saturday and Sunday. Book ahead or be prepared to wait.
More Melbourne guides: Things to Do in Melbourne | St Kilda Beach Guide | Best Day Trips from Melbourne | Valentine’s Day Melbourne 2026
