ANZAC Day in Melbourne 2026: events, tips and more
ANZAC Day has a way of quietly bringing everything into focus, doesn’t it? Whether it’s heading out early for a dawn service, watching the march in the city, or simply pausing at home for a moment of reflection, it’s a day many of us mark in our own way.
If you’re thinking about how to spend ANZAC Day in Melbourne this year, we’ve pulled together a simple guide to help. You’ll find the main events, a few local options, tips for getting around, and—just as importantly—some good spots for a cuppa afterwards.
Related reading: Visiting the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne
ANZAC Day Events in Melbourne 2026
1. Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance
Time: 5:30am (arrive by 5:00am), 25 April
Location: Shrine of Remembrance, St Kilda Road
Cost: Free
More info: Read here.
Melbourne’s main dawn service is a powerful experience, with thousands gathering in quiet unity before sunrise. The service includes readings, hymns, and The Last Post, followed by a minute’s silence as the sun rises.
Tips:
- Dress warmly—it’s often very chilly at that hour.
- Bring a lightweight stool or folding chair if standing is a challenge.
- Book the free shuttle bus from select RSL locations.
- Volunteers from Travellers Aid will be assisting veterans and their families for the ANZAC Day parade and service from 4.30 am – 5:30 am and 6:30 am – 1 pm.
- Volunteers will be able to provide wheelchair support from stop 19, to and from the service at the Shrine, as well as to the parking/buses on Birdwood Ave by a power assist wheelchair.
- No bookings can be made; the best thing is to show up and find them at pick-up points. The major point is outside ANZAC Station. There will be signage, and you can ask station staff on the ground where the Travellers Aid Minibus to the Shrine is.
2. ANZAC Day March, 25 April
Time: From 9:00am
Route: Swanston Street > St Kilda Road > Shrine of Remembrance
More info: Read here.
Thousands of veterans, descendants, and service personnel march in a proud and solemn tribute. If you’ve never been, the atmosphere is deeply moving and well worth the trip.
Best viewing spots:
- Federation Square (public toilets, seating, and cafés nearby)
- Outside the Arts Centre (more shade and fewer crowds)
Getting there:
- Trams and trains run early; plan with the PTV Journey Planner.
- Book the free shuttle bus from select RSL locations.
- Allow extra time—some tram routes will be diverted due to road closures.
3. Shrine of Remembrance Commemorative Service
Time: Follows the march (around 12:00pm)
Location: Shrine Forecourt
More info: Read here.
A short closing ceremony is open to all. The Shrine remains open for self-guided visits and exhibitions throughout the day. Read more about visiting the Shrine and its galleries here.
4. Local RSL and Suburban Services
If the city feels too far or too crowded, you’ll find plenty of local dawn or mid-morning services closer to home. Check your local council or RSL for details, as times and services vary. A few popular ones:
- Box Hill RSL – 6:00am dawn service, followed by breakfast
- Hampton RSL – mid-morning march and wreath-laying
- Pascoe Vale RSL – smaller, friendly service with tea and biscuits afterwards
Find an ANZAC Day service near you via RSL Victoria here.
5. Other ANZAC Day Commemoration Events in Melbourne
Looking for more ways to reflect and remember this ANZAC Day? Here are a few special events happening around Melbourne:
Sincerely Yours – A Tribute to Dame Vera Lynn
- Tuesday 21 April 2026, 12.30pm
- Kensington Town Hall
- A nostalgic musical tribute to Dame Vera Lynn, perfect for quiet reflection in the ANZAC spirit.
- More info: Read here.
A New ANZAC Story
- Wednesday 22 April 2026, 5:30pm–6:30pm
- Malvern Library
- In Code of Silence: How Women Helped Win the War, author Diana Thorp shares the remarkable and often overlooked stories of women involved in Australia’s covert operations during World War II.
- more info: read here.
Spirit of the ANZACS
- Tues 21 & Wed 22 April 2026, 11:00am
- The Round, Theatre, Nunawading
- A moving Morning Melodies show honouring the ANZACs and Vietnam veterans through songs and stories.
- More info: Read here.
Melbourne Legacy’s ANZAC Commemoration for Students
- Tuesday, 5 May 2026, 11:30 am
- Shrine of Remembrance
- A special service for school students to learn about and commemorate ANZAC Day traditions.
- More info: Read here.
Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service
The 20th anniversary of the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service is on
- Sunday 31 May 2026 at 11:00 am
- Shrine of Remembrance
- The free public event honors the, contributions and sacrifices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans, including those who served in the Australian Defence Force over the past century.
- More info: read here.
Across Victoria, many other events run in commemoration of our service community. Check your local region for sporting and community events run in support of the ANZAC Appeal.
6. Watching ANZAC Day from Home
Prefer to stay in your dressing gown with a cuppa? You can still participate.
ABC TV will broadcast the dawn service live from 5:30am. It will also be live-streamed via RSL Victoria’s Facebook page and website.
The Melbourne ANZAC Day March is usually televised later in the morning.
Many people observe a minute’s silence at 6:00am from their doorstep or balcony.
It’s just as meaningful, even from home.
