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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Young & Jackson
Anzac Day Memorial Breakfast
At Young & Jackson, ANZAC Day begins with a heartfelt Memorial Breakfast from 7am. This two-course experience with tea and coffee ($50pp) offers a meaningful way to reflect, honour and gather in one of Melbourne's most historic pubs. Plus 2up from 10am-2pm and Footy on the screens
Big Days Tip: We recommend the quieter upstairs dining spaces.
ANZAC Day breakfast steeped in tradition.
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Temperance Hotel
ANZAC Day
At Temperance Hotel, ANZAC Day is marked with a respectful afternoon gathering from 12pm, inviting guests to raise a glass in remembrance of all who have served. The day features live screenings of the ANZAC Day AFL clash between Collingwood and Essendon at the MCG, alongside selected NRL fixtures with full sound, balancing reflection and sport.
Big Days Tip: We like its relaxed Chapel Street setting.
ANZAC Day sport and remembrance
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Amora Herencia Riverwalk
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
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Transport Hotel
ANZAC Day
At Transport Hotel, ANZAC Day brings a full day of sport, live music and city energy in the heart of Melbourne. Just a short walk from the MCG, the venue screens the Essendon vs Collingwood AFL clash live and loud across multiple levels, alongside DJs and live sets throughout the day. From rooftop views to the Public Bar atmosphere, it offers a versatile setting for the national day of remembrance and footy.
Big Days Tip: We enjoy its multiple bar and dining options.
ANZAC Day footy, music and atmosphere.
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Brewmanity
ANZAC Day Clash on the Rooftop
Brewmanity brings Essendon v Collingwood to life on ANZAC Day across rooftop and indoor screens, with the game shown live and loud throughout the venue. From a 12pm Happy Hour build-up through to full match coverage on dedicated football screens, the day rolls into rooftop live music from 6pm on the deck.
Big Days Tip: We love the rooftop city views on game day.
ANZAC Day rooftop footy and music
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Yarra Botanica
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
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Five Bounds
MelbourneANZAC Day with Respect and Perspective
Mark ANZAC Day with a premium yet respectful MCG experience. Five Bounds' Corporate Suites and Private Boxes provide a private, comfortable setting to reflect, host, and observe one of Melbourne's most significant sporting traditions with outstanding views and thoughtful hospitality.
Big Days Tip: We value comfort on emotional days.
Honour the day, in comfort.
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Hotel Esplanade
ANZAC Day Footy
Hotel Esplanade marks ANZAC Day with the Essendon v Collingwood clash shown live and loud in the Sunroom from 3:20pm. The space carries the energy from first bounce through to the final siren, before easing into classic pub dining, live music and DJs into the evening.
Big Days Tip: We like the Sunroom for its game-day atmosphere
ANZAC Day footy by the bay
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Ludlow Bar & Dining Room
ANZAC Day
A riverside setting shapes ANZAC Day at Ludlow, where the day begins from 7am and flows from breakfast through to evening drinks. Positioned close to both the MCG and AAMI Park, it's a natural stop before or after the day's sporting moments, offering a place to pause, reflect and gather.
Big Days Tip: We like its riverside setting near the stadiums.
ANZAC Day riverside dining and drinks
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The Provincial Hotel
ANZAC Day Footy
Across ANZAC Day, The Provincial Hotel delivers wall-to-wall AFL action with every key moment shown live and loud. With multiple screens, a lively Fitzroy atmosphere and a strong food and drink offering, it's a go-to spot to settle in and take in the day's football.
Big Days Tip: We like the all-rounder pub feel across spaces.
ANZAC Day footy, food and atmosphere.
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The Wharf Hotel
ANZAC Day Footy
Along the Yarra, The Wharf Hotel offers an ANZAC Day setting built around riverside views and live AFL action. The Collingwood v Essendon clash is shown live and loud across the venue, with a steady flow of atmosphere throughout the day as crowds gather to mark the occasion.
Big Days Tip: We like the riverside views over the Yarra.
