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ANZAC day in Manly

As the haunting sounds of ‘The Last Post’ ring out over Manly this Anzac Day, Friday 25th April, we will remember them.

From the shores of Gallipoli to the deserts of Afghanistan and every war, conflict and peacekeeping operation in between, we will acknowledge all those who have served.

Anzac Day is an emotional day for many; a day of remembrance and an opportunity to pay respect and give thanks.

While it’s difficult now to reconcile the idea of the Northern Beaches with the theatre of war – our casual laidback atmosphere and happy blue skies clash with the concept of battle-torn and battle- worn – we have not been immune to the destruction of war. War took our young men just like elsewhere, and many it did not return.

Wandering through the Corso with only the beach in mind, it’s easy to overlook our beautiful War Memorial outside Council Town Hall. But stop and read the inscriptions and a picture emerges of a small beachside village that has seen its share of heartbreak.

This memorial was erected in 1916 by the family of Private Alan David Mitchell, the first soldier of Manly to fall at Gallipoli and whose name takes pride of place. He had served less than six months. Another local lad, Sapper Fred Reynolds, considered the first official casualty at Gallipoli, is also memorialised here.

Before darkness releases us from its grasp this Anzac Day, the dawn services will begin, followed later in the day by commemorative services and finally the Anzac tradition of two-up, played by soldiers to relieve boredom during WWI. It’s a game so tied to the tradition of Anzac Day that most parts of Australia declare it illegal on any day except 25th April.

If you would like to be part of our ceremonies in Manly, here is a list of services and events.

Dawn Services

Grab an early breakfast after the Dawn Service and watch the sun rise over Manly Beach. A number of businesses, including Belgrave Cartel, will be trading from 4am.

Manly Commemorative Service

  • Manly War Memorial, The Corso, 11am (arrive 10.40am)

Other events

Harbord RSL sub-branch in partnership with Manly Rugby Club and Warringah Rugby Club will hold a special Anzac Day service at Manly Oval starting at 2.50pm, followed at 3.10pm by the Battle of the Beaches, a first-grade rugby game between Manly Marlins and Warringah Rats.

Entry is free from 12pm for all veterans and current ADF members wearing medals.

Two-up

The following Manly venues will be holding two-up on Anzac Day:

Be sure to check all events and venues to confirm details prior to Anzac Day.

Take an Anzac Day Tour at Q Station

In the final months of 1918, at the close of WWI, Spanish Flu took hold around the world. Returning soldiers and nurses from the Western Front found themselves quarantined here in Manly at our Quarantine Station. Hear their stories this Anzac Day on a special tour at Q Station. The tours take one hour, with starting times of 10am, 11.30am and 1pm. Book now.

Other ways to recognise Anzac Day

  • Fly your Australian flag at half-mast on the day
  • Bake traditional Anzac biscuits – see this traditional recipe from The Australian Women’s Weekly or use your own that may have been passed down through generations
  • Make a poppy and stick it to your mailbox to show support – learn how here.
  • Inspired by the beautiful at-home dawn services held during COVID lockdown in 2020 and called Light Up the Dawn, host your own quiet reflection on your street with your neighbours.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: 
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. 
At the going down of the sun and in the morning 
We will remember them.

Lest we forget