Anzac Day commemorates the anniversary of the arrival of Australian and New Zealand soldiers on Gallipoli on April 25, 1915. This year, it will take place on Thursday April 25. And if you’re wondering what to do in Melbourne on Anzac Day, don’t worry. From memorial services to age-old traditions like two-up, there’s lots of ways to stay busy on the public holiday.
1. Wake up early for the Dawn Service
Head to the Shrine of Remembrance and commemorate the Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women at the Dawn Service. This traditional event will start at 5:30am. There will be multiple screens around the Shrine, so you’ll be able to watch the proceedings. The Dawn Service will end around 6:30am. After that, you’re welcome to lay a poppy in the Sanctuary of the Shrine of Remembrance. The Shrine will also open to the public for general viewing at 6:30am.
Veterans, war widows, Australian Defence Force members, Scouts and Guides, and school students can access free public transport on the day. You will need to wear a uniform or have a form of identification in order to enjoy free travel. Find out more here.
2. Watch the Anzac Day March
After the Dawn Service, stick around and watch the Anzac Day March in Melbourne. The procession will kick off at 8:30am, with RACV vehicles transporting the first veterans. The rest of the March will start at 9am, and is expected to end around midday.
You can see the route from Swanston Street, near Fed Square, and down St Kilda Road to the Shrine of Remembrance.
If you can’t make it in person, the Shrine of Remembrance will live stream everything from the Dawn Service onwards. Learn more here.
3. Get brekky
After the Dawn Service and the march, you might be feeling a little hungry. Pop into a nearby café or restaurant for your breakfast or brunch needs.
Lune, for example, is serving up a delicious Anzak Kouign Amann. Other places open early include:
- Botanical Hotel in South Yarra from 7am
- Otherside Coffee on Little Collins Street from 7am
- The Bagel Shop on Swanston Street (7:30am) and South Yarra (7am)
- ST. ALi in South Melbourne and Queen Vic Market from 7am
- Roccella in East Melbourne from 8am
- YAWYE in South Yarra from 8am
- Green Cup in Carlton, Caulfield, Armadale, Hawthorn, South Yarra and Hawksburn Village from 8am
- Ruben’s Deli from 8:30am
- Wicked High Tea at The Westin Melbourne from 9am
Do check individual websites for opening hours.
4. Explore exhibitions at the Shrine of Remembrance
Journey around the Shrine and discover a range of permanent and special exhibitions. Check out the photographic exhibition, Recovering the Past, which looks at the enduring impact of war on society. Find the connection between military uniforms and fashion in Trenches to Runway. And learn about the experiences of children during war in Toys, Tales & Tenacity. Learn more here.
5. Play a round of two-up
Two-up is a game that is illegal to play in Australia except on one specific day — Anzac Day. You’ll often find this game played at pubs and RSL clubs.
The iconic Young & Jackson on Swanston Street, for example, will be playing games of two-up from 10am.
Armadale’s Orrong Hotel will host its traditional game of two-up in the courtyard. Doors will open at 11:30am.
6. Watch an Anzac Day Clash
Collingwood and Essendon will reprise their roles in the traditional Anzac Day clash at the MCG. See them play at 3:20pm, either at home, at the G, or in your local pub. Gates will open at 12:30pm. The pre-game ceremonies, which includes a motorcade of veterans, an aerial roulette flyover and the playing of the ‘Last Post’, will kick off at 1:45pm. See the schedule here.
Meanwhile, the NRL is also getting in on the action, with Melbourne Storm taking on the Rabbitohs at AAMI Park on Anzac Day. Gates open at 6pm, with a start time of 7:50pm.
7. Add to a poppy to the Remembrance Wall
Forest Hill Chase, The Pines Shopping Centre, Casey Central and Croydon Central will each have a Remembrance Wall. Take a poppy, write a message on the red tag, then pop the flower onto the wall. The Remembrance Wall will be open during centre hours from now until April 25. Each shopping centre will be open from 1pm to 5pm on Anzac Day.
8. Spend some time in nature
It’s a public holiday! Go for a walk and reflect on the day in some lovely parks and gardens. Look at the autumn leaves, walk through some stunning national parks, go for a drive and have an adventure in a charming town.
9. Enjoy some food
It’s a public holiday, but thankfully, some restaurants will still be open for lunch and/or dinner. These include but are not limited to:
- 400 Gradi
- Stalactites
- Stokehouse
- Johnny’s Green Room
- Maha
- Hawker Hall
- Chin Chin
- Akaiito
- Neighbourhood Wine
Please see individual websites for opening hours and surcharge details.
10. Check out the Sorrento Writers Festival
Drive out to Mornington Peninsula for the Sorrento Writers Festival. Celebrate some of Australia’s finest writers with over 100 events around ten venues in Sorrento and Portsea. The festival will kick off on Anzac Day and run until Sunday April 28. Learn more here.