Attending an Anzac Day dawn service is for many Aussies the most important way to start the national day of remembrance on April 25.
Across Sydney, thousands of people will begin Anzac Day on April 25 by attending a dawn service, before they head off cheer the Anzac Day march through the CBD or head to the pub for a game of two-up. And whether it’s at the city’s biggest event at The Cenotaph at Martin Place or at one of the more intimate gatherings scattered across the city at local memorials, these solemn dawn services are intrinsic to paying respect to servicemen and women who have fallen in battle.
Anzac Day dawn services, which are open to all, are profoundly moving commemorations and something that everyone should experience – if not every year, then at least once in their lives.
And with so many services happening across Sydney, it’s easy to find one near you. Or you can join the thousands that will gather for Sydney’s main commemoration at The Cenotaph in Martin Place.
Read on for details of some of the well-attended dawn services and commemorations you’ll find in Sydney. And don’t forget to put a sprig of rosemary in your lapel or pinned to your clothes or a hat – the aromatic herb grows wild on the Gallipoli peninsula and is worn on Anzac Day as a symbol of remembrance.
1. The Cenotaph in Martin Place
Thousands travel to The Cenotaph in Martin Place for Sydney’s dawn service. It starts at 4:20am, so set those alarms. While the event is open to all and free to attend, it does have a restriction on numbers so once capacity is reached, you will be turned away.
During the service, there will be a catafalque contingent, an Ode of Remembrance – taken from a 1914 poem by the English poet, Laurence Binyon – Last Post bugle call, a minute’s silence, a Reveille played on a bugle and the laying of the wreaths. Gathering in the pre-dawn darkness, the service lasts around 45 minutes to an hour, until the sky starts to lighten.
After the ceremony, you’re perfectly placed to grab a coffee and then find a prime position to watch the Anzac Day march through the CBD.
Where: The Cenotaph at Martin Place, Sydney.
When: 4.20am
2. North Sydney
North of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, all members of the community are invited to North Sydney War Memorial, which stands in St Leonard’s Park, just behind North Sydney Oval. The North Sydney RSL Sub-Branch will hold a traditional dawn service which will include a commemorative address and the laying of wreath. On-site seating is available for seniors and those who require it. Breakfast and drinks will be available after the service from The Greens, North Sydney.
Where: North Sydney War Memorial, 71–83 Ridge St, North Sydney.
When: 5.45am-7am
3. North Bondi
The North Bondi service is a popular alternative to the Martin Place event and is one of the latest too, starting just 25 minutes before sunrise, at 6am. Head to North Bondi RSL, just a stone’s throw from the famous beach. Around 10,000 people are anticipated to attend, so full closure of a section of Campbell Parade and Ramsgate Avenue will apply until the service ends at around 7am.
Where: North Bondi RSL, 118-120 Ramsgate Ave, North Bondi.
When: 6am
4. Mosman
Georges Heights Parade Ground on Best Avenue will host the Mosman RSL Sub-Branch’s Dawn Service, starting at 5:30am until 6:30am. The service will include a Catafalque party, wreath laying and the Act of Remembrance. This year, he Anzac Commemorative Address will be given by Army veteran Rodney “Rocket” Cottam, and music will be provided by Mosman High School.
Following the service, Frenchy’s Café will be open for breakfast from 6:30am and there’s the coastal path, from Georges Head to Middle Head–Gubbuh Gubbuh to check out.
Where: Old Parade Ground, Best Avenue, Georges Heights
When: 6.30am
5. Coogee
Starting at 5:30am, the Coogee Anzac Day Dawn Service is produced in collaboration with the Coogee Randwick Clovelly RSL sub-branch. The service will include a Welcome to Country, prayer, laying of wreaths, Last Post bugle call, a minute’s silence, the New Zealand and Australian Anthems, and other special musical performances.
Be aware that there will be road closures and parking restrictions around the area for the event.
Where: Goldstein Reserve, Arden Street, Coogee Beach
When: 5.30am
6. Parramatta
The City of Parramatta RSL sub‑Branch will host the Anzac Day Dawn Service and March through the Parramatta CBD. The march begins at 4.15am from Parramatta Town Hall followed by the Dawn Service at Prince Alfred Square, beginning at 4.30am. After the service the march continues to Club Parramatta.
Where: Parramatta Town Hall, Church Street, Parramatta, then on to Prince Alfred Square, Church Street
When: March begins at 4.15am, Dawn Service begins at 4.30am
7. Cronulla
South of Sydney, there will be a march from the Cronulla RSL Club to Cronulla Park where the dawn service will be held. It starts a day-long program of events including sport and entertainment across the Club and surrounding grounds. Following the service, enjoy a complimentary rum and milk from the big-hearted Bites by the Bay Cafe.
Where: Cronulla RSL Club, 38 Gerrale Street, Cronulla.
When: assemble for the march at 5.15am, dawn service begins at 5.30am
8. Hornsby
Hornsby RSL Sub-branch will host a march and dawn service, leaving from the front of the Hornsby RSL Club at 4.30am. It will be followed by their traditional Gunfire Breakfast in The Showroom from 5.45am, for a “gold coin” donation with all proceeds supporting Legacy, an initiative to provide support for veteran families. It’s the start of a day filled with music, two-up, and reflection.
Where: Hornsby RSL Club, 4 High St, Hornsby
When: March begins at 4.30am, dawn service at 5am at The Cenotaph
9. Penrith
In Penrith, Anzac Day begins at 4.30am with a silent march from Castlereagh St, outside of the Penrith RSL Club, to Memory Park. Once all the marchers are assembled, the dawn service will begin about 5am. After the service, breakfast will be provided by Penrith RSL Club.
Where: Memory Park, High St, Penrith
When: About 5am, after the march
