ANZAC Day Melbourne 2026 — Dawn Service, March, Events & What's Open

ANZAC Day Melbourne 2026 — Dawn Service, March, Events & What's Open

Saturday 25 April 2026 marks the 111th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings and one of Australia's most sacred days of national commemoration. Whether you're attending the Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance for the first time or you're a veteran marching through the CBD, this is your comprehensive guide to everything happening on ANZAC Day in Melbourne.

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them."

— Laurence Binyon, For The Fallen (1914)

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Key Date: Saturday 25 April 2026

ANZAC Day 2026 falls on a Saturday. This is important for several practical reasons:

• No substitute public holiday in Victoria. Unlike some other states (Western Australia and the ACT provide a Monday substitute when ANZAC Day lands on a weekend), Victoria does not observe a replacement day off. If you were hoping for a long weekend — unfortunately, it's not happening this year.
• Restricted trading still applies until 1:00 pm. Even though it's a Saturday, Victorian trading restrictions mean most large retail stores (supermarkets, department stores, shopping centres) must remain closed until 1:00 pm. After that, they can trade normally.
• Saturday timing works in your favour for attendance. With no work or school commitments, more Melburnians than ever are expected to attend the Dawn Service and March. Arrive early.

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The Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance

The Melbourne Dawn Service is held at the Shrine of Remembrance, the city's most significant war memorial, located in the Kings Domain gardens on St Kilda Road. It is Victoria's principal ANZAC Day ceremony and regularly attracts crowds of 50,000 to 90,000 people.

Why Dawn?

The Dawn Service tradition has its roots in the military "stand-to" — the practice of rousing soldiers before first light so they were awake, alert, and manning their positions at the time most favoured for launching an attack. After the First World War, returned soldiers sought the quiet comradeship they had felt in those still moments before dawn, and informal vigils began at memorials across the country.

The first organised dawn services date to the late 1920s. In Sydney in 1927, a group of returned men coming home from an Anzac Day function at dawn found an elderly woman laying flowers at the Cenotaph. Moved by this private act of remembrance, they resolved to hold a formal dawn gathering the following year. Some 150 people attended in 1928. The tradition grew rapidly and now draws hundreds of thousands across the nation.

What to Expect at the 2026 Dawn Service

Based on previous years at the Shrine, here is the typical order of service:

• 5:00 am — Gates open. Crowds begin gathering on the forecourt and northern lawns. Large screens are positioned around the Shrine so those further back can see proceedings clearly.
• 5:30 am — The Dawn Service commences. The service includes:
  • Welcome and Acknowledgement of Country
  • Hymns
  • Recitation of The Ode (the fourth stanza of Laurence Binyon's For The Fallen)
  • One minute's silence
  • The sounding of the Last Post by a lone bugler
  • Wreath-laying ceremonies
  • An address by the Governor of Victoria
  • The national anthems of New Zealand and Australia
• Approximately 6:15 am — Service concludes. Attendees are invited to lay personal tributes of flowers, rosemary, or poppies at the Shrine.
• 6:30 am — The Shrine of Remembrance opens for visitors to explore the galleries and memorial spaces.

What to Bring and Wear

• Dress warmly. Late April in Melbourne means pre-dawn temperatures around 8–12°C. Layers, a warm jacket, scarf, and beanie are essential. You'll be standing still for over an hour.
• Wear a sprig of rosemary. Rosemary is the herb of remembrance. Volunteers typically hand out sprigs near the Shrine, but you can bring your own from the garden.
• No tickets or bookings required. The Dawn Service is free and open to all. Simply turn up.
• A small torch can help you navigate in the dark, but keep it discreet during the service.
• Leave large bags and umbrellas at home if possible — security checks may be in place and large items slow down access.

How to Get There

The Shrine of Remembrance is located at Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne VIC 3004, in the Kings Domain gardens between St Kilda Road and Domain Road.

