More than 50,000 people are expected to attend the Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance and the Anzac Day Parade along St Kilda Road and Swanston Street on Thursday 25 April.
Anzac Day is an opportunity pause and reflect on the service and sacrifice of generations of Australians, and all those who suffer the consequences of war.
The service is held at dawn to coincide with the time of the Gallipoli landing in 1915—the first major military action by Australian and New Zealand forces (ANZACs) during the First World War.
The event includes recitations, hymns, wreath-laying and an address by the Governor of Victoria. Screens around the Shrine enable participants to view proceedings.
The Dawn Service is scheduled to finish at 6:30am. Following the service, visitors may place a poppy at the Stone of Remembrance inside the monument.
Key timings
- 5.30am: Dawn Service commences
- 7am: Shrine of Remembrance opens
- 9am: Veterans’ March commences
A livestream will be available on the Shrine of Remembrance’s website for those who cannot attend.
Public transport
Extra public transport services and free travel for veterans and war widows on Anzac Day will make it to take part in this year’s commemoration services.
- Veterans and war widows are eligible for free travel on 24, 25 and 26 April.
- Australian Defence Force members, Scouts and Guides, school students and band members participating in parade activities can travel free on Anzac Day provided they are in uniform or have relevant identification.
- Veterans who hold a Veterans Card Victoria can also show their card for free travel on Anzac Day across Victoria.
A free shuttle bus service for all members of the public will operate along 12 Melbourne routes, including stops at several suburban RSLs, to make sure people arrive at the Shrine before the 6am ceremony.
Passengers are encouraged to book their seat on the wheelchair-accessible shuttle buses via the PTV website or by calling 1800 800 007.
Buses will pick up and drop off passengers from routes starting at Chadstone, Croydon, Dandenong, Doncaster, Essendon, Greensborough, Mitcham, Mordialloc, Templestowe, Thomastown, Wantirna and Williamstown.
Extra trams will also run along St Kilda Road to provide passengers with a direct connection between Flinders Street Station and the Shrine.
Mount Macedon Dawn Service
The Mount Macedon Anzac Day Dawn Service held at the striking 21m high Mount Macedon Memorial Cross is one of the largest dawn services held in Victoria and attracts around 3000 people each year.
The Service starts at 6am and runs for about an hour. The Service uniquely involves students from local high schools reading excerpts from the accounts of veterans.
A free Park and Ride bus service will transport people between Tony Clarke Recreation Reserve and the Dawn Service at Mount Macedon. Free regional bus services will also connect to the Mount Macedon service from Gisborne, Woodend, Riddells Creek, Romsey, Lancefield, Sunbury and Kyneton.
Road closures
For motorists, there will be road closures throughout the CBD, Southbank, along St Kilda Road and around Kings Domain, and the Botanic and Alexandra Gardens between 5am and 2pm.
Minister for Veterans Affairs, Natalie Suleyman, said: “We’re supporting veterans and war widows travelling for free on our public transport around Anzac Day – and I’d encourage all Victorians to attend a local service and take the time to reflect on the immense sacrifices that have been made by those who have served our nation.”
For information and to plan your journey visit ptv.vic.gov.au/ anzacday or the PTV mobile app or traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au.
