20 things to do on Anzac Day in Brisbane

For many, April 25 is a sombre day of reflection upon the many Australians who perished in the two World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and other conflicts. For some, it’s simply another welcome day off in a month with no shortage of public holidays.

Uniquely on Anzac Day, many venues are closed for the morning and opening at lunchtime, so unless you are going to a Dawn Service it’s a strong encouragement to sleep in and take things at a relaxed pace.

Crowds gather at Anzac Square in Brisbane

The main Dawn Service is at Anzac Square, but RSLs around Brisbane are also hosting them – find one near you here. There are marches and parades across town as well.

Here’s our list of 20 things to do this Thursday:

COMMEMORATIVE

Anzac Day Dawn ServiceA solemn tradition that began in 1916 – one year to the day after the Gallipoli landing – the Anzac Day Dawn Service starts at 4.28am sharp at Brisbane City’s Shrine of Remembrance. Expect hymns, wreath-laying, a dignitary’s address and The Last Post. Arrival at 3.30am is recommended, so set the alarm.Anzac Square, Brisbane, 4.28am, free.

Anzac Day Parade, Brisbane CityThe Anzac Day Parade is an opportunity to pay tribute to those who have served and continue to serve in the armed forces. The parade heads down Adelaide Street from George Street to Creek Street.Adelaide Street, Brisbane, 9.45am-12.30pm, free.

Anzac Day Tour with the Brisbane GreetersBrisbane Greeters are passionate volunteers sharing Brisbane’s stories and places of interest. This 90-minute tour departs from City Hall and covers Brisbane’s military history, including the notorious Battle of Brisbane site, and the ways the city commemorates military service. There are special family tours happening as well, at 12.30pm and 2pm.Brisbane City Hall, 12.30pm, free. Book online.

Two-UpThe coin-based gambling game can be legally played in Queensland on Anzac Day. If you’re keen to experience this aspect of Australian culture, head to pubs including the Prince Consort in the Valley, the Regatta in Toowong, the Glen at Eight Mile Plains, the Boundary in West End, Riverbar and Kitchen in the city, or Howard Smith Wharves. As always, if gambling is a problem for you, do something else.

KIDS & FAMILIES

Jurassic World by Brickman Ryan “Brickman” McNaught re-imagines Jurassic World in an exhibition of large-scale dinosaurs, props, scenes and activities made from more than 6 million Lego bricks. Kids can build their own Lego dino-ramas, and when they’re done you can also take them to see the free Dinosaurs Unearthed exhibition downstairs featuring Queensland’s own prehistoric monsters.Queensland Museum Kurilpa, Anzac Day 1.30-5pm, $19.90-$29.90. Buy tickets.

Victoria Park Putt PuttVictoria Park’s mini-golf course twists, turns, goes over bridges and features unique challenges. Kids and adults alike can pass a happy hour here any time from 6am, but book ahead. Also try the mini golf at St Lucia (from 10am), Golf Central Airport (from 1pm), Mount Gravatt (from 1pm) and Meadowbrook (from 6am).309 Herston Road, Herston, Anzac Day 6am-10pm, $14-$20. Buy tickets.

Hit the trampolines at Bounce IncKids can indulge their love of trampolines at these five indoor venues across town and the Gold Coast. Expect some 3000 square metres of interconnected trampolines, adventure features, padding and airbags. Parents don’t have to buy a ticket and can wander about the place to supervise.Tingalpa, Morayfield, Carindale (Mini-Bounce), Macgregor and Burleigh Waters, from 1pm, $16-$21.50. Buy tickets.

Kingdom of KindnessA new exhibition for families by artist Abdul Abdullah is a world of friendly rock characters. The space features tic-tac-toe game boards, a mirrored wall of reflection, activity stations where families can get creative making kindness cards, and a rock-climbing wall.Children’s Gallery, Home of the Arts (HOTA) Gallery, Surfers Paradise, Anzac Day 1.30-4pm, free.

GALLERIES & MUSEUMS

Anzac Legacy Gallery at Queensland MuseumSalvaged by Queensland troops in 1919, the tank Mephisto is the only surviving example of a German A7V Sturmpanzerwagen in the world. See it at the Queensland Museum alongside objects of war and personal items belonging to those on the front line in World War I.Queensland Museum Kurilpa, 1.30-5pm, free.

