ANZAC Day Events in Sydney 2024
- Family
Kids
Pay your respects and explore Australia’s history at one of these family-friendly ANZAC Day events in Sydney for 2024.
From Coogee Beach to Dee Why, Martin Place and Hyde Park, Sydney will be up at dawn to bring the community together to commemorate one of Australia's most extraordinary, historic and meaningful days.
Here are all the best things to do on ANZAC Day in Sydney for 2024 to pay your respects.
ANZAC Day Events in Sydney 2024
1. ANZAC Day March
This year, thousands of marchers will participate in the ANZAC Day March in Sydney on 25 April, including war veterans, current servicemen and descendants, proudly displaying war medals on sharp uniforms while walking through the city’s CBD.
Every ANZAC Day, thousands line the footpaths between Sydney’s Martin Place and Hyde Park to salute our nation’s diggers.
If you'd like to catch the ANZAC Day March from home, the march will be broadcast live on ABC and streamed live on the RSL NSW Facebook page.
Where: Martin Place to Museum Station
When: 25 April from 8.30 am
Cost: FREE
2. ANZAC Day Dawn Service
Start the day early (transport services will begin earlier) and head to Martin Place at the same time that the first Australians waded ashore at ANZAC Cove on 25 April 1915.
The ANZAC Day Dawn Service includes a catafalque contingent, an Ode of Remembrance, a Last Post bugle call, one minute’s silence, a Reveille bugle call and the laying of wreaths. The sunset ceremony will start at the Cenotaph, Martin Place, at 5 pm.
Where: Cenotaph, Martin Place, Sydney
When: 25 April from 4 am
Cost: FREE
3. ANZAC Day Dawn Climb
Experience an incomparable special event on top of our most iconic landmark this ANZAC Day in Sydney.
Paying tribute to our brave Armed Forces, BridgeClimb has joined with RSL LifeCare Veteran Services to host an intimate ANZAC Day Dawn Service on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Climbers and VIP veteran guests will embark on a special sunrise Climb, ascending 1,332 steps to reach the Summit for the Dawn Service, which will feature solemn rituals such as the Prayer of Remembrance, The Ode, Act of Remembrance, a performance of The Last Post by a bugler, a minute of silence, and the Australian National Anthem.
Where: 3 Cumberland St, The Rocks
When: 25 April | Departing between 4:25 am - 4:35 am.
Cost: Adult: $404 including a $100 donation to RSL LifeCare Veteran Services
Child: $189
4. Coogee Beach ANZAC Day Dawn Service
Join the Coogee Randwick Clovelly RSL Sub-branch and Randwick City Council for a special Coogee Beach ANZAC Dawn Service.
The hour-long seaside service includes an Ode of Remembrance, Last Post bugle call, one minute’s silence and special musical performances by Bondi Brass and the Sydney Chamber Choir.
In recent years, over 20,000 people have gathered at Coogee Beach in the pre-dawn darkness to honour the ANZACs. This year, Coogee will also hold an ANZAC Day march from Coogee Diggers down Coogee Bay Road to Goldstein Reserve from 9.30 am. The best vantage point for spectators is along Coogee Bay Road.
Where: Goldstein Reserve, Coogee Beach
When: 25 April commencing at 5.30 am
Cost: FREE
5. Dee Why RSL Day Dawn Service
More than 12,000 Northern Beaches residents pay their respects yearly at the Dee Why Beach service. This year, Dee Why RSL ANZAC Dawn Service will honour its rich history with an event called the Peace Garden.
The annual Dee Why Beach service will uphold its tradition of paying respects to the original ANZACs, as well as the men and women who have served in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping missions.
Dee Why RSL will also have an ANZAC Day breakfast available after the service, plus Two-Up and live music from 12 pm.
Where: Dee Why RSL Club, 932 Pittwater Rd, Dee Why
When: 25 April at 5:15 am
Cost: FREE dawn service | Breakfast from $5
6. ANZAC Day at The Rocks
The Rocks will commemorate the ANZACs with an Aussie BBQ in the legendary sandstone courtyard of The Argyle, plus entertainment and Sydney’s biggest two-up arena.
The Glenmore will also feature live music and a DJ on the rooftop with stunning Sydney views. The Australian Heritage Hotel is hosting a 'Digger’s breakfast' from 7 am, as well as two-up and live entertainment all day. Sydney’s oldest pub, The Fortune of War, will be serving up Bacon and Egg rolls from 6 am, plus a lineup of local talent and live music will be back at The Orient all weekend.
Where: The Rocks
When: 25 April
Cost: FREE entry
7. Hyde Park ANZAC Memorial
The beautiful ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park is a place of commemoration for Australians who have served in the Defence Force. It is dedicated to remembering men and women who served during times of war and peacekeeping. A feat of artistry and architecture, the stunning art deco monument holds a Hall of Memory, a Hall of Silence and a Hall of Service to explore.
At 11.00 am each day, the Memorial pauses for a Service of Remembrance and visitors can join this moving service which includes the recitation of the Ode, the sounding of the Last Post and a minute of silence.
Where: Hyde Park South, Sydney. Enter via the western ground floor entrance on the Elizabeth St side of the building.
When: Open ANZAC Day and daily thereafter | 9 am to 5 pm
Cost: FREE
8. Visit the Garden of Remembrance
The Garden of Remembrance was established in 1949 to commemorate the Willoughby residents who sacrificed their lives in the Boer War, World Wars I & II, Korea, Malaya and Vietnam. Every flower and feature stands for something, such as the special roses of Picardy, which were imported from Villers-Brettonneux and Delville Wood war cemeteries in Somme, France.
The garden bursts with history and is a great way to access and explore the past.
Where: Albert Avenue, Chatswood
When: Anytime
Cost: FREE
9. Commemorate ANZAC Day at Home
Light Up the Dawn
In the wake of a pandemic, RSL Clubs nationwide have come together to create a collective dawn service that all Australians can be a part of from the comfort of their homes. Light Up The Dawn encourages families to stand in their driveways (or living rooms) at 6 am in solidarity with veterans and fellow Aussies. You can light a candle, stream the Last Post on YouTube and round up the neighbours to share a minute's silence and feel the community spirit.
You can also donate to the ANZAC Appeal and purchase supporter packs from the Military Shop.
ANZAC Day Cooking
ANZAC Biscuits are a delicious tradition to uphold on 25 April. They are simple to make, a great treat for kids and a sweet way to honour our ANZACs.
We've gathered our five favourite ANZAC biscuit recipes so you can enjoy some family baking fun at home on ANZAC Day - and anytime your sweet tooth has a hankering!
ANZAC Day Crafts
Pay tribute to our wartime heroes while teaching little ones about the ANZAC spirit with these ANZAC Day craft ideas.
Lest we forget.
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