• Walk: The Shrine is roughly a 15-minute walk from Flinders Street Station via St Kilda Road, or through the Botanic Gardens from Domain Interchange.
• Tram: Trams run along St Kilda Road. Alight at the Shrine of Remembrance / Melbourne Grammar stop (Route 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67, 72). PTV typically runs special early-morning services on ANZAC Day — check ptv.vic.gov.au closer to the date.
• Train: Flinders Street Station is the nearest major hub. From there, walk south along St Kilda Road.
• Drive: Parking near the Shrine is extremely limited on ANZAC Day, and many surrounding streets are closed for the March. Public transport is strongly recommended.
• Cycling: Bike racks are available in the surrounding parkland.

Live Stream

For those unable to attend in person, the Dawn Service is live-streamed via the Shrine of Remembrance website and typically broadcast on ABC Television and ABC iview.

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The ANZAC Day March

The ANZAC Day Commemoration March is one of Melbourne's most iconic annual events. Thousands of veterans, current-serving defence personnel, and descendants march through the city streets, watched by tens of thousands of spectators lining the route.

March Details

• Time: The Veterans' March typically commences at 9:00 am.
• Route: The March traditionally proceeds from the intersection of Flinders Street and Swanston Street (outside Flinders Street Station), heads south along St Kilda Road, and culminates at the Shrine of Remembrance.
• Duration: The March usually takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours for all contingents to pass, depending on the number of participants.

Who Marches?

• Current serving members of the Australian Defence Force (Army, Navy, Air Force)
• Veterans of all conflicts and peacekeeping operations
• Descendants and family members wearing the medals of a deceased relative (medals are traditionally worn on the right breast to indicate they belonged to a family member, as opposed to the left breast for one's own medals)
• Emergency services, cadets, and other affiliated organisations
• Allied forces and representatives from New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and other nations

Watching the March

• Best vantage points: Along St Kilda Road between Flinders Street and the Shrine. Arrive by 8:00 am or earlier to secure a good spot, especially if you have children.
• Be respectful. Clapping is appropriate as contingents pass. Many spectators call out "Thank you for your service" or simply stand in respectful silence.
• Look out for the older veterans — they often receive the most enthusiastic applause. Some ride in vehicles if they are no longer able to march.

After the March

A Commemorative Service is held at the Shrine following the completion of the March, with wreath-laying, speeches, the Last Post, and a minute's silence.

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Two-Up: Where to Play on ANZAC Day

Two-Up holds a unique and cherished place in Australian military history. This simple gambling game — where two coins are tossed in the air and bets are placed on whether they land heads or tails — was enormously popular among soldiers in both World Wars. It was played in the trenches of Gallipoli, in the deserts of North Africa, and in the jungles of the Pacific.

The Law

In Victoria (and across most of Australia), Two-Up is illegal on every day of the year except ANZAC Day. On 25 April, pubs, RSL clubs, and other licensed venues are permitted to run Two-Up games, making it one of the most distinctive ANZAC Day traditions.

How It Works

1. A designated spinner places two pennies (or equivalent coins) on a flat wooden board called a kip.
2. The spinner tosses the coins high into the air.
3. Players bet on whether the coins will land heads (both showing heads), tails (both showing tails), or odds (one of each — usually a re-toss).
4. The spinner continues until they throw tails (and lose) or choose to pass the kip to the next person.

Where to Play Two-Up in Melbourne

Two-Up games spring up across the city on ANZAC Day afternoon. Popular venues typically include:

• RSL Clubs and Sub-Branches — Many Melbourne RSL venues host Two-Up games in their beer gardens or function rooms after the March. Check with your local RSL Sub-Branch. RSL Victoria has information on venues closer to the date.
• CBD Pubs — Inner-city pubs and hotels are popular spots. Look for venues around Flinders Lane, Southbank, and Richmond that advertise ANZAC Day events.
• The Cricketer's Bar at the MCG — has hosted Two-Up in previous years.
• Crown Casino precinct — multiple venues in the Southbank area typically run games.
• Suburban RSLs — Box Hill, Oakleigh, Frankston, Geelong, and many others host community Two-Up games. These are often friendlier, less crowded, and more in the spirit of the tradition.

Tip: Two-Up games generally begin after 1:00 pm — once the commemorative services and March have concluded. The games are about mateship and fun, not serious gambling. Come with cash (notes are easier) and a good attitude.

RSL Victoria typically opens applications for venues wishing to host Two-Up. Check rslvic.com.au for details on approved venues closer to ANZAC Day.

