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 Friday 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.
The best things to do in Melbourne on Anzac Day
Wake up early for the Dawn Service
Photo by 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 7am.
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.
Watch the Anzac Day March
Editorial credit: Poomipat / Shutterstock.com
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. Learn more about the March here.
If you can’t make it in person, the Shrine of Remembrance will live stream everything from the Dawn Service onwards.
Get brekky
Supplied/Credit: Peter Dillon
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 at all venues, from 8am until sold out. Other places open early include:
- Arbory Bar & Eatery from 7am
- Hopscotch from 7am
- Yarra Botanica from 8am
- Ten Square from 8am
- Young & Jackson – bars open from 6:30am and hot breakfast from 7am
Do check individual websites for opening hours.
Explore exhibitions at the Shrine of Remembrance
Journey around the Shrine and discover a range of permanent and special exhibitions. Dive into the history and art of camouflage in the new exhibition, Camouflage, and discover forgotten designs for Victoria’s war memorial in the nostalgic exhibition, Designing Remembrance. If you’re a foodie, learn about the history of military meals in Taste of Combat. Learn more here.
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.
Comedian Bev Killick will be hosting a game of two-up in Section 5 of Arbory Bar & Eatery.
The Terminus in Fitzroy North will be playing two-up from 1pm.
The Rochey in Fitzroy will also host two-up before and after the AFL match, as well as during half-time. All proceeds will go to Hawthorn RSL.
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, a roulette flyover and more, will kick off at 2:24pm. 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 8:10pm.
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:
- Hotel Nacional
- Taxi Kitchen
- Hofbräuhaus
- Grossi Florentino
- Mill Place Merchants
- Arlechin
- Yugen
- Studio Amaro
- Tokyo Tina
Please see individual websites for opening hours and surcharge details.
Spend some time in nature
Image: Shutterstock
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.
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 160 events around ten venues in Sorrento. The festival will run from April 24 to 27. Learn more here.
See what’s happening at the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival
If you’re going out of town, why don’t you wander around at the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival? See autumn leaves, explore open gardens, eat cosy treats along foodie trails and more. Then, pay your respects by seeing the massive Memorial Cross on the summit of Mt Macedon.