Thousands of Australians gathered at dawn services around the nation to mark Anzac Day this morning, a tradition that's been observed for 110 years.

Despite occasional debate about its place in modern life, a new survey by UNSW shows 85% of Australians aged under 40 believe Anzac Day is an important national occasion. Researchers also found young Aussies are the most likely to engage regularly with Anzac Day activities.

Across all age groups, Australians consider veterans “crucial to commemoration,“ UNSW War Studies Lecturer Nicole Townsend said.

“Veterans have long been the cornerstone of Anzac Day, whether at the dawn service or Anzac Day marches… It is important we ensure their voices are heard now, and recorded for future generations,” she added.

For today’s newsletter, I wanted to share a round-up of Anzac stories from across the country. Let’s get into it.

Anzac Day commemorates 25 April 1915, when Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) troops landed at Gallipoli in what became one of WWI’s most costly campaigns. Of the 16,000 men who landed on the Gallipoli peninsula that day, more than 2,000 were killed or injured by the next morning.

Over time, Anzac Day has grown into something broader – a day to honour all Australians who have served, and to reflect on national values of courage, mateship and sacrifice.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) is highlighting family ties across generations this Anzac Day, “like the shared experience of Vietnam veteran Bill and his son, an Iraq and Timor veteran, marching together. And the countless Australians who wear their parents’ and grandparents’ medals on national days of remembrance.”

Anzac Day “honours these common threads of connection, love and belonging that sustain those who serve, their families and loved ones,” DVA said.

Lest we forget.

Two-up is illegal almost every day of the year, but Anzac Day is its moment in the sun.

The origins of the game are murky; even historians at the Australian War Memorial aren’t sure exactly where it came from. What is clear is that it became hugely popular among troops during WWI. It was simple, accessible, and required no great skill – the perfect distraction from the realities of war.

Back home, two-up was always technically illegal as an unregulated form of gambling, but authorities traditionally turned a blind eye on Anzac Day as a nod to those who made it famous. These days, states and territories have formalised that exception by rewriting gambling laws, though the fine print varies between jurisdictions. For example, venues in some states must apply for permits to host two-up games.

Victoria allows two-up to be conducted in its RSLs on Anzac Day and in the seven days leading up to it. In WA, venues more than 100km from Crown Perth can apply for a permit to host it, with stricter rules applying to events closer to the casino. In NSW, two-up is permitted on Anzac Day, as well as Victory in the Pacific Day (15 August) and Remembrance Day (11 November, but only after 12pm).

Two towns have managed to secure a year-round licence: Broken Hill (NSW) and Kalgoorlie (WA). These towns successfully argued that two-up is an embedded part of their cultural heritage, and lawmakers agreed.

Every year in the lead-up to 25 April, Aussie kitchens, supermarkets, and bakeries fill with the gorgeous golden sight of Anzac biscuits.

According to RSL Victoria, “the humble biscuit came to the fore in Australia when tins of the morsels were sent in care packages [by loved ones at home] to troops on the frontlines of WWI”.

But did you know that not just any bikkie can be called an Anzac biscuit?

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has specific guidelines on what does and doesn’t make the cut. In a 2022 document, DVA said only biscuits baked to traditional recipes, with ingredients like oats, coconut, golden syrup and butter, can be sold as Anzac biscuits. It specifies that adding chocolate and fruit or creating an Anzac cheesecake is not only sacrilege - it’s against the rules! However, adaptations for dietary requirements (like vegan and gluten-free options) are above board.

Historians note WWI-era Anzac biscuits would’ve been a harder bikkie made from a blend of flour, sugar, salt and milk powder, often eaten by troops “as a substitute for bread, or crumbled up and used as porridge,” RSL Victoria said.

Next time you tuck into this Aussie classic remember: not just any biscuit is an Anzac biscuit.

And whatever you do, do not call it an Anzac cookie!

Reporting by Emily Donohoe.

Away from the dawn services and the two-up rings, Anzac Day has also become one of the biggest days on the Aussie sporting calendar.

AFL: Essendon Bombers v Collingwood Magpies, 3:20pm (AEST)

The Anzac Day clash between Essendon and Collingwood has been played every year since 1995. Collingwood leads the all-time series 18 wins to 10, with two draws, and won last year by 41 points. The Bombers come in at 1-5 and are one of the competition’s form stories in recent weeks. Their first win of the season was against an in-form Melbourne Demons side, and they have scored over 100 points in back-to-back games for the first time in over a year. Collingwood (3-3) welcome back midfielders Steele Sidebottom and Jordan De Goey from injury for the occasion.
Where to watch: Channel 7, Fox Footy, and Kayo.

NRL: St George Illawarra Dragons v Sydney Roosters, 4pm (AEST)

The Anzac Day Cup has been played between the Dragons and Roosters since 2002. In the 24 editions played so far, each team has won 12 times. The Roosters have won the last three. The Dragons are on an 11-match losing streak dating back to last season and come in off the back of a tumultuous week. Coach Shane Flanagan was sacked on Monday and former player and assistant Dean Young has stepped in as his replacement for the remainder of 2026. One of Young’s first decisions was to drop halfback Kyle Flanagan (the former coach’s son) and hand 20-year-old Kade Reed his NRL debut. On the other side, the Roosters have momentum after three straight wins and Billy Smith returns to the centres from a knee injury.
Where to watch: Fox League and Kayo.

Rugby union: Wallaroos v Black Ferns, 7:55pm (AEST)

Australia hosts New Zealand in the final match of the 2026 Pacific Four Series. It’s the first-ever Anzac Day Test between the two sides. Lock Michaela Leonard will make her 46th Test appearance on Saturday night, becoming the most-capped player in Wallaroos history. A Black Ferns win seals both the Series and the O'Reilly Cup, the trophy contested between Australia and New Zealand. The Wallaroos have lost their two previous matches in the tournament and have never defeated the Black Ferns since the two sides first played in 1994.
Where to watch: Stan Sport

Reporting by George Finlayson.

Whether or not you get a day off this Anzac Day depends on where you live.

For example, with the day falling on a Saturday this year and a Sunday next year, NSW has added an extra day off on the following Monday for 2026 and 2027.

Today is still a public holiday in all parts of the country, but only three states and territories get a long-weekend.

Here’s an easy cheat sheet for you:

Reporting by Anju Dhanushkodi.

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