Enjoy some caffeine or head out for a meal after you pay your respects on ANZAC Day.
For those of you who will be getting up early for the ANZAC day dawn services, a coffee will definitely be needed and for those that don’t feel like cooking, a meal out is always a nice way to spend the day.
We did the rounds, and here are the cafes, restaurants and bars that are most certainly ready to help you out with your caffeine, beverage and food requirements – some are even open extra early for you!
But it’s important to remember that ANZAC Day is about remembering the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who served and died in any wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. If you can’t make it to a dawn service, you can donate to the ANZAC appeal here. Also, read more about the day here.
A guide to all the services and marches on ANZAC Day across the Geelong region
Please note, this list is not exhaustive. It comprises businesses that have announced their opening hours for the day, have bookings open, or who we have spoken with directly. There are plenty more businesses that are most likely opening their doors, so if there’s somewhere you’re craving be sure to check their website or socials directly.
Sweet Adeline Cafe
Whether you’re keen to hit the walking track or just stock up on some sweets, Sweet Adeline Cafe is the pop-up you need to swing by.
They’ll be open from 8am-2pm with a minute of silence at 11am.
Where: 1/560 Latrobe Blvd, Newtown
Vid Bar Highton
This gem is all about delivering the sweet, sweet overseas culinary classics, headlined by a range of authentic tasty bite-sized Greek doughnuts (aka loukoumades aka pieces of heaven). For Anzac Day, they’ll be open from 12pm.
Where: 4/1-3 Belle Vue Ave, Highton
Toasty Geelong
They love their bread, they love their butter, but most of all they love the toaster. Geelong’s very own toasty masters will be sliding toasties into pockets and coffees into hands on Anzac day from 9am – 1pm across both of their locations.
Where: 85 Ryrie Street, Geelong
Where: 32-34 Raptor Place, South Geelong
Garage Ocean Grove
Serving delicious, wholesome locally sourced food and high quality St. Ali espresso coffee the cafe is buzzing on the daily with all the best vibes. For Anzac Day, they’ll be open their standard hours of 7am – 3pm.
Where: 15 Lelean St, Ocean Grove
The Grove Coffee Co
Renowned for its great quality coffee, simple but quality-driven food, and an ethos of friendly, light-hearted service driven by a want to please, this little gem is also open. Open 6:30am -12:30pm for Anzac Day in their new window.
Where: 2/85 The Terrace, Ocean Grove
Paddington
When talking about the great service at a cafe people often mention how great it is when the staff knows them by name. But how often do you find a place where the staff knows the names of the canine regulars as well? Offering Clark St Coffee (a brand renowned for its sustainable ethos and emphasis on environmentally-friendly packaging), Paddington Café is the go-to for when you need a buzz that both does the job and is rich in delicious flavours.
Paddington will be open for takeaway only on Anzac Day from 8am-10.30am.
Where: 134B High St, Belmont
Winters Cafe
Located at the river end of Pako, Winters has become a mainstay in the Geelong brekky scene. Their menu comes equipped with a local, seasonal focus meaning you’re always going to get the best locally sourced ingredients Geelong has to offer.
They’ll be open on Anzac Day from 9am.
Where: 330 Pakington St, Newtown.
63 Degrees
Pakington Street is on to another winner in the mint green façade that is 63 Degrees. With an ever-changing seasonal menu 63 Degrees rotates a huge range of brunch options sure to keep brunch aficionados on their toes.
The team at 63 will be slinging coffees from 7am.
Where: 140 Pakington Street, Geelong West
Mortadeli
In the heart of Torquay is the new home to Mortadeli, a modern twist on a retro deli with a whole lot of soul, looking to keep traditions alive, in a modern and simple way.
They’ll be open 9am-3pm with the grocer section open 10am-3pm.
Where: Shop 8/4-6 Gilbert Street, Torquay
That Place Patisserie
If you’re looking to teleport yourself to the streets of Paris on this public holiday, there’s no better place to start than at That Place Patisserie in Belmont. For Anzac Day, they’ll be bringing back their renowned Anzac Biscuit Croissant.
They’ll be open Anzac Day from 8am-1.30pm.
Where: 110b Mt Pleasant Rd, Belmont
9 Grams, Torquay, Newtown, Mount Duneed
Bless those that know the public holidays should not be devoid of caffeine. If you’re looking for a brew, these guys are your saving grace and will be slinging takeaways coffees and sweets. We’ll be asking for a double shot…
Open from 6am onwards at Newtown, Torquay and Mt Duneed.
Where: 1/343 Pakington Street, Newtown; 101 Unity Drive, Mount Duneed; and 6 Gilbert Street, Torquay.
Blank Space
Providing flavoursome and fresh dishes and exceptional Constant Coffee, supporting local suppliers, and featuring many sweet, savoury, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options, it’ll be hard not to find multiple things that tickle your fancy.
