AFL Anzac Day 2025

WHEN
25 Apr 2025
WHERE
Melbourne
FROM
Waitlist
POSITION
Authorised Reseller
Collingwood vs Essendon
SHARE

Your AFL Anzac Day 2025 travel experience starts here.

Each Anzac Day, the MCG is transformed into the epicentre of sport for the AFL’s thrilling annual blockbuster: Collingwood vs Essendon. Stay for a long weekend in Melbourne to experience world-class attractions, restaurants, shopping and sports; including the Anzac Day eve match, Richmond vs Melbourne, NRL and more.

Choose from hand-picked Melbourne hotels just a short walk from the MCG, or customise your package with our expert team. On game day, enjoy pre-game hospitality off-site or on-site at the MCG and warm-up for the big match with gourmet food, drinks, special guests, entertainment and more. On-site hospitality enhances the experience with half-time refreshments, entertainment and more just moments from your reserved seat. During the match, enjoy premium seats at the MCG where you’ll watch 100,000 fans fall silent for the memorable Last Post and pay respects to our fallen heroes.

AFL Anzac Day is a fun experience for family, friends and colleagues, and makes for a great gift. No matter which team you support, the hospitality lunches are open to all. Enjoy the atmosphere, camaraderie and fun of Anzac Day footy with Events Travel in 2025.

Join the waitlist now to be the first to be notified with our official packages go on sale with priority access, early-bird pricing and other offers.

Join the waitlist

Beat the crowd and get the release straight to your inbox.
JOIN NOW 👇

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Privacy is important to us. Your data will only be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Why choose Events Travel

Access

Enjoy direct access to official tickets for many major events, a priority seat allocation system, access to hospitality, experiences and more.

Quality

Travel like a VIP with hand-picked hotels, premium partners and quality services from start-to-finish to suit your needs.

Service

Enjoy personalised service from our expert team, early-bird benefits and flexibility to customise your trip.

Trust

Feel confident with transparent upfront pricing, leading industry accreditations (IATA, AFTA, ATIA +) and over 475 verified reviews on Trustpilot.

Details

Discover useful information, terms and more.

  • Introduction

    Witness history at the MCG for AFL Anzac Day 2025

    Join thousands of passionate fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for the annual AFL Anzac Day clash between Collingwood and Essendon. This isn’t just a game; it’s a powerful occasion that transcends mere fandom, offering a moving tribute to fallen heroes and a spectacular celebration of Australian football.

    More than just the second biggest game of the AFL season, Anzac Day presents an unforgettable experience. Witness fierce competition as two of the AFL’s most iconic clubs battle it out on the field, all while paying their respects to our fallen heroes.

    Make the most of this historic weekend with a complete AFL Anzac Day package. Enjoy:

    • Official hospitality: Choose from offsite or onsite facilities hosted by Collingwood, Essendon, or neutral within the MCG.
    • Premium reserved tickets: Get some of the best seats in the house and witness the drama unfold firsthand.
    • Hand-picked accommodation: Relax and recharge in comfortable and convenient hotels.
    • Optional extra travel services: Enhance your experience with flights, transport, sightseeing, travel insurance, and more.

    Indulge in pre-game festivities with official hospitality. Savour gourmet food and drinks, enjoy engaging entertainment, and listen to pre-game talks from special guests.

    Then, take your reserved seat among the roar of nearly 100,000 fans as Collingwood and Essendon battle for victory. Witness the awe-inspiring Last Post ceremony and feel the collective unity and respect for fallen heroes echo throughout the stadium.

    AFL Anzac Day is not just for die-hard fans. This event is a cornerstone of Australian culture, offering a unique experience for everyone to share. Join us in April 2025 at the mighty MCG for a weekend filled with history, passion, and unforgettable memories.

    Join the waitlist now to be the first to be notified with our official packages go on sale with priority access, early-bird pricing and other offers.

    We hope to see you there!

    Glenn Hedley
    Director, Events Travel

  • Event information

    Travel tips

    • Hospitality always sells out. Book early and in one booking with your group to ensure you don’t miss out on your preferred hospitality option as space is limited.
    • Make a weekend of it and stay for a few extra nights to enjoy other AFL matches over the weekend and to explore Melbourne.
    • All fans are welcome at all hospitality functions.
    • Dress codes apply for each function but footy jerseys and supporters gear like scarves and beanies is always welcome.

