Official Notice: Good Friday Public Service Adjustments and Citywide Advisories

Public Service Announcement: Good Friday Schedule Adjustments

The City of Melbourne advises all residents and visitors that Friday, 3 April 2026, is a designated public holiday for Good Friday. In observance of the holiday, significant adjustments to municipal services, public transport, and retail operations will be in effect across the metropolitan area. Residents are encouraged to review the following official notices to ensure a safe and orderly holiday weekend.

Waste and Recycling Collection Notice

Pursuant to the 2025-26 Waste Collection Calendar, there will be no bin collections occurring on Friday, 3 April. For those residents whose standard collection day falls on Friday, services have been rescheduled to Saturday, 4 April. To ensure collection, please place your bins at the kerbside by 6:00 AM on Saturday. The City reminds residents to keep bins at least 30cm apart and 1 metre away from obstructions such as power poles or parked vehicles. Normal collection schedules will resume on Monday, 6 April.

Public Transport and Traffic Information

Public Transport Victoria (PTV) confirms that all metropolitan trains, trams, and buses will operate on a Sunday timetable for Good Friday. Night Network services will continue to run as scheduled for late-night commuters. Regional V/Line train services will also follow a Sunday timetable, while V/Line coaches will operate on an altered holiday schedule. Commuters are reminded that daily myki fare caps for public holidays apply ($8.00 for full fare and $4.00 for concession). Motorists should anticipate increased traffic volumes on major arterial roads and are urged to plan for extra travel time.

Restricted Trading and Essential Services

Under the Shop Trading Reform Act 1996, Good Friday is a restricted trading day in Victoria. All major supermarkets, including Coles and Woolworths, and large-scale retail centers will be closed. Exempt businesses that may remain open include pharmacies, petrol stations, restaurants, cafes, and takeaway outlets. Liquor licensing restrictions are also in place; most bottle shops will be closed, though licensed venues may serve alcohol from 12:00 PM until 1:00 AM. For urgent health needs, while administrative offices for AHPRA and GNR Public Health are closed, hospital emergency departments remain fully operational.

Community Events: 95th Annual Good Friday Appeal

The City of Melbourne is proud to support the 95th Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. Official activities include the 'Kids Day Out' at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, featuring the Teddy Bear Hospital and family entertainment. Additionally, the Good Friday SuperClash between North Melbourne and Carlton will take place at Marvel Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 3:15 PM. Residents are invited to participate in these community efforts to support world-class pediatric care.