Anzac Day

Anzac Day is an important special community event celebrated all over Australia on April 25. On this date, millions of Australians commemorate the anniversary of the first significant military pairing of Australian and New Zealand forces fighting together during the First World War.

In addition, veterans and participants of peacekeeping operations and conflicts are also honoured during this national event.

Anzac Day 2021 Public Holiday Date & Shrine Dawn Service

Just like all other cities in Australia, Melbourne celebrates this day to pay homage to some of the bravest veterans who have lived and died serving their country – with the name of the event coming from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, also known as ANZAC.

Both Australia and New Zealand observe this event every year and this special day is marked by a public holiday. Both past and serving members are honoured on this prestigious day by the Australian Government and all members of the public.

The Melbourne Anzac Day March is a special event that veterans have always embraced. This year, Victorian veterans will be back marching to the Shrine of Remembrance along St Kilda Road. The march will be live-streamed on the Shrine website and on their social media channels.

As the home of commemoration in Victoria, the Shrine is delighted to host the State Anzac Day Dawn Service on 25 April 2021. They encourage all Victorians to watch the live-stream from 5:40am onwards.

Observing State health guidelines, only 1,400 places will be available to attend the Dawn Service. Ticket bookings open at 11am Thursday, 15 April and may be booked on the Shrine website. Booking registration is essential, and tickets are free and are limited to 2 people per booking.

The Anzac Day commemorations are traditionally scheduled as follows:
— Dawn Service – held in the Shrine Forecourt
— Official Wreath Laying Service – Held in the Sanctuary where invited guests will lay wreaths in remembrance of the fallen
— ANZAC Day march – Thousands of veterans, their descendants and current serving personnel will march down St Kilda Road, starting at the intersection of Flinders and Swanston Streets and concluding at the Shrine of Remembrance
— Commemorative Service – At the conclusion of the march, a service usually takes place in the Shrine Forecourt

Thousands of people flock to the Shrine for the Dawn Service, so attendees are advised to plan their day accordingly and take public transport to Flinders Street Station. From Flinders Street, the Shrine is only a short 10 minute (1.2km) walk.