There are plenty of spots around Canberra to head to after the Dawn Service. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
One hundred and eleven years have passed since the first Anzacs stormed the beaches of Gallipoli, indelibly changing Australia’s idea of itself just 14 years after Federation.
All across Canberra, pubs, clubs, bars and national institutions are commemorating the early nation’s defining moment with marches, dawn services, two-up, live music, Last Post ceremonies, runs, special breakfasts, specials and sport.
Read on to figure out your schedule after the Dawn Service.
The official Anzac Day commemorations begin at 5:30 am with the Dawn Service. Photo: Australian War Memorial.
Anzac Day commemorations at the War Memorial
When: Pre-dawn activities 4:30 am, Dawn Service at 5:30 am
Where: The Australian War Memorial, Fairbairn Avenue, Campbell
Cost: Free.
Pubs and bars will commemorate later in the day but the day starts at Australia’s centre of memory – the Australian War Memorial.
The War Memorial will mark 111 years since the landing at Gallipoli with the dawn service at 5:30 am, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans Association Commemorative Ceremony at 7:30 am, the National Commemorative Service, including the RSL ACT Branch Veterans’ March from 9:30 am to 11:30 am and the day finishes at 4:30 pm with the Last Post.
For those who want to head out a bit earlier, there will be pre-dawn readings from the diaries and letters of Australians fighting at the front, along with photographs from the memorial’s collection projected onto the building itself.
The Dock is inviting you to Two-up by the lake. Photo: The Dock.
Anzac Day at The Dock
When: 25 April, 5:30 am
Where: The Dock, 7/81 Giles Street, Kingston
Cost: Free entry.
This Anzac Day, The Dock pauses to remember the courage, sacrifice and mateship of those who have served our country.
Join in to honour the Anzac spirit.
- 5:30 am – dawn service at The Dock (big screen ABC broadcast)
- 6:15 am – Running for Resilience annual Anzac Day run/walk
- 6:30 am to 11 am – breakfast at The Dock
- noon pm – two-up in the outdoor arena with Benny A & Shooter
- 3 pm – Last Post
- 6 pm – Marty K live singing bangers until late
Head to the RUC for two-up and footy on the big screen. Photo: RUC Turner.
Anzac Day at the RUC Turner
When: 25 April, two-up from 12:30 pm
Where: RUC, 54 McCaughey Street, Turner
Cost: Free entry.
Head to the RUC for a full day of Anzac Day events, with two-up from 12:30 pm, live music from 6 pm and footy live on the big screens.
And of course lawn bowls is still available, bookings required.
Head to the Taproom in Fyshwick on Anzac Day for two-up, AFL and NRL, beers and burgers. Image: Capital Brewing.
Anzac Day at Capital Brewing
When: 25 April from 11:30 am
Where: Capital Brewing, Building 3/1 Dairy Rd, Fyshwick
Cost: Free | Book online.
Capital Brewing is pouring from 11:30 am, easing you into a proper one before coins start flying from midday. Two-up out front, AFL and NRL on the TVs and a steady stream of cold froths landing right where they should.
Brod Burger’s on deck all day, slinging the goods to keep you fuelled between rounds, so you can settle in early, stay a while and not miss a thing.
Round up the crew, lock in your spot and make a day of it.
Join The Jetty on Anzac Day for two-up by Lake Burley Griffin. Photo: The Jetty.
Two-Up Lakeside
When: 25 April from 7 am
Where: The Jetty, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes
Cost: Free | Book online.
Head to the Jetty for two-up this Anzac Day. The beer garden opens from 10 am and there’ll be delicious fried chicken and pizza from 11 am. That’s just to get you started, as two-up starts at noon and runs till 4 pm. Tables won’t last long, so book now.
Join The Tradies this Anzac Day. Image: The Tradies.
Anzac Day at the Tradies
When: 25 April from 4:30 am
Where: The Tradies, 2 Badham Street, Dickson
Cost: Diggers’ Breakfast $25 to $28 | Book online or call 02 6162 5656.
For members attending the Dawn Service at the Australian War Memorial, a complimentary return bus will depart The Tradies Dickson at 4:30 am sharp, returning after the service. Not a member? Join for only $2.
If you prefer to watch from the comfort of the club, the service will be live-streamed on the large screen in The Lounge, with doors opening at 5 am and coverage beginning at 5:30 am.
Following the service, enjoy the Tradies’ Diggers’ Breakfast, served from 6 am to 9 am. Complimentary for current and returned service personnel, $25 for members and $28 for non-members.
To reserve your seat on the bus or book breakfast, call Reception on 02 6162 5656.
Head to Frankies for an Anzac Day commemoration. Photo: Frankies at Forde.
Anzac Day at Frankies
When: 25 April from 6 am to 3 pm
Where: Frankies at Forde, 1/26 Francis Forde Boulevard, Forde
Cost: Free | Book online.
Come down and join Frankies at Forde for Anzac Day. It has a huge day planned, starting with the Dawn Service on the big screen.
Pay your respects from 5 am with the live broadcast, followed by coffee and a brekky BBQ. There will be live music in the afternoon and Collingwood vs Essendon on the big screen from 3 pm.
They were fully booked last year, so make sure you get in early to book a table.
Raise a glass with Lager House on Anzac Day. Image: Capital Brewing.
Anzac Day at Lager House
When: 25 April from 11:30 am
Where: Lager House, 62 Constitution Avenue, Campbell
Cost: Free | Book online.
Join Lager House this Anzac Day for a proper pub session, two-up from midday, AFL and NRL on the screens and beers pouring from first whistle to last call.
The kitchen’s firing all day, so bring your thirst, appetite and some cash.
Hellenic Club is open on Anzac Day for 2-Up, and sport on the big screens. Image: Hellenic Club.
Anzac Day at the Hellenic Club
When: 25 April from 9 am
Where: Hellenic Club, 1 Matilda Street, Phillip
Cost: Free entry for members and guests.
Join the Hellenic Club for a full day of 2-Up, live sport on the big screens, and all restaurants serving lunch and dinner.
2-Up will be in the Olympus Room from 12 pm to 5 pm, plus NRL and AFL will be live on the big screens.
Head to Bentspoke on Anzac Day for plenty of food, drinks, two-up and live music. Image: Bentspoke.
Anzac Day at the BrewPub
When: 25 April from 6 am
Where: Bentspoke Brewing Co, Elouera Street, Braddon
Cost: Free | Book online.
Bentspoke Brewing Co is open bright and early this Anzac Day from 6 am.
Whether you’re coming straight from the Dawn Service or just easing into the day, swing by for a hearty breakfast and a fresh coffee, served from 6 am to 11 am.
Two-up will be played from noon and local artists will perform from 5 pm into the evening.
$1 from all beer sales on the day will go to the Soldier On Foundation, supporting current and former ADF personnel and their families.
Bookings are encouraged but walk-ins are always welcome.
Head to The Southern Pub for Anzac Day down south. Photo: The Southern Pub.
Anzac Day Down South
When: 25 April from 10 am
Where: The Southern Pub, 4 Irving Street, Phillip
Cost: Free | Book online.
The Southern Pub is open from 10 am and the action includes two-up running all day, food specials and AFL live on the big screens across the venue.
Cold beers pouring, mates around the table and a classic day at your local.
Original Article published by John Murtagh on Region Canberra.