    Fast facts

    • First inaugural match: 1995, the match ended in a draw with both teams scoring 111
    • Most goals scored in a game: 9 (Sav Rocca of Collingwood)
    • Dual Anzac Medalists: James Hird and Scott Pendlebury (3)
    • Team with the most wins: Collingwood (15 wins of 25 matches)
    • Pre-game ceremony: approx. 2:40pm
    • Game start: 3:20pm

    History

    The modern-day Anzac match was conceived in the mid-1990s by Essendon’s coach at the time, Kevin Sheedy. After serving two years in the Army himself, Sheedy considered the impact football had on Australians, and the role it could play in paying tribute to those who have served their country. Though AFL matches had previously been played on Anzac Day, the first modern-day Anzac match between Collingwood and Essendon (played in 1995) quickly became a highly-anticipated clash with thousands flocking to the MCG to watch on. With a whopping 94,825 fans in attendance, the crowd could be heard from more than 1 km away. This record-breaking attendance remains one of the highest attendances in AFL history.

    The Anzac match has continued to grow in popularity throughout the years, with sell-out crowds attending each year. It is a day for Australians to celebrate the Anzac spirit and pay tribute to those who have served the nation.

  • Destination

    Melbourne: The captivating cosmopolitan city with a laid-back vibe

    Nestled on the banks of the Yarra River and boasting iconic landmarks like the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), and Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne is a dynamic city that enthrals with its captivating blend of cosmopolitan buzz and laid-back charm.

    In the mid-1800s, the discovery of gold in Victoria sparked a population boom in Melbourne, leading to the construction of grand public buildings like Parliament House, the Melbourne Gaol, the State Library, Melbourne Town Hall, and St Patrick’s Cathedral.

    This period of rapid growth saw Melbourne become the richest city in the world. Post-World War II, another surge in immigration, particularly from southern Europe and the Mediterranean, further enriched the city’s cultural tapestry. Collins Street, now known as “The Paris End of Town,” became a haven for boutique shops and open-air cafes.

    Today, Melbourne pulsates with a vibrant energy. It’s a city that embraces its creative spirit, boasting world-class dining, exceptional galleries, and a thriving shopping scene. Whether you’re drawn to the hidden laneways brimming with street art or the bohemian enclaves with authentic Italian cuisine, Melbourne has something for every explorer.

    Step outside the CBD and you’ll find legendary sporting arenas like the MCG and Melbourne Park, host of the Australian Open, just a short stroll or tram ride away. For the more adventurous, wineries, breathtaking nature reserves, and scenic coastal drives await within a few hours’ drive.

    Melbourne is a city that truly caters to every desire. So come explore its captivating streets, discover hidden gems, and experience its unique blend of charm and vibrancy.

    Climate

    In April, Melbourne’s weather transitions from summer to autumn, offering comfortable temperatures around 17°C with sunshine and low humidity. Enjoy the vibrant autumn foliage while picnicking or exploring the city’s hidden laneways and exceptional galleries. Pack layers for occasional cool snaps.

  • Coming soon

    • Ticket and hospitality upgrades
    • Extra travel services information
    • Payment requirements
    • Terms and conditions

Things to do in Melbourne

What they're saying

5-star rating

Always available.
Responded to requests very quickly, changed our accommodation without any fuss…Have already recommended to friends and if we go again would definitely go with them.

RJ
AO 2023
5-star rating

Fantastic.
My wife and I had a fantastic time at the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix. The team at Events Travel did a marvellous job. Our hotel was sensational and our event tickets were breathtaking. The whole experience was simply FANTASTIC !!!!

Glen C
SGP 2023
5-star rating

Great RWC23 package.
Thanks a bunch for the package and tickets for the RWC in France – we had superb spots for what were 2 great games … very lucky! Hotel great too… Appreciated the clear communications which came only when necessary.

Bob O
RWC 2023
WHY EVENTS TRAVEL

Discover 10 reasons why Events Travel is a global leader in sports travel.

REVIEWS

Beat the crowd

Looking for travel inspiration?

Sign up to our monthly newsletter to receive news, updates and offers to major global events 👉

Looking for something different?

Our team specialise in creating personalised travel experiences:

Privacy is important to us. Your data will only be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Looking for travel inspiration?

Sign up to our monthly newsletter to receive news, updates and offers to major global events.

👇

SIGN UP

Privacy is important to us. Your data will only be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe easily anytime.

ASK A QUESTION OR REQUEST A QUOTE

We’re delighted that you’re considering travelling with Events Travel. Please complete the short form below and our team will get back to you soon:

Need help? Call our team on +613 5989 7666 or email res@events.com.au — we're ready to assist.

Your details

Your trip

Privacy is important to us. Your data will only be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy.