9 Ways to Commemorate ANZAC Day in Melbourne

The 25th April is one of the most significant days in Australia’s national calendar. It’s an opportunity to pause, reflect and pay respect to the contributions made by servicemen and servicewomen, past and present, for our country. Across Melbourne, there’ll be a number of ways to mark the occasion, whether from home or in your local neighbourhood.

Here are 9 ways to commemorate ANZAC Day in Melbourne in 2024. 

Rise Early for Dawn Service 

Join Australians across the country in this simple yet meaningful act of remembrance that you can participate in from anywhere. At 5.30am, light a candle and stand on your driveway or balcony, observing a minute’s silence to commemorate all veterans and current service members. 

You can also choose to head to the city's Shrine of Remembrance for the solemn Dawn Service, which pays homage to the bravery and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women. This traditional event offers a meaningful opportunity for both reflection and remembrance.

For veterans, war widows, Australian Defence Force members, Scouts and Guides, and school students, free public transport will be provided on the day. Additionally, extra trains, trams, and shuttle buses will be available to ensure convenient transportation throughout Melbourne on Anzac Day.

All are welcome to commemorate with no tickets or bookings required. For those unable to attend in person, watch the live stream broadcast here.

Shrine of Remembrance, Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne

Visit your local RSL

There’ll be hundreds of local services at RSLs across the state, making it a perfect opportunity to mark the day in your own neighbourhood. Check their websites to see how you can get involved, by attending a community service with your family, enjoying a gold coin donation breakfast, laying a wreath at a local memorial, or paying tribute on social media using the hashtag #lightupthedawn.

Mentone RSL is open from 6.00am for Dawn Service followed by a gold coin donation breakfast. 8.40am marks the start of the commemorative march before a 9.00am commemorative service and then a game of two-up at 11.30am.

You can also pay respect to our Diggers at either the dawn service or 11.00am service on ANZAC Day in Dandenong. The Dandenong RSL will be serving free finger food served throughout the day and special ANZAC Day priced drinks to quench your thirst.

Mentone RSL, 9 Palermo Street, Mentone

Dandenong RSL, 44-50 Clow Street, Dandenong

Score an Anzac Crookie at Lumos Bakery 

McKinnon's Lumos Bakery has a limited-edition Anzac Crookie that you need to get a taste of this Anzac Day in Melbourne. You'll be hard-pressed to find a more delicious Anzac-themed pastry; a traditional oat cookie oozing out of a flaky croissant. Crispy, light, creamy and fluffy - it's all you can ask for, really!

Shop 4, 240-250 McKinnon Road, McKinnon

Watch the Anzac Day March

Following the Dawn Service, witness the Anzac Day March in Melbourne. RACV vehicles carrying the first veterans proceed down the March route at 8.30am, and the remainder of the March begins at 9.00am. proceeding down St Kilda Road toward the Shrine of Remembrance. Here, a Commemoration Service will take place, including the laying of wreaths. The March is normally complete by about midday. 

Everyone is encouraged to come along and support our veterans, but if attending in person isn't possible, you can still participate by tuning in to the live stream of events from the Dawn Service onward on the Shrine of Remembrance's Facebook and YouTube pages.

Indulge in a $45 wagyu special at Hazel

Hungry? Flock to Hazel on Anzac Day in Melbourne for their exceptional $45 wagyu flank 4+ special. Served up with padron butter, baby kestrel potatoes and sour cream, this is a one-day only deal you won't want to miss. It's the perfect post-March feed. 

Craft your own Anzac Biscuits with this recipe from the CWA (Country Women's Association)

Because what's more golden syrupy-delicious than a chewy Anzac biscuit or three? 

Ingredients:

1 cup plain flour (sifted)
1 cup sugar (half cup white and half cup brown will give a good snap if that is desired)
1 cup rolled oats
3/4 cup desiccated coconut
125g butter (melted)
1 tbsp golden syrup or treacle
2 tbsp boiling water
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

Method:

Preheat the oven to 180°C and lightly grease (or line with baking paper) two baking trays.

Combine dry ingredients (flour, sugar, oats and coconut) in a bowl.

Gently melt the butter with the golden syrup in a saucepan. Combine the boiling water with the bicarbonate of soda and stir to dissolve. Add to the butter mixture and mix well, then stir into the dry ingredients until thoroughly combined.

Roll teaspoons of the mixture and place onto greased trays, allowing room for spreading.

Bake for 10 minutes, or until golden brown.

Allow to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

See full recipe here

Find a place to play Two-Up

Get ready for the excitement of two-up this ANZAC Day! Players gather around as two coins are placed on a paddle, with bets called out by punters. The spinner tosses the coins, and if they land in a winning combination, the lucky bettors collect their winnings.

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 will be playing games of two-up from 10.00am, and it's the perfect jumping off point for those marching in the Anzac Day Parade as it opens for the day at 7.00am. Hot breakfast will be available and footy will be turned up, live and loud. 

Armadale’s Orrong Hotel will host its annual Two-Up tournament in the courtyard. While you’re there, enjoy a beer and classic pub fare, with doors swinging open from 11.30am. There's a chance to win a meat raffle, footy will be on the telly, and good vibes across both levels of the pub. 

Take your pooch on a pilgrimage to the spacious beer garden at the The Palace, which is a pet-friendly hotel. The Palace will also be showing sport on six screens, so you can choose your own adventure. Raise a glass to honour those who served our country, enjoy a classic meat pie and try your hand at a game of Two-Up. 

Out west? Footscray's Vic Hotel has you covered for all things Anzac Day. Open from 12.00pm for both Two-Up and the massive AFL clash, get down early for a round or two of unsolicited gambling, with all proceeds donated straight to The Anzac Appeal. The specials menu also features a footy pie special, and there'll be a complimentary welcome pot to all veterans and servicemen. 

Young & Jacksons, 1 Flinders Street, Melbourne 

Orrong Hotel, 709 High Street, Armadale

The Palace Hotel, 505 City Road, South Melbourne 

The Vic Hotel, 43 Victoria Street, Footscray 

Watch the 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. The pre-game ceremonies, which includes a recognition of veterans, a flag ceremony and the playing of the ‘Last Post’, will likely start around 2:40pm.

Donate to the Anzac Appeal

Each year, RSL Victoria runs the Anzac Appeal to raise money for veterans in times of need. They go towards everything from emergency accommodation and employment help through to wellbeing programs and initiatives combating social isolation. Show your support for these important causes by making a donation through the ANZAC Appeal website.

Have you enjoyed our guide to Anzac Day in Melbourne? Be sure to check out our guide to the best female-focused charities as well as our regular monthly guide to what's on in and around the city.