Brisbane’s Easter Glow: Chocolate Hunts, Sea Breezes, and Sunday Sprawl

A City in Repose: The Easter Sunday Mood

Brisbane has awakened to a quintessential autumn morning this Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026. With temperatures expected to reach a pleasant 25 to 27 degrees under partly cloudy skies, the city’s mood is one of quiet celebration and collective rest. The usual morning rush of the CBD has been replaced by the sound of families heading to local parklands and the aromatic pull of neighborhood cafes. As we reach the heart of the long weekend, there is a distinct sense of "Sunday sprawl"—a day dedicated to slow starts, long lunches, and the simple joy of community connection during the school holiday break.

The Briefing: Trading Hours and Transit

While Good Friday saw the city come to a near-total standstill, today offers more flexibility for those needing to restock the pantry. Under Queensland’s 2026 trading regulations, Easter Sunday is a restricted trading day; however, most major supermarkets across the Brisbane metropolitan area, including Coles and Woolworths, are open with holiday hours typically ranging from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Residents should still check their local branch as some Metro locations may remain closed. A key talking point for commuters today is the significant maintenance work on the Story Bridge. A $5 million project has necessitated lane closures over the Easter period, so expect some diversions if you are traveling between the Valley and south-side suburbs. Public transport is operating on a standard Sunday timetable, meaning fewer services than a typical workday.

A Feel-Good Finish: From the River to the Reef

The city is currently buzzing with the maritime spirit of the 78th Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race. While the fleet set sail from the Shorncliffe shoreline on Good Friday, today is the day of triumph as many of the yachts cross the finish line in Gladstone. Closer to home, the banks of the Brisbane River are alive with seasonal cheer. At Howard Smith Wharves, the annual Easter Egg Hunt is a major highlight, with 10,000 chocolate eggs hidden across the riverfront lawns for local children to find. Meanwhile, at Roma Street Parkland, the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party-themed celebrations are in full swing. The free event features a performance space, circus workshops, and a special meet-and-greet with the Easter Bunny. It is a heartening reminder of Brisbane’s vibrant outdoor lifestyle, where our public spaces transform into shared living rooms for the community to enjoy.