They’ll be opening the doors on Anzac Day from 6am-11pm for coffee and cabinet food only.
Where: 4/343 Pakington Street, Newtown.
King of the Castle
KOTC never fails to hit the cravings when it comes to caffeine and all things delicious, especially with their Kings Breakfast, brioche French Toast, banoffee waffles and avocado toast.
KOTC will be open 7:30pm to 2pm.
Where: 24 Pakington Street, Geelong
Local Geelong
Local Geelong is a well-loved cafe slinging coffee, cake, brunch and pastries all day. With treats seven days a week and some of the smoothest coffee around town, we’re stoked that the team are open on most, if not all, public holidays. Slinging takeaway goods for all, you’ll be able to load up with a range of pastries, buns, bread and snacks.
Open from 7:30am-12pm on Anzac Day.
Where: 175 McKillop St, Geelong
Soft Cafe, Geelong
Soft Cafe is staple for the Herne Hill, Hamlyn Heights and Manifold Heights folk, slinging a menu of coffee, delicious breakfast and luscious lunch offerings. Doubling as both an on-site cafe and a catering company the food at Soft is scrumptious.
They are open ANZAC Day from 7am – 2pm.
Where: 29 Minerva Road, Herne Hill, Geelong
Untitled, Armstrong Creek & Geelong
They might be known for their famous bagels (seriously, so good), but the overarching reason we race down there on the daily is for their piping hot cups of coffee, made with their own specialty blend ‘Smooth Blend’, courtesy of Three Little Beans roastery, located right here in Geelong.
Geelong venue will be open from 6am to 1pm for takeaway and courtyard, while Armstrong Creek will be closed.
Where: 197 Yarra Street, Geelong.
Warralily Cockatoo
If you ever find yourself asking what’s better than a morning sleep in, the answer is a day spent with an excellent coffee in one hand and a spoonful of something delicious in the other – and both can be done at Warralily Cockatoo on the public holiday.
They’ll be open regular hours and they’ll have special Anzac cookies too.
Where: Warralily Village Shop 19, 3/33 Central Bvd, Armstrong Creek
Wild Goat Coffee Co
Whether it’s a flat white, cappuccino, long black, a latte on ice or even a mocha choc you’re after, Wild Goat’s friendly but speedy baristas have you sorted, churning out high quality coffees at an impressive rate. Drive on through and grab a coffee to go. Open 7:30am-1pm on Anzac Day.
Where: 42 Fellmongers Rd, Breakwater
Box Office
Box Office might just be the most exciting shipping container in Geelong, serving up a whole host of café classics and international-themed dishes.
Serving coffee from Axil Coffee Roasters, these guys are open for all your coffee and food needs from 6:30am.
Where: 77 Preston St, Geelong West
The Salty Dog Café
A café located right on the beach, this one is perfect for you and your pup’s morning coffee. There’s nothing like soaking up the view over Fisherman’s beach with a selection of breakfasts, toasties, beverages and cakes. You’ll find a tonne of water bowls scattered around the place as well as puppaccinos and plenty of space to stretch their little legs. Salty dogs are always welcome.
For Anzac Day, this cafe will be open from 6am for coffee with brunch served all day.
Where: 50 The Esplanade, Torquay
Bean Squeeze
These coffee drive-throughs are spotted all over Geelong and they’ve good for much more than just speedy coffees. If you’ve got a furry pal with you, you’ll get some smacko treats with your drink. Perfect for when you’re on the run!
All Stores (except Mercer St and Moorabool St) on ANZAC Day will be open their normal open time until 4pm, while Mercer St and Moorabool St will open 5:30am – Closing 1pm.
Where: various locations around town
Mercy Cafe
Operating out of a beautifully renovated shipping container, Mercy serves up some damn fine cups of Mikro Coffee Roasters coffee with a food menu that features a bevvy of sandwiches and baguettes all made on-site.
Mercy will be open on the public holiday from 6:45-1 for takeaway only.
Where: 401 Eastern Park Circuit, Geelong
Iberia Geelong
Your favourite Geelong local cafe serving up coffee, food & liquor. Locally roasted coffee, a fresh, delicious and considered menu. Iberia will be open on Anzac Day from 8am-1pm.
Where: 137 Shannon Ave, Manifold Heights.
FUNK by Botanical Brew
The go-to for fresh artisanal baked goods, ferments, pickles, preserves and of course coffee, this haven on Shannon Ave always has a line out of the door and a backed garden area. They will be open Anzac day for normal operating hours of 7.30am – 3pm.
Where: 152 Shannon Ave, Geelong.
Paddock Bakery, Geelong
Having just opened its doors this month in the new Geelong location of the Federal Mills, Burleigh Heads phenomenon, Paddock Bakery is to die for. With cakes, pasties including their Crème Brulé donut, milkshakes and coffee, this space will fix your sugar needs. It’s open Anzac Day.