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What's Open and What's Closed

Because ANZAC Day 2026 falls on a Saturday in Victoria, the trading situation has some important nuances.

Restricted Trading Until 1:00 PM

Under Victorian law, restricted trading hours apply on ANZAC Day regardless of what day of the week it falls on:

• Before 1:00 pm: Most large retail shops, supermarkets, department stores, and shopping centres must remain closed.
• After 1:00 pm: These shops are permitted to open and trade for the remainder of the day.

What IS Open All Day

The trading restrictions generally apply only to large shops. The following are typically exempt and may open at their normal hours:

• Cafés, restaurants, and takeaway food outlets
• Petrol stations and service stations
• Convenience stores and milk bars
• Pharmacies
• Florists
• Hardware stores under a certain size
• Newsagents
• Pet shops
• Souvenir and gift shops near the Shrine
• Markets (Queen Victoria Market is usually closed on ANZAC Day morning but check closer to the date)

What's Closed Until 1:00 PM

• Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, and other major supermarkets
• Kmart, Target, Big W
• Myer and David Jones
• Most shops in Chadstone, Highpoint, Eastland, and other major shopping centres
• JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks, and similar large retailers

Surcharges

Expect public holiday surcharges of 10–15% at many cafés and restaurants. This covers the penalty rates employers must pay staff working on a public holiday (typically 200–250% of the normal wage). Surcharges are legal provided they are clearly displayed.

No Substitute Public Holiday

In Victoria, when ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday, there is no substitute public holiday on the Monday. Monday 27 April 2026 is a normal working day. This differs from:

• Western Australia — where the Monday is a public holiday when ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday
• ACT — where public servants receive the Monday off

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RSL Events and Sub-Branch Services

The Returned & Services League of Australia (Victorian Branch) — commonly known as RSL Victoria — plays a central role in organising ANZAC Day events across the state.

What RSL Sub-Branches Offer on ANZAC Day

There are over 200 RSL Sub-Branches across Victoria, and most hold their own commemorative services and community events:

• Local Dawn Services: If you can't make it to the Shrine, many suburban and regional RSLs hold their own dawn services at local war memorials — in places like Camberwell, Williamstown, St Kilda, Heidelberg, Eltham, Frankston, and dozens more.
• Gunfire Breakfasts: After the Dawn Service, many RSL venues host a traditional "gunfire breakfast" — a meal served to returned soldiers, their families, and community members. The name comes from the old soldier's tradition of coffee laced with rum. Today, it's typically a cooked breakfast with tea and coffee.
• Two-Up Games: As noted above, many RSLs host licensed Two-Up games from the afternoon.
• Community Gatherings: RSL sub-branches serve as community hubs on ANZAC Day, offering a place for veterans, families, and the public to come together, share stories, and pay their respects.

ANZAC House

RSL Victoria's headquarters is at ANZAC House, 4 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000. Phone: 1800 MILVET (1800 645 838) or email veterancentral@rslvic.com.au.

Finding an Event Near You

RSL Victoria publishes a searchable list of ANZAC Day events across the state on their website closer to 25 April. Visit rslvic.com.au and look under the ANZAC Day section for:

• Dawn Service locations
• Commemoration March details
• Two-Up venues
• Transport and accessibility information

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Family-Friendly Activities

ANZAC Day is an important opportunity to teach children about Australia's history, the meaning of service, and the value of remembrance. Melbourne offers several ways to include younger family members.

Attending the Dawn Service with Kids

• It's absolutely appropriate to bring children to the Dawn Service, but be prepared: it's very early, cold, and requires standing still and being quiet. Children under 5 may find it challenging.
• Explain beforehand what will happen — the silence, the bugle, the wreath-laying — so they know what to expect.
• Bring snacks and a warm blanket. A thermos of hot chocolate works wonders.