Seen on the Screen at Brisbane Motor Museum The museum’s current show features hot rods such as the silver 1976 Datsun 260z used in Netflix series Boys Swallows Universe, a red 1966 Sunbeam Tiger made famous by spy sitcom Get Smart! and a replica of Doctor Who’s vintage jalopy Bessie.Brisbane Motor Museum, 959 Nudgee Road, Banyo, 8am-3pm, $12.50-$25. Buy tickets.

Italian Renaissance Alive at HOTA The makers of Van Gogh Alive present a multisensory experience featuring projections of works by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian, Veronese and more, with an operatic score featuring music by Puccini and Verdi. If a holiday to Rome and Florence is off the table, then a day trip to Surfers Paradise might be the next best thing.Home of the Arts (HOTA) Gallery, Surfers Paradise, until Aug 4, Anzac Day 1-4pm, $0-$39. Buy tickets.

Fairy Tales at GoMA Adults and kids alike will be spellbound by GoMA’s exclusive exhibition of art, movie costumes and installations based on folklore. See work by Del Kathryn Barton, Gustave Dore, Anish Kapoor, Yayoi Kusama, Ron Mueck, Tracey Moffatt and more, and costumes from Jim Henson’s Labyrinth. The show ends Sunday so be quick.GoMA, until Apr 28, Anzac Day 12-5pm, $0-$28. Buy tickets.

mudunama kundana wandaraba jarribirri Judy Watson at QAGFour decades of beautiful work by this great Queensland artist are comprehensively surveyed in this free show whose title translates as “tomorrow the tree grows stronger”.Queensland Art Gallery, until Aug 11, Anzac Day 12-5pm, free.

SHOWS & MOVIES

AlienIn space, no one can hear you scream – but in the Dendy Coorparoo? We’ll see. The most chilling and poetic of sci-fi horror films is so good, they’re still making sequels 45 years later – if you’ve never seen the original (and best) on the big screen, or ever, here is your chance.Dendy Coorparoo, 6.30pm, $15-$19.50. Buy tickets.

Beauty and the Beast This lavish, four-star theatrical extravaganza combines technological stage magic with finely tuned vocal and dancing prowess, not to mention 300 costumes. Disney’s classic stage musical is a beast of a show, and it’s hard not to fall in love with it. Lyric Theatre, QPAC, 1.30pm & 6.30pm, $80-$250. Buy tickets.

Adam Kay: This Is Going to HurtThe former doctor became a superstar on the publication of his grimly funny book This Is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor, outlining the poor treatment of junior doctors in the UK and a range of traumatic medical experiences.Powerhouse Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse, Apr 25 6.30pm & 8.30pm, Apr 26 6pm, $69.90. Buy tickets.

The Teacher’s LoungeThis powerful new German film concerns an idealistic teacher (Leonie Benesch) dealing with a theft scandal at a progressive high school. Nominated for the Best International Film Oscar, it opens here on Anzac Day.Palace Cinemas & Dendy Cinemas, from April 25, various prices.

OUTDOORS

Story Bridge Adventure Climb The bridge opened back in 1940 and climbing it is both a fascinating history lesson and an exhilarating adventure with amazing views. There’s perhaps no better way to appreciate how far Brisbane has come as a city than to admire its skyline, its river and its suburbs from the tippy-top and yes, they’re running on Anzac Day.170 Main St, Kangaroo Point, $144.95-$169.95. Buy tickets.

Anzac Day RacesEagle Farm Racecourse has bars, restaurants and a day’s worth of racing action on April 25. From the Public Lawn you have direct access to the fence line to view the top steeds jockeying for position.Eagle Farm Racecourse, 10.30am, $7.50-$20 (free for pensioners and under 17).

Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-thaNature is good for your mental health, and these gardens are free to enter. Highlights include cacti, the Bonsai House, Tropical Dome, bamboo grove, lagoon and Japanese Garden. At 1pm on Anzac Day there’ll be an Anzac-themed concert by BSB Swing at the bandstand lawn. Bring a picnic rug and basket and enjoy big-band hits ranging from Louis Armstrong to the Andrew Sisters.52 Mount Coot-tha Rd, Mount Coot-tha, 8am-5pm, free.