Packed fish markets, royal shows and solemn church services: How Aussies across the nation marked Good Friday

Australians have embraced Good Friday traditions, marking the day with solemn church services, bumper fish markets, royal shows and weekend getaways.

At St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne and Saint Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney, parishioners gathered for the Stations of the Cross, reflecting on the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ this Holy holiday.

Meanwhile, Sydney Fish Markets saw families queuing to purchase their Good Friday seafood, with crowds posing up for photos as they shopped for the traditional meal.

This is the first Easter at the new expanded waterfront location, potentially making it the busiest trading day in the market’s history.

For this long weekend, thousands of holiday-makers hit the roads for an escape with traffic on the Bruce Highway northbound out of Brisbane grinding to a standstill as families headed to the Sunshine Coast.

At Olympic Park in Sydney, massive crowds queued to enter the Royal Easter Show on its second and traditionally the busiest day of the event.

The Prime Minister also released an Easter message, calling on Australians to reflect on values of “love and forgiveness” while thanking essential workers keeping the country running over the long weekend.

In a major boost to the 95th Good Friday Appeal, the Albanese government announced $2m in funding to support The Royal Children’s Hospital, building on $6m already provided.

The funding will improve access to specialised healthcare for children throughout Victoria and expand the hospital’s health information service nationally.

“For 95 years, the Good Friday Appeal has been about people pitching in and helping out people who need it the most. That’s the Australian way,” Prime Minister Albanese said.

“Nothing matters more than the health and wellbeing of our children, and this funding will help make sure more kids get the care they need, closer to home.”

The Victorian government has also pledged $1m to support The Royal Children’s Hospital, with the Premier Jacinta Allan announcing the pledge alongside Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“It’s a way that we can demonstrate our thanks and appreciation as a community for the incredible health care that’s delivered at the Royal Children’s Hospital,” Ms Allan said.

The appeal has become synonymous with Good Friday in Victoria, raising millions each year to support sick children and their families.