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 and bacon and egg rolls for breakfast, here is our round-up of what to do this Anzac Day on Monday 25 April.
1. Attend the Dawn Services
The Anzac Day service honours and remembers Australian and New Zealand military personnel who have fought in conflicts around the globe. Since as early as 1916, Australians around the country wake up at 4.30am to attend Dawn Services. Set your alarm for the official Dawn Service which will once again be held at 4:30am in Martin Place at The Cenotaph. There will be three viewing platforms with entry via George Street and Castlereagh Street.
If you’re asking why 4:30am, we’ve found out that it’s because it’s the time that the first Australians waded ashore at ANZAC Cove.
Find out everything you need to know over at the RSL Dawn Service webpage.
2. Head over to the Anzac Day March
The Anzac Day March in Sydney begins at 9am sharp on the corner of Elizabeth Street and Martin Place. It will walk past the ANZAC Memorial at Hyde Park and finish at approximately 1pm. You can find the march map here.
If you’re unable to attend, the march will be broadcast live on ABC as well as streamed on this NSW government site.
3. Light up the Dawn
If you’re not so great at waking up before the crack of dawn to attend an Anzac Day Dawn service but you still want to show your respects, you can Light up the Dawn. The initiative, which began in 2020 due to restrictions, saw thousands of Australians in uniform and pyjamas stand at the end of their driveways, on balconies or in their homes with poppies and sprigs of rosemary and candles at 6am.
Check this page to download the service.
3. Get Brekky
After the Dawn Service, it’s time for brekky. As usual, some of Sydney’s oldest and best pubs and hotels will be open early (like, really early) serving up bacon and egg rolls and other savoury delights for breakfast.
4. Play a game of two-up
Traditionally played on Anzac Day, two-up is a game played by tossing two coins in the air. It’s also legal on Anzac Day (and this year across the entire weekend) so take advantage of that and head over to one of the many Sydney pubs and clubs that are hosting this much-loved Anzac Day tradition.
Some of the places you’ll be able to get a game in will be on Cumberland Street in The Rocks at The Australian Heritage Hotel and, where bacon and egg rolls will be served from 7am and two-up played from midday, and The Glenmore Hotel, which is claiming to have the biggest two-up ring of them all. Also in The Rocks, The Argyle’s courtyard is gonna be flipping coins from 1pm.
Other participating venues:
- The Dolphin
- Courthouse Hotel
- Harbord Diggers
- The Newport
- Manly Wharf Bar
- The Oxford Tavern and more.
5. Anzac Sunset Ceremony
The Anzac Sunset Ceremony will take place at Cenotaph, Martin Place, at 5pm and will be followed by the lowering of the flags. The ceremony marks the official end of ANZAC Day Memorials in Sydney.
6. Get a golden treat
Anzac biscuits are an age-old Aussie tradition that has been passed down through generations and continues to endure. Bakeries and cafes like Saga, Berkelo and Brickfields are popular for their biscuits. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can make your own.
Looking for more things to do over the weekend? You can choose from heaps of exciting events, right from delightful brunches to jazz nights to bottomless beers, we’ve got you covered.
The spirit of the ANZAC lives on and its qualities of courage, mateship and sacrifice persist.