How to commemorate ANZAC Day on the road

Many Australians take the opportunity to travel around the ANZAC Day public holiday for an extended break, so for those who might be enroute or on the road this year, here are a few handy tips to help you commemorate ANZAC Day away from home. 

1. Include ANZAC biscuits in your road trip snacks 

It wouldn’t be ANZAC Day without the iconic golden, oaty treats.  

Whether you prefer store-bought or homemade ANZAC bikkies, be sure to include a few in your road trip snack pack. If homemade is more your style, we’ve got you covered with our delicious ANZAC biscuit recipe that we guarantee the whole family will love.  

2. Play a commemorative service 

While attending a service might not be possible if you’re somewhere remote or already on the road, we’ve got a few downloadable audio recordings at the ready so you could have a moment of quiet reflection on your own. These can be downloaded before you set off and played over the car stereo at a time that suits you on the day. 

Alternatively, tune into the ANZAC Day broadcast on ABC Radio or (if you can access the internet) the ABC listen app.  

3. Organise a pitstop to enjoy a gunfire breakfast 

Another iconic ANZAC Day tradition is the gunfire breakfast. Historically, ‘gunfire’ refers to the tot of rum that was once given to soldiers alongside their breakfast as an extra measure of ‘liquid courage’ before battle. It was commonly added to their tea or coffee.  

Over time the ‘gunfire breakfast’ has evolved and can be ‘baked beans and toast’, ‘bacon and eggs’, or even ‘stew, sausage and bread’. 

With most cafes closed on ANZAC Day, why not organise a pitstop in the morning to enjoy your own version of a ‘gunfire breakfast’ picnic with some pre-packed goodies? Some RSL Sub Branches also host a ‘gunfire breakfast’ that may be open to the community, so it’s worth having a look into whether the nearest Sub Branch to you is hosting anything.  

4. Recite the Ode and reflect 

The Ode recited at ANZAC Day commemorations is the fourth stanza of Laurence Binyon's poem For the Fallen, first published in the London Times in 1914.  

A good way to honour the service and sacrifice of all military personnel is to recite it with your loved ones and reflect on the meaning of its words.  

The Ode 

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. 

Read the full For the Fallen poem.  

5. Attend a nearby ANZAC Day service  

Depending on your schedule, a great way to commemorate ANZAC Day would be to visit a nearby service or march at a local RSL Sub Branch.  

So, before you hit the road, find your nearest service to the town you’ll be passing through or visiting on ANZAC Day.  

This ANZAC Day  

ANZAC Day (25 April) is a time to recognise all who have served our nation, and their invaluable legacy.  

Wherever you’ll be on ANZAC Day, please join the community in attending a commemorative service.  

There’s no greater way to honour those who have served.  

Plan your ANZAC Day