Shrine of Remembrance Galleries

After the Dawn Service, the Shrine of Remembrance opens at 6:30 am and offers:

• Free entry to all galleries and exhibitions
• Interactive displays telling the stories of Victorians in wartime
• The Eternal Flame in the Shrine's crypt
• The Ray of Light — a beam of sunlight that illuminates the word "LOVE" in the Stone of Remembrance within the Sanctuary at 11:00 am on 11 November each year (an architectural feature children find fascinating to learn about)
• Guided tours are sometimes available — check the Shrine website

Watch the March

Watching the March along St Kilda Road is one of the best family activities. Children can:

• Wave small Australian flags
• Spot different military uniforms and vehicles
• Learn to identify service medals
• See veterans from different eras and conflicts

Make ANZAC Biscuits Together

Baking ANZAC biscuits is a beloved family tradition (see the recipe below). Involve children in the process and use it as a chance to talk about why these biscuits were created — to send to soldiers overseas during WWI because the ingredients didn't spoil easily on the long sea voyage.

Visit Your Local War Memorial

Every suburb and town in Victoria has a war memorial. Take the family for a quiet walk to your local memorial, read the names inscribed, and lay a sprig of rosemary or some flowers.

Schools

If your children's school hasn't already held an ANZAC ceremony before the holidays, encourage them to participate in local commemorations. RSL Victoria offers educational resources for schools — visit rslvic.com.au and look for their "For Schools" section, including the Postcards of Honour program.

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History & Significance of ANZAC Day

The Gallipoli Campaign

On 25 April 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers — the ANZACs — landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey as part of an Allied campaign to capture Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), the capital of the Ottoman Empire and a key ally of Germany. The objective was to open a sea route through the Dardanelles to Russia.

The troops met fierce resistance from Ottoman Turkish forces under the command of Mustafa Kemal (later known as Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey). What had been planned as a bold strike quickly became a grinding stalemate. For eight months, soldiers from both sides endured horrific conditions — extreme heat, disease, inadequate supplies, and relentless fighting in narrow trenches just metres apart.

By December 1915, the Allied forces were evacuated. The campaign had failed to achieve its military objectives. Over 8,700 Australian soldiers and 2,700 New Zealanders were among the more than 56,000 Allied troops killed.

The Birth of a National Identity

Despite the military failure, the Gallipoli campaign had a profound effect on both Australia and New Zealand. At the time, Australia had been a federated nation for only 13 years. The courage, resilience, endurance, and mateship displayed by the ANZAC soldiers — qualities that became known as the "ANZAC spirit" — helped forge a national identity and sense of what it meant to be Australian.

The date was officially named ANZAC Day in 1916, just one year after the landing. Services were held across Australia, New Zealand, and London. By the mid-1920s, 25 April was established as a national day of commemoration. By the mid-1930s, all the traditions we now associate with the day — dawn services, marches, memorial services, Two-Up games — were firmly part of ANZAC Day culture.

Beyond Gallipoli

ANZAC Day has evolved to honour all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations:

• World War I (1914–1918) — 62,000 Australians killed
• World War II (1939–1945) — 39,000 Australians killed
• Korean War (1950–1953) — 340 Australians killed
• Vietnam War (1962–1975) — 521 Australians killed
• Afghanistan (2001–2021) — 41 Australians killed
• Peacekeeping operations worldwide — East Timor, Solomon Islands, Iraq, Somalia, Rwanda, and many others

Today, ANZAC Day is also about acknowledging those who returned from war carrying invisible wounds — post-traumatic stress, moral injury, and the lifelong burden of service. It's a day for the whole community to pause and reflect.

The Ode of Remembrance

The Ode recited at ANZAC Day services is the fourth stanza of the poem For The Fallen, written by English poet Laurence Binyon in September 1914, just weeks after the war began — and months before Gallipoli. It has become the most recognisable words of Australian commemoration:

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

The response, spoken in unison by the gathered crowd, is: "Lest we forget."

The Ode has been translated into 45 languages by SBS Australia — you can listen to the Ode in your language.

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Traditional ANZAC Biscuit Recipe

ANZAC biscuits have a special place in Australian culture. During World War I, women baked these biscuits to send to soldiers serving overseas. The recipe uses no eggs (which would spoil on the long sea voyage to Gallipoli and beyond) and the ingredients — oats, coconut, golden syrup, butter, flour, and sugar — kept well for weeks.

