What To Do This Anzac Day In Melbourne

Anzac Day commemorates the anniversary of the arrival of Australian and New Zealand soldiers on Gallipoli on April 25, 1915. This year, the celebrations, time of reflection and the way we honour the troops who lost their lives after months of battle are back to normal. From memorial services to age-old traditions like two-up, here is our round-up of what to do this Anzac Day in Melbourne on Monday 25 April.

1. The Dawn Service

The Anzac Day service honours and remembers Australian and New Zealand military personnel who have fought in conflicts around the globe. This year, everyone is welcome to attend the Dawn Service at The Shrine as there are no restrictions on numbers attending. Set your alarm for the official Dawn Service which will commence at 5:30am. Veterans, war widows, Australian Defence Force members, Scouts and Guides, and school students can travel for free on public transport on Anzac Day.

If you’re unable to attend, the service will also be live-streamed and available to watch on the RSL Victoria Facebook Page.

Find out everything you need to know over at the RSL Victoria website.

2. The Anzac Day March

The march along St Kilda Road to the Shrine of Remembrance will go ahead this year with veterans, family members and friends walking from Princes Bridge. It begins at 9am and will culminate with a commemorative ceremony at The Shrine of Remembrance.

Some services on public transport may be disrupted on the day due to the march. Click here to learn more. 

3. Melbourne Commemoration Ceremony 

If you don’t make it in time for the march down St Kilda Road, head straight for the Shrine for the Melbourne Commemoration Ceremony. Once again, this ceremony will be livestreamed on the RSL Victoria Facebook page if you’re unable to attend in person.

4. 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 needs. La Camera in Southgate, for example, is serving breakfast from 6:30am for their annual Anzac Day breakfast, and is only a few minutes away from the Shrine.

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. Also, only RSL clubs and venues approved by the Minister for Gaming can hold two-up games.

The iconic Young & Jackson on Swanston Street, for example, will be playing games of two-up from 10am.

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. Before that though, Hawthorn will take on Sydney Swans in Tassie at 12:30pm.

Meanwhile, the NRL is also getting in on the action, with Melbourne Storm taking on the New Zealand Warriors at AAMI Park. This should be a good one with both Australia and New Zealand represented. The game starts at 7pm.

7. Get a golden treat

Anzac biscuits are an age-old Aussie tradition that has been passed down through generations and continues to endure today. Make your own Anzac biscuit, or pop into your local bakery. You might find a traditional iteration, or something inspired by the classic biscuit, like ANZAK Kouign Amann from Lune Croissanterie.