Anzac Day services Melbourne: Thousands expected at Shrine of Remembrance

This year’s Anzac Day commemorations are expected to a huge crowd to pay their respects to more than 103,000 Aussies who died serving their country.

A soldier stands guard at the Shrine on Anzac Day 2022. Picture: Aaron Francis

Tens of thousands of people are expected to rise early to attend the Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance on Tuesday to pay their respects to the Australians, past and present, who served defending our nation’s interests.

Many Victorians will also attend services at local memorials across the state for the annual day of remembrance.

Last year the spectre of Covid still hung over the commemorations but this year a strong turnout is expected.

The Anzac Day parade on its way to the Shrine. Picture: Aaron Francis

The service at the Shrine will start from 5.30am, with the Last Post played at 6.01am, and later followed by the veterans’ march along St Kilda Rd from 8.30am.

The commemoration march will be led this year by veterans from each of the defence forces who served in the Korean War, to honour the 70th anniversary of the armistice to end that conflict.

The services will pay their respects to the more than 103,000 Australians who have died serving their country, and also give thanks to the many more who served in all conflicts.

RSL president Robert Webster said Anzac Day has been a tradition since 1915 when Australian and New Zealand soldiers rowed towards the shores of Gallipoli and into history.

“I invite all Victorians to join in Anzac Day commemoration and keep the spirit of the Anzacs alive.’’

Mr Webster acknowledged that with the day of remembrance falling on a Tuesday, many people would be away from home for a long weekend.

“Distance from Melbourne is no barrier to commemoration. RSL-run services are happening right around Victoria.’’

The Two-Up tradition is only legal on Anzac Day. Picture: Daily Telegraph/ Monique Harmer

Games of the traditional gambling game Two-Up will also be played – Anzac Day is the only day when the game of two pennies can be played legally.

The games will be played at dozens of RSL sub-branches and pubs around the state.

More public transport services are being provided for Anzac Day events.

Each metropolitan rail line will operate an early service into the CBD.

Extra trams will also run along St Kilda Rd for people travelling to the Shrine.

Free early buses will depart from Chadstone, Croydon, Dandenong, Doncaster, Essendon, Greensborough, Mitcham, Mordialloc, Templestowe, Thomastown, Wantirna and Williamstown.

More trains and trams will run for the AFL blockbuster between Collingwood and Essendon at the MCG at 3.20pm, as well as the NRL clash between the Storm and the Warriors at AAMI Park from 7pm.