7. The ANZAC Day AFL Match
For many locals, ANZAC Day also includes a trip to the footy—or at least watching from home. The annual clash between Collingwood Football Club and Essendon Football Club at the Melbourne Cricket Ground has become one of the most significant matches of the AFL season.
First played in 1995, the game is known not just for the football, but for its respectful pre-match ceremony. You’ll hear the Last Post, see a moment of silence observed across a packed stadium, and feel a real sense of occasion before the first bounce.
A few things to know:
- The match usually starts mid-afternoon (around 3:20pm)
- Tickets can sell out quickly, but it’s widely broadcast on free-to-air TV
- The atmosphere is lively, so watching from home can be a more relaxed option
Even if you’re not a big football follower, the pre-game tribute is worth tuning in for. It’s another way Melbourne comes together to mark the day—balancing reflection with community spirit.
8. Getting Around on ANZAC Day
- Seniors Myki holders get free weekend travel on public transport across Victoria.
- Public transport runs on a Saturday timetable, with extra early trains and trams to the Shrine.
- Veterans and current serving ADF personnel travel free on the day—just carry proof of service.
Accessibility:
- Anzac Station and all city loop stations, plus many tram stops near the Shrine are step-free.
- Travellers Aid will be assisting veterans and their families for the ANZAC Day parade.
8. Where to Grab a Cuppa Afterwards
After the march or service, many people head for breakfast or a warm drink. A few city favourites that open early on ANZAC Day:
- The Observatory, Royal Botanic Gardens, has a usual kiosk as well as formal dining
- Time Out Café, Federation Square – indoor and outdoor seating, close to the action
- Riverland Bar – vibrant riverside dining, indoor and outdoor
- Chocolate Buddha at Fed Square opens at 12pm and offers 10% off the bill for Seniors Card holder
- Mr Tulk, inside the State Library – quieter and a short tram ride from the Shrine
- Brunetti Oro, Swanston Street and Flinders Lane – good tea and coffee, mellow vibe, accessible entrance
Note: Many cafés apply a public holiday surcharge.
Related reading: 11 Flinders Lane Restaurants For a Tasty & Affordable Lunch
9. What’s Open and Closed on ANZAC Day
- Most major shops are closed until 1:00pm, including supermarkets;
- Cafés and restaurants may open early for coffee, especially in the CBD;
- Museums like the Shrine and Immigration Museum open after midday;
- ACMI, The Ian Potter Centre NGV Australia and the Koorie Heritage Trust open from 1pm;
- Public libraries are closed;
- Pharmacies near the CBD often remain open.
It’s worth stopping at the Shrine for the current exhibition HERstory. Read Angie’s review here.
Playing Two-Up on ANZAC Day
You might hear the call of “come in, spinner!” drifting out of a pub or RSL later in the day—that’s two-up, a long-standing ANZAC Day tradition.
Originally played by soldiers during wartime, two-up has become closely tied to 25 April. It’s actually illegal for most of the year, but in Victoria it’s allowed on ANZAC Day (and approved events in the days leading up) as a way of honouring that history.
So what is it exactly?
It’s a simple coin-toss game where a “spinner” throws two coins into the air using a small wooden paddle (called a kip), and players bet on whether they’ll land heads or tails. It’s less about serious gambling and more about mateship, atmosphere and tradition.
Where to find two-up in Melbourne
After the morning services and march, games usually begin from around midday onwards at:
- Local RSL clubs and sub-branches
- Selected pubs and licensed venues (with RSL approval)
- Some larger venues and beer gardens across the CBD and suburbs
Suburban RSLs often offer a more relaxed, community feel, while city venues can get quite lively and crowded.
A few things to know before you join in
- It’s cash only—small notes are easiest
- You don’t have to play; many people simply watch
- You must be 18 or over to participate
- It’s all run informally, but under approved conditions
If you’re curious, it’s well worth stopping by for a look—even just to soak up the atmosphere. For many, it’s as much a part of the day as the march itself, bringing people together in a shared moment of remembrance and camaraderie.
ANZAC Day FAQs
What time is the ANZAC Day dawn service in Melbourne?
5:30am at the Shrine of Remembrance—arrive by 5:00am for a good spot.
Is public transport free on ANZAC Day?
It’s free for veterans and serving ADF personnel. Seniors still receive their regular discount.
Can I bring a folding chair to the service?
Yes, lightweight chairs are welcome, but arrive early if you want space to set up.
Are there accessible toilets at the Shrine?
Yes—look for the portable toilets near the forecourt, with accessible options included.
Visit RSL Victoria for more information.
ANZAC Day in Melbourne
Whether you’re attending the dawn service, watching from home, or simply reflecting quietly over a cuppa, ANZAC Day is about remembering in your own way. However you choose to mark it, we hope this guide helps you plan a meaningful and comfortable day.
ANZAC Day can be an emotional experience. For support, please visit the Shrine of Remembrance well-being resource page.
Heading off on your own Melbourne adventures? Join our Facebook Group and share your stories, ask questions and connect with others for further inspiration.
For your records:
Please note that The Old Treasury Building was not open on Anzac Day – see item 9 “What’s Open and Closed on Anzac Day” above.
Hi Elaine,
Thanks for letting us know! I’ve updated the post now.
Amy