Thousands of people are expected to pay tribute to Australia’s veteran community at Anzac Day ceremonies and events across NSW and around Australia this long weekend.
Dawn services and marches will be held all around the city and the state, with the major official commemorations taking place at the Martin Place Cenotaph and near the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park.
NSW will have a public holiday on Monday, April 27, as April 25 falls on a weekend this year. The Monday public holiday is part of a two-year trial that will also capture Anzac Day falling on a Sunday in 2027.
Where to commemorate Anzac Day in Sydney?
The major dawn service organised by RSL NSW will take place in the Sydney CBD, beginning at the Cenotaph in Martin Place at 4.20am. It is a solemn occasion of quiet contemplation, including The Last Post and The Ode of Remembrance.
Public viewing areas are available outside Challis House in Martin Place, on George Street at Martin Place, and between Pitt Street and Castlereagh Street. Accessible viewing areas for people with reduced mobility are on the southern side of the Cenotaph and in a screened area between Pitt and Castlereagh Streets. Viewing areas will remain open until they reach capacity. Bags will be checked.
The dawn service is followed by a march along Elizabeth Street at 9am, before a commemoration service at the Pool of Remembrance, near the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park at 12.30pm. A sunset service will take place at the Martin Place Cenotaph at 5pm.
Other community events are being held around the state by RSL sub-branches.
In Parramatta, a march will gather at the town hall at 4am, proceeding to Prince Alfred Square before a dawn service at 4.30am.
In Penrith, the dawn service will assemble outside the Penrith RSL club before a silent march to Memory Park. The RSL club will be providing a breakfast following the service.
A Newcastle dawn service commences at 5am at Camp Shortland on Nobbys Beach, before a march from Perkins Street to Civic Park at 9.15am and a commemoration service at Civic Park Cenotaph at 10am, featuring an RAAF flyover.
A Wollongong dawn service, also at 5am, will be held at the MacCabe Park Cenotaph on Church Street, followed by a march on Crown Street at 10am.
How to get around the city on Anzac Day
Major road closures are in place on Anzac Day and public transport is encouraged. Travel is free for veterans, currently serving ADF personnel, and their families. Eligibility applies for people in uniform, wearing their medals or with proof of military service.
Additional services will run to Martin Place, however light rail services will not run between Town Hall and Circular Quay until 6.15am, pausing again between 12.30pm and 1.30pm. Buses through the city may take different routes and stops.
What’s open and closed on Anzac Day?
Anzac Day is a restricted trading day. Major retailers, including supermarkets and department stores, will be closed all day. Small shops, chemists, newsagencies, service stations, cafes, takeaway food outlets and licensed venues can open. The public holiday on Monday is not a restricted trading day.
Where can I play two-up?
Chances are if a pub is open on Anzac Day you’ll be able to play two-up there. It’s one of the three days of the year the game, played by World War One Diggers, is allowed. Venues don’t need a permit but have to ensure the game is played in its traditional format. Liquor & Gaming NSW inspectors will be checking.
Are double demerits in effect?
Yes. Double demerits are already in force and will continue throughout the weekend, including Monday. Random breath testing and mobile drug testing will also be conducted across the state. You can expect an increased police presence on major highways and regional routes due to expected increases in traffic over the long weekend.
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Jack Gramenz is a breaking news reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via email.