Pause. Reflect. Remember. Gather at dawn to honour the service and sacrifice of generations of Australians—and all those affected by war.
The Service begins at first light, marking 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.
Experience a moving ceremony featuring recitations, hymns, wreath-laying, and an address by the Governor of Victoria. Large screens around the Shrine ensure everyone can follow the proceedings. The Service is held outdoors in all weather conditions. As large crowds gather, you should expect to stand for the duration of the service—please dress appropriately and wear closed-toe footwear.
The Dawn Service concludes at 6:30am. Afterward, visitors are invited to place a poppy at the Stone of Remembrance inside the monument.
Join us in honouring those who have served—and continue to serve—in the defence of Australia and its interests.
The March begins on Swanston Street (near Federation Square) and proceeds along St Kilda Road to the Shrine of Remembrance. Vehicles carrying aged and mobility-impaired veterans depart at 8:30am, followed by marching participants at 9am. The march is typically completed by midday.
Descendants of veterans are encouraged and welcomed participants. Click below to learn more and register.
Anzac Day is a meaningful opportunity for families to come together and pay tribute to those who have served and are currently serving.
Dawn Service: This solemn and reflective ceremony begins before sunrise. Due to the early hour and the need for quiet contemplation, we recommend it for children aged 10 and above who can engage respectfully.
Veterans' March: Beginning at 9am on Swanston Street, families are encouraged to line the route and show their appreciation as veterans pass by. With marching bands adding to the occasion, this event is suitable for children of all ages.
Explore the Shrine: After the Dawn Service, the Shrine of Remembrance opens its doors. This unique site combines a museum, landscape, and memorial, offering a memorable and educational experience for the whole family. Admission is free.
With the opening of the new Anzac Station, there are now new ways to get to the Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance.
Take the Cranbourne, Pakenham and Sunbury Line to Anzac Station.
Frankston Line passengers, change at Caufield for direct access to Anzac Station.
Werribee and Williamstown lines passengers, change at Footscray Station for direct access to Anzac Station.
Passengers on other lines can transfer at Flinders Street Station to Town Hall Station for trains to Anzac Station.
Getting to the Shrine of Remembrance from Anzac Station
Go to Exit 4 – Domain Road
Follow signage or staff directions to the Shrine of Remembrance (there is a lift, stairs and escalator).
Allow approximately 10 minutes to walk from the station to the Shrine forecourt. Please note, the path has a steep incline.
Shuttle tram services run between Stop 13 Flinders Street Station and Stop 19 Shrine of Remembrance from 5am.
Extra trams will also run from the suburbs into the city on most tram routes.
Tram services along St Kilda Road are impacted from 5.45am to 2pm for the Veterans' March. We suggest taking a train from Anzac Station to head back to the city.
From 4:30 am on Anzac Day, Travellers Aid minibus service will run from Anzac Station Exit 4 on Domain Road to the Shrine of Remembrance via Birdwood Avenue. The minibus is not accessible for patrons requiring low floor access.
From Tram Stop 19 Shrine of Remembrance, Travellers Aid volunteers offer power-assisted wheelchair support to and from the Shrine, and to parking and buses on Birdwood Avenue.
You can also hire mobility equipment, like wheelchairs or scooters, through Travellers Aid. Visit their website or call 9654 2600 to arrange this in advance.
On the day, you can call Travellers Aid on 0498 023 959 if you need assistance.
Transport Victoria will run free, wheelchair-accessible shuttle buses from selected RSLs and locations around Melbourne to and from the Dawn Service at the Shrine.
Booking information
Bookings for shuttle buses are required by midday Thursday 24 April at the website or 1800 800 007.
The routes and pick up locations are:
Route
Route Name
Stop Location
Address
Route 1
Chadstone via Ashburton and Camberwell
St Mary Magdalene Catholic Church
22 Bolwarra Road, Chadstone
Ashburton Community Centre
160 High Street
Camberwell Junction
250 Camberwell Road
Route 2
Dandenong via Noble Park, Springvale, Clayton and Oakleigh
Dandenong RSL
44–50 Clow Street
Noble Park RSL
1128 Heatherton Road
Springvale RSL
23 Osborne Avenue
Clayton RSL
171 Carnish Road
Oakleigh RSL
95–97 Drummond Street
Route 3
Doncaster via North Balwyn, Kew and Victoria Park
Westfield Doncaster
Bus interchange, Williamsons Road
North Balwyn Shopping Centre
Doncaster Road and Macedon Avenue
Harp Junction
618 High Street, Kew
Jock McHale Stadium
High Street, Victoria Park
Route 4
Wantirna via Scoresby, Glen Waverley and Mt Waverley
Knox City Shopping Centre
Bus terminal, Burwood Highway & Tyner Road
Scoresby Village Shopping Centre
Ferntree Gully Road / Lynton Place (Bus Stop ID14424)
Waverley RSL
161 Coleman Parade, Glen Waverley
Mt Waverley Shopping Centre
Opposite IGA, corner Amber Grove (Bus Stop ID6408)
Route 5
Greensborough via Watsonia and Reservoir
Greensborough RSL
111 Main Street
Watsonia RSL
6 Morwell Avenue
Reservoir RSL
251 Spring Street
Route 6
Essendon Football Ground
Essendon Football Club (Windy Hill)
86 Napier Street
Note: Pick-up times are between 4:00am and 5:00am.
After the Dawn Service, the free shuttle buses will depart from the Shrine at 7:00am from the drop-off location at Birdwood Avenue and return to all the original pickup locations.
Parking at the Shrine of Remembrance and surrounding streets is restricted on Anzac Day. We recommend catching public transport to the Dawn Service.
Road Closures – Anzac Day
Due to the nature of Anzac Day in Melbourne, several road closures will be in place in and around the CBD, St Kilda Road and the Shrine of Remembrance precinct.
Road closures from 12:01 am – 2:00 pm on 25 April 2026
Swanston Street between Flinders Street and Princes Bridge
St Kilda Road (centre thoroughfare and service lanes) between Park Street and Princes Bridge
Coventry Street at St Kilda Road
Dorcas Street at St Kilda Road
Grant Street at St Kilda Road and Wells Street
Wadey Street at St Kilda Road
Southbank Boulevard between Sturt Street and St Kilda Road
Dallas Brooks Drive between Domain Road and Birdwood Avenue
Birdwood Avenue between Domain Road and Anzac Avenue
Linlithgow Avenue (east–west), between Alexandra Avenue and St Kilda Road (except for motorcycles)
Road closures from 5:00 am – 2:00 pm on 25 April
Government House Drive and Anzac Avenue between St Kilda Road and Linlithgow Avenue / Birdwood Avenue
Collins Street at Elizabeth Street, just east of Swanston Street and Russell Street
Russell Street (remains open)
Elizabeth Street at Flinders Lane and Collins Street
Little Collins Street at Elizabeth Street and Russell Street
Flinders Lane just east of Swanston Street, and at Russell Street
Flinders Street at Elizabeth Street, Queen Street, just east of Swanston Street, and Russell Street
Bourke Street just east of Swanston Street
Swanston Street at Little Bourke Street, Little Collins Street, Collins Street, Flinders Lane and Flinders Street
Tow-away Zones
Please note that areas closed to traffic will also operate as tow-away zones during these times. Please refer to the map for full tow-away zone details:
