Dawn Services Lead Commemorations Across the City
Brisbane will mark ANZAC Day 2025 with solemn tributes beginning early in the morning. The city’s main Dawn Service will take place at Anzac Square from 4.28am. This annual tradition, first held in 1916, draws thousands of attendees. Organisers recommend arrival by 3.30am. The service will include hymns, wreath-laying, an official address and The Last Post.
In Ipswich, the march will return to the city centre. Participants will gather at the corner of Brisbane and Waghorn Streets. The Ipswich march begins at 10.45am.
Figure 1: The Shrine of Remembrance and Eternal Flame during an Anzac Day Dawn Service in Brisbane
Anzac Day Parade Brings City Together
The Anzac Day Parade runs from 9.45am to 12.30pm through Brisbane’s Adelaide Street. Veterans, associations and descendants of service people will march. Military bands will accompany them. Spectators are expected along the route from George to Creek Street.
RSLs Open Early for Two-Up and Traditions
Queensland law permits RSLs and service clubs to serve alcohol from 5am on Anzac Day. Other licensed venues may begin service at 10am if serving meals, or 1pm otherwise. Two-up games are legal and hosted widely across Brisbane. Participating venues include:
- Osbourne Hotel, Fortitude Valley
- The Regatta, Toowong
- The Glen Hotel, Eight Mile Plains
- The Boundary, West End
- Riverbar and Kitchen, Brisbane City
- Felons Lawn, Howard Smith Wharves
Family-Friendly Activities Across Brisbane
From early morning to evening, families can enjoy several activities. These events provide varied options for children and adults:
- Asia Pacific Triennial Kids: Craft activities at GOMA from 12pm to 5pm
- Area 51 Garden City: Indoor games from 9am to 5pm; tickets range from $15 to $28
- St Lucia Mini Golf: Open from 9am to 9pm; entry costs between $5 and $18
- Bounce Inc Tingalpa: Opens at 1pm; admission ranges from $16 to $21.50
Figure 2: Area 51 Garden City is a kids’ indoor play centre
Cultural Institutions Open Post-Lunch
Many public amusement venues cannot open before 1.30pm on Anzac Day. Museums and galleries welcome visitors later in the day:
- Anzac Legacy Gallery, Queensland Museum: Open 1.30pm to 5pm; entry is free
- Discovering Ancient Egypt, Queensland Museum: Sarcophagi and artefacts; tickets from $15 to $29.90
- Brisbane Motor Museum: Displays classic sports cars; open 8am to 3pm; entry from $12.50 to $25
- Precious, Museum of Brisbane: Free exhibition of local collections; includes a child-focused Micro Museum
- Anzac Square Memorial Galleries: Open 5.30am to 3pm; includes interactive WWII and post-1945 exhibits
Evening Shows and Entertainment
Several performances and films premiere or run on Anzac Day evening. Cultural offerings cover various genres and preferences:
- The Accountant 2: Ben Affleck returns in cinemas from April 24
- Bob Downe: Choose Bob: Brisbane Comedy Festival, Brisbane Powerhouse, 6pm, $54.90 to $69
- Sarah Pascoe: I Am a Strange Gloop: Brisbane Powerhouse, 8.15pm, $54.90
- The Buzz Lovers perform Nirvana Nevermind: Tribute show at The Triffid, 7.30pm, $59.90
- Brisbane Chamber Choir: Reincarnations: With Umberto Clerici, St John’s Anglican Cathedral, 7pm, tickets up to $90
Food, Adventure, and Challenges
The public can explore activities that combine commemoration and recreation:
Figure 4: The Story Bridge Adventure Climb is now operating from the northern side of the river
- Story Bridge Adventure Climb: Runs all day from 8.30am to 9pm; prices from $139.95 to $169.95
- Eat Street Northshore: Open 4pm to 10pm; includes food stalls, two-up (5–8pm), and live performances; entry $6
- Quest Room, Spring Hill: Escape rooms open from 10am to 10pm; ticket price is $55 per person
Also Read: Anzac Day 2025: Australians Prepare to Honour Service and Sacrifice
Brisbane Balances Respect with Recreation
ANZAC Day in Brisbane provides many ways to observe and participate. The day begins with remembrance and continues with reflection, entertainment and education. With varied events from dawn to night, Brisbane honours the spirit of the ANZACs across generations and communities.
