Anzac Day commemorates the anniversary of the arrival of Australian and New Zealand soldiers on Gallipoli on April 25, 1915. The day marks a time of reflection as the city honours the troops who lost their lives after months of battle. 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 Friday, April 25.
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 4.20am to attend Dawn Services 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 4.20am, we’ve found out that it’s because it’s the time that the first Australians waded ashore at ANZAC Cove. Head here for more info about the Dawn Service.
2. Head to the Anzac Day March
The Anzac Day March in Sydney begins at 9am at the intersection of Elizabeth Street and Martin Place. It will go past the ANZAC Memorial at Hyde Park and finish at approximately 12.30pm. You can find more information about the march here.
If you’re unable to attend, the march will be broadcast live on ABC TV or ABC iview.
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 still want to show your respects, you can head out to 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.
4. Experience the Anzac Day Dawn Climb
BridgeClimb is hosting a special Anzac Day Dawn Climb with RSL LifeCare Veteran Services, which will see a small group of climbers and veterans climb the Summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge at Dawn. Each ticket includes a donation of $100 to RSL LifeCare Veteran Services, with the funds supporting veterans and their families. The climb will depart around 4.15 – 4.30am. Get your tickets on BridgeClimb Sydney.
5. Mark Anzac Day at The Rocks
The Rocks is hosting a number of Anzac Day events, including hearty feasts and breakfast, an art exhibition, live music, and more. Enjoy a courtyard BBQ at The Argyle, play two-up at iconic pubs or attend a poppy-making workshop at The Rocks Discovery Museum. See the full list of events here.
6. See the Hyde Park Anzac Memorial
NSW’s principal war memorial can be found in Australia’s oldest park. Hyde Park pauses for a Service of Remembrance every day at 11am, and visitors can participate in the service with the recitation of the Ode, the sounding of the Last Post and Rouse after one minute of silence. It will be open from 9am to 5pm on Anzac Dat. Learn more here.
7. 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, 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 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.
Other participating venues:
- The Dolphin
- Courthouse Hotel
- Harbord Hotel
- The Newport
- Pumphouse
- The Oxford Tavern and more.
8. Anzac Sunset Ceremony
The Anzac Sunset Ceremony will be held at the 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.
9. Get a golden treat
Anzac biscuits are an age-old Aussie tradition that has been passed down through generations. Bakeries and cafes like Saga, Berkelo and Brickfields are popular for their biscuits.
The spirit of the ANZAC lives on, and its qualities of courage, mateship, and sacrifice persist.