The best things to do on ANZAC Day in Melbourne this year

Join thousands of veterans, their descendants and current serving personnel to pay respect to the ANZACs at the Shrine of Remembrance on April 25. This year, the Dawn Service will commence at 5.30am, followed by the ANZAC Day March at 9am. After the march concludes, a commemorative service will be held. All are welcome to attend, and no tickets or bookings are required.

ANZAC Day is one of the biggest days on the footy calendar, and this year Essendon and Collingwood will go head-to-head once again in what's sure to be a memorable match. Kick-off is at 3.20pm down at the 'G – but if you haven't snagged a ticket, head to one of Melbourne's many sports bars and pubs to catch all the action live on big screens. 

A true-blue Aussie tradition, the gambling game of two-up is only legal in Melbourne on ANZAC Day. Brought over to Australia as 'pitch and toss' by the English and Irish, it was rife through the gold rush days and equally popular with soldiers during World War I. So after honouring the Diggers at an ANZAC Day service, head to the local RSL or pub for a game or two.

We love this beautiful city of ours, but sometimes it's nice to get out into nature for a stroll – or something more intense. Dust off those hiking boots, pack that scroggin, fill your Camelbak and get ready to explore some of the most gorgeous hikes within an easy drive of Melbourne.

There's truly something for everyone to enjoy across Melbourne's theatres in April. Keen for a teen-angst musical packed with murderous mayhem? Heathers the Musical is for you. Partial to the "did they really just say that?” kind of humour, look no further than The Book of Mormon. How about an award-winning play starring titan actors and jam-packed with laughs? Art ticks all those boxes. See? Melbourne can do it all.

The best thing about the great outdoors is that it’s for everyone to enjoy – whether you’re an experienced caravanner, a glamper or a fresh-faced camper. The most important thing to remember though is this is a shared space you’re setting your tent down in, not your own backyard. 

There's nothing quite like escaping the rat race, going off grid and getting back to nature. Of course, going bush doesn't have to mean going without. Enter glamping. A number of businesses around Victoria now provide spacious, comfortable and (importantly) already set-up tents for folks to hire out. 

Victoria is a fantastic state to explore by car. From idyllic coastal towns to breathtaking alpine regions, our state has got a bit of everything. Buckle up and get ready to explore Victoria on one of the best road trips from Melbourne. We've done all the research so all you need to do is hop in the car and choose where to go. 

If you're a fan of street art, you've come to the right city. Melbourne is famous for its colourful walls, with street art found in every corner of the city and suburbs. There are, however, a few places that are particularly well known for their urban art offerings, many of which are within easy walking distance in the CBD.