ANZAC Day 2025: Sydney Events & Commemorations

ANZAC Day 2025 will be observed nationally on Friday, 25 April, honouring Australian and New Zealand military personnel who served in conflicts and peacekeeping missions.

Sydney is central to Australia's commemorations, hosting respectful ceremonies, community gatherings, and memorable experiences. Events such as dawn services, commemorative marches, and activities like the annual ANZAC Day Dawn Climb attract thousands each year.

This guide outlines Sydney's key ANZAC Day events, allowing meaningful participation in commemorating Australia's history.

The Significance of ANZAC Day

ANZAC Day commemorates the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. 

Although the Gallipoli campaign was costly, it established a powerful legacy of courage, mateship, resilience, and sacrifice values central to Australian identity.

Each year, ANZAC Day reminds Australians to reflect on past conflicts and appreciate the freedoms protected through those sacrifices.

ANZAC Day Events in Sydney 2025

Sydney commemorates ANZAC Day through a range of respectful and meaningful events. These provide opportunities to reflect, pay tribute, and unite as a community.

Major ANZAC Day Sydney Events

Sydney’s ANZAC commemorations include dawn services, the ANZAC Day March, community ceremonies, sporting fixtures, and cultural traditions, all highlighting the day's significance.

ANZAC Day Dawn Services

Dawn services are solemn ceremonies held at sunrise, reflecting the moment ANZAC soldiers first landed at Gallipoli. These involve wreath-laying, a minute's silence, and reflective gatherings.

Martin Place (CBD)

Sydney’s primary ANZAC Day service at the Cenotaph draws thousands who gather to remember fallen soldiers. 

Suburban & Regional Services

Local communities such as Parramatta, Cronulla, Bondi, and Manly hold dawn services, providing more intimate opportunities for remembrance.

RSL-Hosted Commemorations

RSL clubs play an important role in ANZAC Day commemorations, with initiatives supporting veterans and families.

BridgeClimb ANZAC Day Climb and Dawn Service

Participants ascend Sydney Harbour Bridge at dawn for a special remembrance ceremony. Past climbs have included meaningful partnerships supporting veterans. See highlights from past services.

ANZAC Day March Sydney

Sydney’s ANZAC Day March is among Australia's most significant, honouring veterans and current service members. 

Unlike parades, this march carries deep solemnity and respect. Veterans, their families, and descendants march through the CBD, particularly along Elizabeth Street and George Street, in a powerful tribute.

ANZAC Day Commemoration Ceremonies

Across Sydney, ceremonies include wreath-laying at key memorials, such as the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park and Martin Place Cenotaph. Special remembrance services also occur in churches, synagogues, and community halls.

ANZAC Day Celebrations & Traditions in Sydney

Community gatherings traditionally include the uniquely Australian game of two-up, legal for public play exclusively on ANZAC Day. Sydney’s pubs and clubs foster community spirit through these celebratory events.

ANZAC Day Sporting Events

Sport plays an important role in ANZAC commemorations, notably through the annual NRL ANZAC Day matches, including fixtures such as Sydney Roosters vs St. George Illawarra Dragons. 

Other sports such as rugby union, AFL, and soccer also hold commemorative matches celebrating the ANZAC spirit.

Sydney’s diverse commemorations, from reflective ceremonies to sporting traditions, deliver meaningful ways to participate in ANZAC Day 2025.

Must-Do Anzac Day Activities in Sydney

Sydney provides numerous historical and cultural activities on ANZAC Day, allowing visitors and locals to engage authentically with Australia's commemorative traditions.

Top Activities & Experiences on ANZAC Day

Sydney’s ANZAC Day experiences include attending the March, visiting significant memorials, and exploring historic sites. Each presents opportunities to reflect, honour veterans, and better understand ANZAC history.

Sydney’s ANZAC Day March

Join thousands attending this poignant event, with prime viewing spots along George Street, Martin Place, and Elizabeth Street.

Must-Visit Memorials & Historic Sites

• ANZAC Memorial at Hyde Park: Offers a profound space dedicated to military service.
• Australian National Maritime Museum: Features exhibitions on naval history.

Numerous suburban memorials across Sydney also provide quiet places for reflection.

Sydney’s memorials and historic locations deeply enrich visitors’ commemorative experiences.

Planning Your ANZAC Day in Sydney

Planning helps ensure your ANZAC Day experience is smooth, respectful, and rewarding. Consider event schedules, viewing locations, transportation options, and dining availability.

How is ANZAC Day Commemorated?

In Sydney, commemorations start with dawn services, followed by marches, ceremonies, sporting events, and community gatherings. As a public holiday, ANZAC Day promotes reflection and unity across Australia.

Best Spots to Watch the Parade & Services

The best viewing locations for the ANZAC Day March and dawn services are:

• Martin Place: Ideal for dawn service attendance and early march viewing.
• George Street & Elizabeth Street: Popular parade viewing points within the CBD.
• Hyde Park: Excellent for attending ceremonies at the ANZAC Memorial and post-march events.

Arriving early is advisable, as these locations become crowded quickly.

Transport & Road Closures on ANZAC Day

Public transport in Sydney provides additional services on ANZAC Day, often including free travel periods. Due to extensive road closures around Martin Place, Hyde Park, and the CBD, driving in the city centre is restricted. Check Transport NSW for updates.

Where to Eat on ANZAC Day in Sydney

Sydney cafés and restaurants often feature ANZAC-themed menus on this special day. Local bakeries across the city sell fresh ANZAC biscuits, while popular dining areas like The Rocks, Darling Harbour, and the CBD provide ample dining options post-commemoration.

Honour ANZAC Day with BridgeClimb

ANZAC Day is an important time to reflect and honour the bravery and sacrifice of those who've served Australia and New Zealand. Sydney commemorations including dawn services, the ANZAC Day March, community events, and traditional two-up unite locals and visitors in respectful tribute.

This ANZAC Day, consider participating in the BridgeClimb Dawn Climb for a meaningful commemoration with unique Sydney views. 

Spaces for the ANZAC Day Climb are limited, so secure your spot early. Book your ANZAC Day Climb now before spaces fill.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• When is ANZAC Day 2025?

ANZAC Day falls on Friday, April 25, 2025. It’s a national public holiday in Australia.

• What’s open on ANZAC Day in Sydney?

Most shops open from midday, while essential services, attractions, public transport, and hospitality venues operate with adjusted hours.

• Can I attend multiple ANZAC Day events?

Yes, with careful planning. Public transport options, event schedules, and city layouts support attendance at multiple events.

• Where can I learn more about ANZAC history in Sydney?

Visit ANZAC Memorial Hyde Park, the Australian National Maritime Museum, and local historical sites and museums dedicated to military history.