Grand Final holiday what you need to know about open times, public transport and shopping

Here’s everything you need to know about the Grand Final holiday.

Swans and Lions fans at the MCG ahead of this year’s Grand Final Picture: David Crosling

Melbourne buzzing with excitement for the AFL Grand Final long weekend – here’s everything you need to know to make the best of the holiday.

When is the AFL Grand Final game?

The game starts on Saturday 28 September at 2.30pm.

When is the public holiday?

The Friday before AFL Grand Final Day, 27 September.

When is the AFL Grand Final Parade?

Scenes from the AFL Grand Final Parade 2023 at Yarra Park in Melbourne on Friday. Picture Lachie Millard

This year the AFL Grand Final Parade will start at 10:30am and finish at 12pm on Friday 27 September. The parade is set to kick off from Melbourne Park through to Birrarung Marr, past the MCG before finishing at the AFL Footy Festival.

Who is the entertainment for the AFL Grand Final?

American singer behind hits like ‘Roar’ and ‘Firework’, Katy Perry, will be headline the pre-game entertainment.

The pop star will be supported by Aussie artists, singer and athlete Cody Simpson, First Nation mother-daughter duo Christine Anu and Zipporah Corser-Anu alongside Songlines Youth Choir and Mike Brady, known for his AFL anthems like “Up There Cazaly”.

Mike Brady sings Up there Cazley at the 2014 AFL Grand Final. Picture: Alex Coppel.

Which shopping centres are open?

Chadstone, Highpoint and South Wharf are among the shopping centres open tomorrow. Picture: Jason Edwards

Many of Victoria’s popular shopping malls will remain open. However shops within the centres may not be open depending on their trading hours.

Chadstone

Chadstone will open on Grand Final holiday from 9am to 9pm.

Eastland

Eastland will open on Grand Final holiday from 10am to 5pm.

Highpoint

Highpoint will open on Grand Final holiday from 9am to 9pm.

Westfield Shopping Centres

Airport West, Southland, Doncaster, Fountain gate, Knox, Plenty Valley and Geelong Westfield Shopping Centres will be open between 10am and 5pm but some store hours may differ. Make sure to check your local store’s opening hours before heading out.

Essendon DFO

Essendon will remain open on Grand Final holiday from 10am to 7pm.

South Wharf DFO

South Wharf will remain open on Grand Final holiday from 10am to 9pm.

Moorabbin and Uni Hill DFOs will be open between 10am and 6pm.

Which museums and art galleries are open?

Melbourne Museum

Open from 9am to 5pm.

Immigration Museum

Open from 10am to 5pm.

Scienceworks

Open from 10am to 4.30pm.

Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre

Open from 9am to 5pm.

IMAX Melbourne

The first screening is at 10.20am and the last screening is at 9.30pm

NGV

The NGV will still be hosting events and have regular trading hours between 10am to 5pm. Check their website or social media for bookings.

Which supermarkets are open?

Most Coles, Woolworths and Aldi stores will be open with their normal trading hours on Friday with the exception of some stores. Make sure to check your local store’s opening hours before heading out.

Which restaurants, bars and cafes are open?

Many restaurants, bars and cafes will be closed or have altered work hours. Please check their website or social media pages for their specific opening hours.

Which bottle shops are open?

Dan Murphy’s, BWS, Liquorland, First Choice and Vintage Cellars will all be open and trading on regular hours. Make sure to check your local store’s opening hours before heading out.

Which post offices are open?

In observance of the public holiday, all post offices will be closed on Friday.

Which banks are open?

In observance of the public holiday, some banks will be closed on Friday. Others will have altered service hours so please check their website or social media pages for their specific opening hours.

What public transport is operating?

Public transport services including trains, trams, buses and regional trains and coaches will operate to an altered timetable, but most services will function as usual.

Please view the PTV timetables for your specific line or route before you travel.

Visit: www.ptv.vic.gov.au/journey/

Originally published as Grand Final holiday what you need to know about open times, public transport and shopping