Note: Under Australian law, ANZAC biscuits must be called "biscuits" — not "cookies". The word "ANZAC" is protected by the Protection of Word 'Anzac' Act 1920 and regulations govern its commercial use.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup plain flour
• 1 cup desiccated coconut
• ¾ cup caster sugar
• 125g butter
• 2 tablespoons golden syrup
• 1 tablespoon water
• ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

Method

1. Preheat oven to 160°C (140°C fan-forced). Line two baking trays with baking paper.
2. Combine the oats, flour, coconut, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
3. Melt the butter, golden syrup, and water together in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
4. Dissolve the bicarbonate of soda in 1 tablespoon of boiling water, then add to the butter mixture. It will foam up — stir it through.
5. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
6. Roll tablespoons of mixture into balls and place on the lined trays, about 5cm apart. Flatten slightly with a fork.
7. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown. The biscuits will still feel soft when you take them out — they firm up as they cool.
8. Cool on the trays for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Makes: approximately 30 biscuits.

Tip: For chewier biscuits, bake for less time. For crunchier ones, leave them in a little longer. Both styles are correct — and hotly debated in Australian households.

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Getting Around Melbourne on ANZAC Day

Public Transport

Public Transport Victoria (PTV) typically operates a modified timetable on ANZAC Day:

• Trains: Usually run on a Saturday timetable with some early-morning additions to help people reach the Dawn Service. Extra services are often scheduled from around 4:00–4:30 am on key lines.
• Trams: Extra tram services typically operate along St Kilda Road in the early hours. Note that some tram routes may be disrupted or diverted during the March (approximately 8:30 am – 12:00 pm) as St Kilda Road is closed to traffic.
• Buses: Generally run on a Saturday timetable. Some routes may be altered due to road closures.

Check ptv.vic.gov.au in April for confirmed ANZAC Day timetables.

Road Closures

Expect significant road closures in the CBD and along St Kilda Road on ANZAC Day morning:

• St Kilda Road between Flinders Street and the Shrine is typically closed from the early hours until the March concludes (around midday).
• Swanston Street, Flinders Street, and surrounding CBD streets may have partial closures.
• Domain Road and Birdwood Avenue near the Shrine will be restricted.

If you must drive, plan to park well away from the CBD and use public transport for the final leg.

Cycling

Cycling is a good option but be aware of road closures. Lock your bike at racks in the Botanic Gardens or surrounding streets and walk to the Shrine.

Ride-Share and Taxis

Expect high demand and potential surge pricing in the pre-dawn hours. Set a pick-up point well away from the road closures — the northern end of St Kilda Road near the Arts Centre or Southbank can work.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What time is the Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance?

The Dawn Service commences at 5:30 am on Saturday 25 April 2026 at the Shrine of Remembrance. Gates open earlier, and it's recommended to arrive by 5:00 am at the latest to get a good position. The service typically concludes around 6:15 am.

2. Is ANZAC Day a public holiday in Victoria in 2026?

Yes, ANZAC Day is always a public holiday in Victoria. However, because it falls on a Saturday in 2026, there is no substitute Monday public holiday. If you're employed and your normal working day is Saturday, public holiday conditions (penalty rates) apply.

3. Are shops open on ANZAC Day in Melbourne?

Most large retail shops must remain closed until 1:00 pm due to restricted trading hours. After 1:00 pm, shops (including Coles, Woolworths, and major shopping centres) may open. Small shops, cafés, restaurants, petrol stations, and pharmacies may trade all day.

4. Is Two-Up legal on ANZAC Day?

Yes. Two-Up is legal in Victoria on ANZAC Day only (25 April). It is illegal on all other days of the year. Licensed venues, RSL clubs, and pubs across Melbourne host games, typically from the afternoon onwards. Check RSL Victoria for approved venues.

5. Do I need a ticket for the Dawn Service?

No. The Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance is free and open to all. No tickets or bookings are required. Simply arrive early and find a spot.

6. Can I watch the Dawn Service online?

Yes. The Shrine of Remembrance provides a live stream on their website shrine.org.au. ABC Television and ABC iview also typically broadcast the service live.

7. What's the March route in Melbourne?

The ANZAC Day Commemoration March proceeds from Flinders Street and Swanston Street (at Flinders Street Station), south along St Kilda Road, to the Shrine of Remembrance. It commences at approximately 9:00 am.

