When Is Black Friday in Australia? A Quick Guide to Dates, Deals, and How to Save Big
Black Friday has moved from the US to become a major shopping event down under, with retailers online and offline pulling out all the discounts. If you're trying to time your purchases, here’s what you need to know about dates, typical deal patterns, and practical ways to save.
When is Black Friday in Australia?
In practice, Black Friday in Australia follows the same rule as in the United States: it is the Friday after Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is observed on the fourth Thursday of November, which means Black Friday falls on the fourth Friday of November, but the exact date shifts each year. To plan ahead, mark these dates as references: 2024 Friday, November 29; 2025 Friday, November 28; 2026 Friday, November 27; 2027 Friday, November 26. Many Australian retailers extend the event beyond a single day, running promotions across the week or weekend and sometimes through Cyber Monday.
What to expect from Black Friday deals in Australia
- Onlinefirst shopping: Most discounts appear online, with instore promos mirroring prices but sometimes with stock limits.
- Extended sale windows: Expect multiple days of deals, often branded as Black Friday Week or a weekend sale.
- Broad category coverage: Electronics, home goods, fashion, appliances, and beauty often see big price cuts, but you’ll find deals across many categories.
- Stock and shipping realities: Popular items sell out fast; shipping times to Australia can vary depending on location and carrier.
- Pricematching and loyalty perks: Some retailers offer price guarantees or reward points that stack with sale prices.
How to save big: practical strategies
- Plan before you shop: Clarify the items you want, set a maximum budget, and decide your priorities in advance.
- Do your price homework: Check multiple retailers for the same item and review price histories where possible to avoid paying inflated “sale” prices.
- Enable alerts and leverage loyalty programs: Sign up for newsletters, turn on price alerts, and use member perks for early access or extra discounts.
- Factor in delivery and returns: Add shipping costs and return policies into your total estimate so you don’t get a surprise later.
- Use cashback and discount codes wisely: Only apply codes that truly reduce the total and stack with eligible cashback offers if it makes sense.
- Shop across retailers: Compare across major Australian retailers to ensure you’re capturing the best value for each item.
- Watch for scams and fake listings: Stick to reputable retailers and avoid deals that look too good to be true or require unusual payment methods.
Instore vs online: what to expect in Australia
Online shopping dominates Black Friday in Australia, but many stores offer instore promotions as well. Instore shopping can be advantageous for trying before you buy or avoiding shipping delays, but stock can be limited. If you plan to shop in person, check store hours, doorbuster times, and whether you can reserve items for pickup. For both channels, reading return policies and warranty terms beforehand helps prevent postpurchase regrets.
Final thoughts: make Black Friday work for you
Australian Black Friday is less about a single date and more about a dynamic window of opportunity. With a bit of planning, you can align the best deals with your wish list and maximize savings without overspending. Set price alerts, compare prices across retailers, and act when you spot genuine value. The key is to stay organized, patient, and ready to jump on deals that truly matter to you.
