The Best Things to Do on Anzac Day in Melbourne
Here's where to rise for the dawn service, indulge in a spot of two-up and pay your respects.
Anzac Day in Australia is a time of reflection, two-up and an ice-cold pint or two. Of course, whether you're raising a glass on your way home from a march or learning the rules of the national sport for the first time, you'll want to be mindful of the day's historical significance and commemorative nature between drinks at the bar.
Here's our round-up of the best things to do in Melbourne this Saturday, April 25, as we pause to remember the fallen. Expect the inner-city to be abuzz with activity, as locals celebrate mateship, remember Australia and New Zealand's war efforts and crack open a fresh packet of Anzac biscuits — just don't call them cookies.
Larry Koester
Rise for the Anzac Day Dawn Service
Australians have been rising early since 1916 to commemorate both fallen and still-serving military personnel during the annual Dawn Service. And for 2026, the Shrine of Remembrance in the Royal Botanic Gardens will once again play host to its traditional early morning ceremony. It all kicks off at 5.30am, before the public is invited to head inside to lay a poppy, with the experience recommended for children aged ten and up.
Then, the Anzac Day march begins on Swanston Street near Federation Square, bound for the Shrine of Remembrance. Thousands are expected to attend, so planning your visit is important. This year, public transport is free, plus the opening of Anzac Station could make your journey even more convenient. In past years, coffee spots like The Kettle Black and Duke's Coffee Roasters have served as the go-to early morning options.
For a complete list of RSL club services on the day, head to the RSL website.
Head to an Anzac Day March
Medals are shone and proudly donned as veterans, their descendants and serving personnel march through Melbourne's CBD for the annual Anzac Day Commemoration March. Commencing at 9am, the parade will begin at Princes Bridge, travel down St Kilda Road and finish at the Shrine of Remembrance in the Royal Botanic Gardens. With prime viewing spots every step of the way, all-comers are welcome to line the route and show their respectful appreciation.
Play a National Sport: Two-Up
Take advantage of one of the only days in the year when the national sport of Two-Up is legal, so squeeze into a Melbourne pub or RSL hosting this beloved Anzac Day tradition. Convert those notes into gold coins, place your bets and watch those sacred two-up coins fall. We recommend hitting up one of more than 100 RSLs across the city — or one of the pubs below — for a spirited crowd and maybe a few discounted brews.
Abbotsford pub The Yarra Hotel kicks off its Anzac Day comp from 12pm, with local stand-up Nick Quon leading the festivities. In Footscray, The Vic Hotel has games of two-up running from 1-3pm, with all house winnings donated to the ANZAC Day Appeal. And over in Fitzroy North, the Terminus Hotel will be hosting two-up in the beer garden with the footy grudge match on the big screens.
In Fitzroy proper, The Rochey has got a stacked day of festivities, kicking off at 12pm. Expect $10 Balter pints and $20 jugs, with Anzac pies up for grabs. In the beer garden, Clifton Hill's Local Brewing is hosting games of two-up all afternoon long, ramping up the fun with a raffle from 4pm, while you're more than welcome to kick back and watch the game. Then, DJs keep the party going late into the evening.
Watch a National Sport
One day in September might mark the AFL's biggest day, but for some, the Anzac Day clash between Essendon and Collingwood is the best — and busiest — game on the AFL calendar. Some background for the uninitiated (or just some facts to throw at your mates during the ad breaks): the first Anzac Day clash happened back in 1995, and it ended in a draw with both teams on 111; Collingwood has since won 18 matches, while Essendon sits on ten.
Even if you don't fancy venturing to the MCG, you'll be hard-pressed to find a pub in Melbourne that's not screening the game. We suggest heading to the Imperial Hotel, the Duke of Wellington or Garden State Hotel if you're keen to catch the game and enjoy some legit pub grub. However, for somewhere new-ish, keep Quarterhouse and Hickens Hotel in mind — the game will be live and loud on all screens with a solid beer tap list to match.
Garry Moore/Visit Victoria
Enjoy a Much-Deserved Nature Fix
Public holidays don't come around every week — and if you'd like to spend this one making the most of the great outdoors, Melbourne certainly isn't short on options. Soak up some nature while stretching your legs on one of these picturesque walking trails in metro Melbourne, or hit up one of the best coastal walks in Victoria. Or escape the city buzz altogether, pack some gear and tackle one of these top-notch overnight hikes found across Victoria.
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