It’s the day where even non-morning folk are up-and-at-it before the birds – and wouldn’t have it any other way. Monday 25th April 2022 is ANZAC Day, one of our country’s most pivotal national holidays when we gather to pay our respects to our courageous fallen servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives for the greater good. This year will mark the 107th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, and the bravery and heroic actions of these selfless souls will never be forgotten.
The Gold Coast hosts a number of dawn services, plus opportunities for us all to come together afterward with friends and family, share a drink and a game of two up.
Lest we forget.
Anzac Day Services
Tweed Heads & Coolangatta Dawn Service 5.55am
Held at Chris Cunningham Park, Wharf Street, Tweed Heads
Currumbin RSL Dawn Service 5am
Held at Elephant Rock on Currumbin Beach, 741 Pacific Parade Currumbin. Head back for a gunfire breakfast with $5 bacon and egg rolls from 6.15am at the Currumbin RSL, 165 Duringan Street, Currumbin
Burleigh Heads Dawn Service 4.25am
Held at the Memorial Park Cenotaph, corner of Connor Street and Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
Mudgeeraba Dawn Service 4.45am
Held at Elsie Laver Park, 12 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba. After the service at 5.30am, there will be a traditional gunfire breakfast in the Mudgeeraba Memorial Hall, 62 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba
Nerang Dawn Service 4.45am
Held at 69 Nerang Street, Nerang
Surfers Paradise Dawn Service 5.30am
Held at the Anzac Memorial, 5 The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
Southport Dawn Service 4.30am
Held at Anzac Park, Broadwater Parklands, Southport
Runaway Bay Dawn Service 5am
Held next to the library at the Anzac Place Cenotaph, Lae Drive, Runaway Bay
Helensvale Dawn Service 5.20am
Held at Memorial Wall, 20 Discovery Drive, Helensvale
Tamborine Mountain Dawn Service 5am
Held at the Cenotaph, The Circle of Remembrance, Corner of Main Street and Geissmann Drive, Tamborine Mountain
ANZAC Day Events
Currumbin RSL
Although the ANZAC Day Luncheon has sold out, the club will be open to the public from 12.30pm for ANZAC Day activities. Two up kicks off at 1pm, with free entertainment including Kel Peterson (Smashed Crabs) from 1pm – 5pm. Please note that if you have your younger folk in tow, under 18’s will be required to leave the premises at 3pm.
Where: 165 Duringan Street, Currumbin
Treetops Tavern
Commemorate our diggers and savour mateship at Treetops Tav, with a free sausage sizzle and two up from 2pm to 5pm in the Sports Bar. There are of course meals available from 12pm in the bistro if you’re in need of something more substantial. Remember, bookings are essential.
Where: 7 Executive Drive, Burleigh Waters
Burleigh Heads Bowls Club
Pop down to this local fave for two up from 12pm, and barefoot bowls at 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm. There’s even an outdoor DJ to set the tone for an afternoon of togetherness and honouring our fallen heroes.
Where: Corner of Connor Street & Park Avenue, Burleigh Heads
Southport Sharks
Commemorate the day with an ANZAC Day Double Header clash as Hawthorn takes on Sydney, then, later on, catch Collingwood and Essendon, at none other than Sharks. Head into Mackenzie’s Beer Garden from 12.30pm to watch all the action broadcast live on their huge 5.25m2 screen! Plus, those who are there will enjoy free half-time footy food!
Where: Corner Olsen & Musgrave Avenue, Southport
The Star Gold Coast
You’re invited to indulge in a traditional ANZAC Day house-made honey oat biscuit and small coffee combo at M&G Café & Bar. Also, the Sports Bar is screening the notorious NRL and AFL ANZAC Day Footy back-to-back clashes all live, large & loud. Round up your peeps and book your booth today.
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
The Cavill Hotel
Remembering those who fought for our country, The Cavill Hotel is welcoming locals in for a cold beer and to enjoy the AFL ANZAC doubleheader matches from 12.30pm and 3.20pm. In addition, they’re also airing the NRL games from 4pm and 7pm, live on the biggest screen in Surfers Paradise.
Where: 46 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Anzac Day Meeting at Beaudesert Race Club
ANZAC Day Races at Beaudesert Race Club is a long-held local tradition that brings the town together, both young, old and all those in between! Come along for a great day of racing and remember our diggers for the sacrifice they made to enable all of us to enjoy days like this. Gates open at 11am and admission is $10 for adults (free for children).
Where: Beaudesert Race Club, Beaudesert Boonah Road, Beaudesert
Words by Bianca Trathen.