Melbourne

Anzac Day Melbourne starts with a dawn service at the St Kilda Road Shrine of Remembrance. In fact most towns in Victoria will be having a Dawn service at their respective memorials. Melbourne's Anzac dawn service is attended by up to 100,000 people honouring those that fell in the war in Gallipoli over 100 years ago. In recent years record crowd have attended this service with no regard to weather. Even if it rains the crowd still pays it respect in great numbers.

Later in the morning the Anzac Day Parade takes place with great numbers lining the streets to pay respect. It's a great time to be in Melbourne and if attending both official Anzac events then many venues will be open for breakfast to feed the large numbers of people in the City. And afterwards it might be time for some lunch or a quenching drink to digest all the emotions.

Many great sporting events are on Anzac Day with the traditional game of "two up" played out at the Flemington Races. And at the MCG the traditional Collingwood vs Essendon football game will take place.

Two Up is a gambling game with traditions to the Aussie Diggers. It is only legally played on Anzac Day. Many venues will have a "two up" ring! Enjoy your Anzac Day in Melbourne!

ANZAC Day Events in Melbourne for 2026

Here is some ideas of things to do in Melbourne over the ANZAC Day long weekend.

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  Temperance Hotel

  South Yarra | 03 9827 7401

  ANZAC Eve & ANZAC Day

  Head to the Temperance Hotel on Melbourne's Iconic Chapel Street for one of their biggest nights of the year. Party with Melbs best DJ's and LIVE music. Open ANZAC day from 12pm with LIVE music later in the afternoon.

  Open 12pm till Late on both days
• 

  Amora Hotel Riverwalk

  Richmond | 03 9246 1200

  ANZAC Day Accommodation

  This ANZAC Day why not stay overnight at the Amora Riverwalk right on the Yarra River and only a short tram ride into the city along Bridge Rd. Perfect if you're attending the ANZAC Day Dawn Service, going to the March or catching the ANZAC Day match at the 'G. Great food and service for families as well.

  Accommodation & Dining
• 

  Brewmanity

  South Melbourne | 03 8652 8325

  ANZAC Day Clash on the Rooftop

  Brewmanity is turning up the energy for ANZAC Day with rooftop views, footy on the big screen, and the iconic Dons vs Pies clash. Score drinks specials and great footy snack favourites. Post-match, live music takes over the deck—perfect for celebrating or letting off steam.

  Footy, beers, and rooftop ANZAC vibes
• 

  Yarra Botanica

  Southbank | 03 8840 4824

  ANZAC Day Brunch

  Head into Yarra Botanica early on ANZAC Day for a refreshing brunch. You'll be treated to a delicious brunch menu. Plus for later dining full menu will be available from 11am.

  Open early on ANZAC Day
• 

  Young & Jackson

  Melbourne | 03 9650 3884

  Anzac Day

  This Anzac Day after attending the Dawn Service head into Young & Jackson for a Hot Breakfast. With 2 up from 10am in Chloe's followed by the Footy Live & Loud in the afternoon.

  Open for Hot Breakfast
• 

  Hotel Esplanade

  St Kilda | 03 9534 0211

  ANZAC Day Footy

  Catch the Big ANZAC Day Clash LIVE & Loud at the Espy. All the ANZAC Day action between Collingwood & Essendon on the big screens. Plus stay on for a great pub feed and LIVE music after the match.

  AFL Footy LIVE & LOUD

More ideas for ANZAC Day in Melbourne 2026

ANZAC Day Melbourne Community Events 2026

Get out and about this Anzac Day

Around Melbourne there are some great day trips to plan and to make with your loved ones and family or just friends. One awesome place to visit south of Melbourne is the Mornington Peninsula. There is so much on offer with famed beaches, lots of parks and awesome towns like Sorrento, Portsea and Flinders to visit. And that doesn't even scratch the surface of the plethora of wineries and golf courses and other activities in this Morningon Peninsula region.

But this is about the context of Anzac Day so let's look at something relevant. And it doesn't take long to recall Melbourne's history in World War one down at Fort Nepean near Portsea on the Mornington Peninsula.

To get there just head down the Monash Freeway (named after the famed Australian Military Commander in WW1 and also super engineer Sir John Monash). Switch to the Eastern Fwy and then the Peninsula Link Fwy. At the end follow the signs to the Nepean Hwy and down to Portsea ... keep going and your there!

Entry to this Point Nepean National Park is free and you sort of self tour after getting the bus from the car park to Fort Nepean. Oh yea ... sorry the bus trip costs ... but well worth it!

Fort Nepean was the first point of defence for Port Philip Bay and Melbourne and burbs!
It was a strategic military outpost. And in fact has the history of firing the first shot in World War One when a Germany merchant ship tried to leave Port Phillip Bay after war was declared.

it's always best to stay more than one day on the Mornington Peninsula ... And you may want to also look at some options of places to stay on the Mornington Peninsula. Here are some ideas we have for you.

• Boardwalk Cottages in Mt Martha - super cottage accommodation.