ANZAC Day footy by the river
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BearBrass
ANZAC Day
From an early start on the river, BearBrass opens from 6.30am on ANZAC Day, serving breakfast, coffee and soft drinks. Its Eat, Drink, WaterTaxi package offers a seamless way to head to the footy, with lunch and dinner bookings recommended across the day.
Big Days Tip: We like the riverside location near the MCG.
ANZAC Day, riverfront to the footy
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P.J. O'Brien's Irish Pub
ANZAC Day at P.J. O'Brien's
An Irish pub atmosphere frames ANZAC Day at P.J. O'Brien's, open from 12pm with a steady flow from afternoon into late evening. The day brings together live footy on screen and evening music in the main bar, offering a place to gather, reflect and raise a glass.
Big Days Tip: We like the lively main bar and stage setup.
ANZAC Day pints, footy and live music.
More ideas for ANZAC Day in Melbourne 2026
| LOCATION | BUSINESS | IDEA | COMMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southbank | Yarra Botanica
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ANZAC Day Brunch | Yarra Botanica will open early this ANZAC Day to offer a delicious brunch menu. There full menu will be available from 11am. Book now for ANZAC Day. |
| Southbank | BearBrass
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Anzac Day Refreshments | Going to the footy? Take advantage of BearBrass' Water Taxi package with return water taxi tickets to and from the game, set menu and drink. Make a booking for Anzac Day |
| South Melbourne | Brewmanity
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ANZAC Day: Rooftop Footy & Froths | Catch the Dons vs Pies ANZAC Day clash at Brewmanity with rooftop views, happy hour drinks, roaming snacks, and live music to round out the day. Book your spot now before it fills up! |
| St Kilda | Hotel Esplanade
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ANZAC Day Footy | Head into the Espy this ANZAC Day for the ANZAC Day Footy at the 'G LIVE and Loud. Plus enjoy traditional pub food and LIVE music after the match. Book a table for ANZAC Day. |
| St Kilda | Village Belle Hotel
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ANZAC Day Footy and More | This ANZAC Day at the Village Belle enjoy happy hour specials, LIVE footy and more. Book your spot for ANZAC Day. |
| Melbourne | Morris House
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ANZAC Day | Morris House marks ANZAC Day with a full day of dining and late-night energy in the heart of the city. Doors open from 10am, with the full menu available from 11am, before DJs take over from 7pm, carrying the atmosphere into the evening and across the weekend. Make a booking for ANZAC Day. Big Days Tip: We like its seamless day-to-night atmosphere. |
| Melbourne | The Duke of Wellington
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ANZAC Day Breakfast | Head into the Duke for an ANZAC Day Breakfast. Plus the big ANZAC Day football matches LIVE & LOUD. Book a table for ANZAC Day. |
| Cremorne | The Precinct Hotel
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ANZAC Day From Breakfast to Dancefloor | In the heart of the action, The Precinct Hotel kicks off ANZAC Day from 8am with breakfast, flowing into mains from 10am and a lively bar scene all day, plus live music after the game. Book Early for ANZAC Day Action. Big Days Tip: We like it for its location across from Richmond Station and not far from the MCG. |
ANZAC Day Melbourne Community Events 2026
| LOCATION | VENUE | EVENT | COMMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne | Shrine of Remembrance
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Melbourne ANZAC Day Dawn Service | Plan to arrive early (around 5am) for this event as crowds can be quite large. It starts at 5.30am. A most revered event at the Melbourne Shrine and you can head into town for breakfast afterwards. |
| Melbourne | St Kilda Rd
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Melbourne ANZAC Day March | This annual event starts around 9am at the cnr Flinders and Swanston and head to the Shrine along St Kilda Rd. Veterans and some descendants. A very proud event that Melbourne loves! |
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.
More Big Days for Melbourne
Once the Anzac Day holiday has passed, May is not far away and it's time to plan for the next of Melbournes's Big Days being the Mothers Day. See all the details of ideas for the Mother's Day weekend in Melbourne and surrounds.