Anzac Day is coming up on Saturday, April 25. This significant day, set on the anniversary of the original landing in Gallipoli, is used to recognise all who have served our country in times of war and peace, and remember those who have sacrificed themselves for Australia.
And, since it’s a public holiday that’s happening on a weekend, you might be wondering if we’d get an extra day off on either Friday or Monday. Sadly, in Victoria, that is not the case. Since Anzac Day is commemorated on the day that it falls, there is no extra public holiday for us.
This is different to our friends in New South Wales, the ACT and Western Australia, who will all have an additional day off on Monday, April 27.
The next long weekend we can look forward to is in June, with the King’s Birthday public holiday set for Monday, June 8.
In Victoria, Anzac Day is a restricted trading day, which means that most businesses will be closed between midnight and 1pm on April 25. Only specific kinds of shops, like chemists, petrol shops and cafes, will be open during these hours. Other kinds of businesses, like cinemas, will open as usual from 1pm.
Travelling on ANZAC Day
Public transport is free this month, so you can travel around without worrying about topping up your myki. There will be extra services on the day to help you get to key events like the Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance.
And since the Metro Tunnel opened just a few months ago, this will be the first time that visitors can use Anzac Station to get to the Shrine.
If you’re travelling on the Cranbourne, Pakenham or Sunbury lines, you won’t have to worry about changing trains. If you’re on the Frankston line, you will need to switch trains at Caulfield Station, and use one of the trains going through the Metro Tunnel to get to Anzac Station. Similarly, passengers on the Werribee and Williamstown lines will need to change trains at Footscray Station. All other commuters will need to get off at Flinders Street Station, head to Town Hall and then hop on the train to Anzac.
From Anzac station, leave via Domain Road (exit 4), and follow the path to the Shrine.
There will also be extra tram and bus services that morning, as well as a free shuttle service from several RSLs in the suburbs.
The Dawn Service will run from 5:30am to 6:30am. If you’re going to attend, you can start planning your visit here.