Sydney Business Hours Guide
Banks, offices, stores, and government hours in Sydney — updated for 2025
⚡ Quick Answer
Most businesses in Sydney operate Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM (AEST/AEDT). Banks typically close at 4 PM, retail stores in the CBD stay open later (often until 6-9 PM), and Saturday trading is common with reduced hours. Sunday hours vary by location.
Sydney has a more relaxed business culture than New York or London, but that doesn't mean you can rock up to the bank at 5 PM on a Friday. Understanding Sydney's business hours — especially if you're coordinating from overseas — can save you a lot of frustration.
Australian business culture values work-life balance, which means many offices empty out by 5:30 PM, and you'll rarely find people working late into the evening. The upside? Friday afternoon drinks are practically a national institution.
Hours can vary significantly between the CBD (Central Business District), beach suburbs like Bondi, and western suburbs. Tourist areas and shopping centers often have extended hours.
🏦 Bank Hours in Sydney
Australian banks (Commonwealth, Westpac, ANZ, NAB) generally follow similar schedules. Note that Australian banks close earlier than their US or European counterparts.
| Day | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monday - Thursday | 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM | Standard banking hours |
| Friday | 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM | Extended by 1 hour |
| Saturday | Closed (mostly) | Some CBD branches open 9 AM - 12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed | No weekend banking |
💡 Pro tip: ATMs are everywhere and work 24/7. Most banking can be done online in Australia — physical branches are increasingly rare. If you need face-to-face service, book an appointment online beforehand.
🏢 Office & Corporate Hours
Sydney's corporate culture typically follows these patterns:
Standard Office Hours
- • Start: 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
- • Lunch: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
- • Finish: 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM
- • Friday finish: Often by 4:30 PM
Cultural Notes
- • Coffee runs at 10 AM are sacred
- • Lunch breaks are actual breaks
- • Friday drinks start at 4 PM
- • Work-life balance is respected
For international calls: The best time to reach Sydney offices is 10 AM - 4 PM (AEST/AEDT), Monday to Friday. Avoid Friday afternoons — half the office will be at the pub.
🛍️ Retail Store Hours
Shopping hours in Sydney have become much more flexible in recent years:
CBD & Major Shopping Centers
- • Monday - Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- • Thursday (late night): 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- • Friday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- • Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- • Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Bondi, Manly & Beach Suburbs
- • More relaxed hours, often 10 AM start
- • Open 7 days a week (most)
- • Later hours in summer (until 8-9 PM)
- • Cafes open earlier (6-7 AM)
🏛️ Government Services
| Service | Hours | Booking Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Service NSW | Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM | Recommended |
| Post Office | Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM | No |
| Medicare Office | Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM | Yes (online) |
| Libraries | Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM | No |
Important: Most government services now require online booking. Walk-ins can face 1-2 hour waits. Book via Service NSW app or website.
📅 Public Holiday Impact
Sydney has 11-13 public holidays per year (including NSW-specific ones). On public holidays:
- • Banks: Closed completely
- • Offices: Closed completely
- • Retail (CBD): Many closed or reduced hours
- • Tourist areas: Usually open (Circular Quay, Darling Harbour)
- • Restaurants & cafes: Open with surcharge (10-15%)
See our Public Holidays 2025 guide for full calendar and what's open.
⏰ Best Times for Different Activities
Banking & Official Business
Tuesday-Thursday, 10 AM - 3 PM. Avoid Mondays (busy) and Fridays (reduced staff).
Shopping in CBD
Thursday/Friday evenings (late night shopping) or weekends. Weekday mornings are quietest.
Meeting Someone for Business
10 AM coffee meeting or 12:30 PM lunch. Avoid 8-9 AM (commute chaos) and post-4 PM Fridays.
Government Services
Book first appointment (8:30 AM) or mid-morning (10-11 AM) Tuesday/Wednesday.