Each year, on the 25th of April, Australians come together to observe Anzac Day. This national public holiday is characterized by solemn dawn services, parades, and various activities throughout Queensland, all dedicated to honoring and remembering the sacrifices made by those who served their countries since World War I. Below, you’ll find details of the main Anzac Day 2024 dawn services and events on the Gold Coast.
Tweed Heads & Coolangatta
Starting at 5:45 AM, organizers will hold the solemn Dawn Service at Chris Cunningham Park, located at Wharf Street, Tweed Heads. Another service will follow at the same location from 10:55 AM to 11:45 AM.
Currumbin RSL
Beginning at 5:00 AM, the Dawn Service will take place at Elephant Rock on Currumbin Beach. This service includes the poignant Burial at Sea ritual, where surf boats will carry and scatter the ashes of servicemen and women who have passed away in the past year.
Renowned Australian musician John Williamson will perform his iconic song “Hey True Blue” as part of the tribute. The service will be broadcast live by Channel 7 Sunrise. Following the Dawn Service, a Gunfire breakfast will be available free for veterans, sub-branch members, and serving personnel, and at a nominal fee of $5 for the general public at Currumbin RSL, located at 165 Duringan Street, Currumbin.
For Anzac Day on the Gold Coast, assemble at Winders Park, Duringan St Currumbin at 10:35 AM for a March off at 10:55 AM. Up next will be a commemorative service at the Currumbin RSL Cenotaph. Moreover, the ceremony will take place at the Currumbin RSL Cenotaph at 11:00 am.
Burleigh Heads
Another place to observe the Anzac Day is at Burleigh Heads. Held from 4:15 AM to 5:30 AM at the Memorial Park Cenotaph, located at the corner of Connor Street and Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads. From 9:15 am to 11:00 AM, a service will be held again at the Memorial Park Cenotaph.
Nerang
From 4:40 am to 5:20 am, the Dawn Service will be held at 69 Nerang Street, Nerang.
Surfers Paradise
Running from 5:30 AM to 7:00 AM, observe the Dawn Service at the Anzac Memorial located at 5 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise. For the march, the Dawn Parade kicks off at 5:00 AM on Beach Road. Moreover, please assemble at 4:45 AM outside Subway, 9 Beach Road, Surfers Paradise.
Also, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, the Anzac Day ceremony will take place at Cavill Park.
Southport
Starting at 5:00 AM, the Dawn Service will be held at Anzac Park. It is in the southern end of the Broadwater Parklands. The Anzac Day ceremony will take place in the same place from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Moreover, the march will start at 8:00 AM at the Aquatic Centre car park on Lind Street, Southport, with step-off approximately at 8:30 AM.
Runaway Bay
Starting at 5:00 AM, volunteers will hold the Dawn Service adjacent to the library at Anzac Place Cenotaph. On the other hand, the march will form in the Seagulls Rugby League car park and proceed to Anzac Place Cenotaph starting at 9:30 am.
The Anzac Day Ceremony is set for 10:00 AM at Anzac Place Cenotaph (Runaway Bay).
Helensvale
In the Memorial Wall, the Dawn Service will begin at 5:00 AM. It is located at 20 Discovery Drive, Helensvale.
Tamborine Mountain
The Dawn Service will take place at the Cenotaph on Main Street, North Tamborine, starting at 5:00 AM. Afterwards, attendees are free to join a shotgun breakfast at the Tamborine Mountain Community Centre, Beacon Road.
Forming up in front of the Zania Theatre on Main Street at 9:45 AM, the march will proceed to the Cenotaph, followed by the leading service. Meanwhile, the Anzac Day ceremony will begin at 10:00 AM at the Cenotaph, North Tamborine. After the customary Two-Up game, refreshments will be served in the Tamborine Mountain Community Centre on Beacon Road.
More Information
For further information on your nearest Anzac Day service, you can visit the RSL Queensland website.
Various venues cater to Anzac Day’s events. It allows a blend of solemn reflection and community celebration. Here’s a rundown of the activities:
Currumbin RSL
Join in the Anzac Day afternoon at Currumbin RSL on the Gold Coast with the following timeline:
- 12:30 PM: The club opens its doors.
- 12:30 PM: Two-Up, a traditional Anzac Day game, begins.
- 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM: Enjoy free entertainment by Mckenzie Duo.
- 3:00 PM: The club transitions to an adult-only environment. They will no longer allow those under 18.
- Dusk: Anzac Day activities at the club conclude around 5:00 PM
Diggers & Sports Club
Diggers & Sports Club invites you to a lively Anzac Day celebration featuring live music by The Runes and Trace Duo starting at 1:00 PM. Two-Up games commence at 2:30 PM.
Robina Pavilion
From 11:00 AM onwards, Robina Pavilion will host live music and Two-Up games throughout the day. Enjoy pop-ups by Smoked Kitchen and Burleigh Brewing. The Mudgeeraba Robina RSL Sub Branch will get the support entirely from the earnings from Two-Up. Additionally, you can contribute to the cause by donating to RSL collection tins around the venue.
Southport Sharks
Experience the Anzac Day spirit with a memorable clash between Collingwood and Essendon at Southport Sharks. Head to Mackenzie’s Beer Garden from 3:20 PM to catch the game live on their massive 5.25m2 screen! Plus, enjoy complimentary halftime footy food. Frenzy’s Dinner Buffet offers complimentary meals for children who dine with paying adults and complimentary face painting from 1 PM to 4 PM.
Honouring Sacrifice and Community Spirit
As Anzac Day approaches, communities across the Gold Coast gear up for a day of solemn remembrance and heartfelt tribute. From the poignant dawn services at iconic locations like Currumbin Beach and Burleigh Heads to the lively afternoon festivities at Currumbin RSL and Southport Sharks, the spirit of camaraderie and gratitude shines through. Amidst the rituals of Two-Up games and live music, Anzac Day on the Gold Coast is a testament to all Australians’ enduring legacy of service and sacrifice.
Also read: Discovering the Best RSL Clubs in Gold Coast