8. Can I march if my relative served?

Yes. Descendants and family members of veterans are welcome to march. You may wear your relative's medals on your right breast (indicating they are inherited, not personally earned). Contact RSL Victoria for information on registering with the appropriate contingent.

9. What should I wear to the Dawn Service?

Dress warmly in layers. Pre-dawn April temperatures in Melbourne hover around 8–12°C. Wear a dark, respectful outfit — there's no formal dress code, but neat casual or smart attire is appropriate. A sprig of rosemary (the herb of remembrance) is traditionally worn on the lapel.

10. Will public transport run early enough for the Dawn Service?

PTV typically schedules extra early-morning services on ANZAC Day to help people reach the Shrine. Check ptv.vic.gov.au from mid-April for confirmed timetables. In previous years, trains have started running from approximately 4:00–4:30 am.

11. What is a gunfire breakfast?

A gunfire breakfast is a traditional post-Dawn Service meal served at RSL clubs and other venues. The name originates from the old military custom of coffee laced with a tot of rum — "gunfire" coffee — served to soldiers before battle. Today, most venues serve a full cooked breakfast with tea and coffee (some may offer the rum option for the nostalgic).

12. Are restaurants and cafés open on ANZAC Day?

Yes. Cafés and restaurants are exempt from restricted trading rules and may open at their normal hours. Expect a public holiday surcharge of 10–15% at many venues.

13. What is the significance of rosemary on ANZAC Day?

Rosemary is the herb traditionally associated with remembrance. It grows wild on the Gallipoli Peninsula, and Australian soldiers noticed it during the 1915 campaign. Wearing a sprig on ANZAC Day connects us to the landscape where the ANZAC legend was born.

14. Can I lay a wreath at the Shrine?

Yes. After the Dawn Service, members of the public are invited to approach the Shrine and lay personal tributes — flowers, wreaths, rosemary, or poppies. There is no formal process; simply approach respectfully and place your tribute at the base of the Shrine.

15. What other ANZAC Day services are held around Melbourne?

Dozens of local services are held at war memorials across Melbourne's suburbs and regional Victoria. Check the RSL Victoria website for a searchable list of events near you. Notable suburban services include those at the Williamstown Cenotaph, the Camberwell War Memorial, the St Kilda War Memorial, and the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital Memorial.

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Other Ways to Commemorate

Beyond attending services, there are many ways to honour the ANZAC spirit:

• Donate to the RSL — rslvic.com.au/donate — funds support veteran welfare services, mental health support, and community programs.
• Buy a poppy or badge — RSL volunteers sell poppies in the weeks leading up to ANZAC Day. All proceeds go to veteran welfare.
• Visit the Australian War Memorial (online or in person) — awm.gov.au — explore the Roll of Honour, search for a relative who served, or watch the daily Last Post Ceremony.
• Read a book or watch a documentary — Gallipoli (Peter Weir, 1981), The Water Diviner (2014), or Beneath Hill 60 (2010) are excellent films. For books, try Gallipoli by Les Carlyon or The Broken Years by Bill Gammage.
• Talk to a veteran — If you know someone who has served, ANZAC Day is a meaningful time to listen to their story.
• Observe a minute's silence — Wherever you are at 6:00 am or 11:00 am, pause for a moment of quiet reflection.

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Essential Links

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Lest We Forget

ANZAC Day is more than a public holiday. It's a day to pause, to remember, and to honour the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of ordinary Australians and New Zealanders who served — and continue to serve — in defence of the values we hold dear.

On Saturday 25 April 2026, whether you stand in the pre-dawn chill at the Shrine, march alongside veterans through the streets of Melbourne, play a game of Two-Up at your local RSL, or simply bake a batch of ANZAC biscuits with your family — take a moment to reflect on what this day means.

They gave their tomorrows so we could have our todays.

Lest we forget.

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Last updated: February 2026. Event details for ANZAC Day 2026 are based on previous years and confirmed sources where available. Times and details may be updated as official announcements are made closer to 25 April 2026. Check shrine.org.au and rslvic.com.au for the latest information.