Where: Federal Mills West 4, 13-35 Mackay Street, North Geelong
Skinny Dippers Café
Renowned for their Gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo and vegan/vegetarian whole foods. Open 8-2 at Newtown and 8-2 East Geelong on Anzac Day.
Where: 2 Lambert Ave, Newtown & 261 Myers St, East Geelong.
Maple Bakery
Canadian Inspired Bakery in the heart of Torquay. Serving coffee supplied by Surf Coast Coffee Roasters with modern or traditional treats. Open from 8am to 2pm on Anzac Day.
Where: 40/10 Cylinders Drive, Torquay
Van Loons Café
Van Loons Café serves delicious house-made meals and cakes and they’ll be open from 9am.
Where: 405 Grubb Rd, Wallington
Woodhouse Café
Tucked away on the busy Belmont High Street strip, get your caffeine hit from 8am until 2pm on Anzac Day.
Where: 170A High St, Belmont
Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie
There’s no denying this venue’s pull. Chocolate and ice cream, is there anything else you need in life? Well yes, they do coffee too. Open from 9am-5pm for Anzac Day.
Where:1200, Great Ocean Road, Bellbrae.
Pavilion
Pavilion Geelong is a modern cafe along the shore of Eastern Beach, serving breakfast, lunch, coffee, and takeaway sweet and savoury treats. Open from 6:30am-4pm every day over the Easter long weekend if you’re after a scenic caffeine hit.
Where: 95 Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong
TonTon
Pushing the boundaries of what we understand the cafe experience to be, TonTon is one of the newest venues to join the Geelong hospitality scene, gifting locals and tourists alike another bright new dining spot. They’re open on Anzac Day from 8am-2pm.
Where: 9/65 Barrabool Rd, Highton Village
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Restaurants
Frankie Geelong
Emanating a rich and welcoming ambience suited to smart casual dining, Frankie is elevated further by the exceptional menu on offer. Spanning all parts of Asia, the result is a stunning feast that will transport your tastebuds to cloud nine, welcoming the summer season in the very best way. Frankie will be open from 12pm – 10pm on Anzac Day.
Where: 26 Malop Street, Geelong
Baah Lah
Stamped with innovation and packed full of personality, Baah Lah! places seasonal and locally sourced produce at centre stage, delivering a polished, evolving menu that reflects the best of the region and surroundings. They are open from 5:30pm to late on Anzac Day.
Where: 1/100 Pakington Street, Geelong West
Emerge
For an intimate occasion, Emerge Dining is a favourite within the region specialising in premium steak. They’re open Anzac Day for lunch and dinner.
Where: 112 Ryrie Street, Geelong
La Cachette
Translating to ‘the hideaway’ in French, La Cachette is a modern, intimate and quiet 25-seat bistro, tucked away in Steampacket Place on the lush Geelong Waterfront. They’ll be open for Anzac Day.
Where: Steampacket Place, Geelong Waterfront
BeachHouse Barwon Heads
Once the old Fire Station, BeachHouse Barwon Heads showcases some of the Bellarine Peninsula’s finest produce, wine, cider and beer.
The BeachHouse will be open for Anzac Day.
Where: 48 Hitchcock Ave, Barwon Heads
Nectar Bar and Kitchen
Nectar Bar and Kitchen is an atmospheric dining location in the heart of Geelong, building menus of our delicacies and fancy cocktails. They will be open standard hours for ANZAC day.
Where: 239 Moorabool Street, Geelong
Tomodachi Izakaya & Bar 2.0
Experience Japanese-inspired brunch, casual lunches and bowls of tenderly-cooked ramen on Geelong’s stunning waterfront. With a winter dinner buffet just launching this week, they’ll be open for Anzac Day to try it out.
Where: 6/8 Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong
Caledonia Shores
Caledonia Shores is a relatively new spot that captures the waterfront’s unique energy and inimitable soul, giving diners a cosily lit front-row seat to the breathtaking views of Geelong’s Eastern Beach.
It’s open on Anzac Day.
Where: 95 Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong
Wah Wah Gee
Swing by with your friends and take a journey through our collection of Asian inspired sharing dishes ranging from yummy dumplings in zesty broths, to spicy steamed buns and hearty green chilli curries – cleverly created by some of the best kitchen ninjas in town. They’ll be open from 12pm on Anzac Day.
Where: Cunningham Pier, 10 Western Beach, Geelong
Scotchmans Hill
A trip here is a chance to enjoy some excellent wine in an iconic and beautiful area. For Anzac Day, the restaurant and the cellar door will both be open from 12pm, with a special Anzac Day lunch menu.
Where: 190 Scotchmans Rd, Drysdale
Pubs and Bars
Edge Geelong, Geelong
With a gorgeous north-facing bar, New York loft styling and a trendy outside deck area; not only does Edge give patrons a world-class view of the beautiful Corio Bay, but from the moment you arrive, you feel like you’ve entered a relaxed paradise.
Open on Anzac Day.
Where: 6/8 Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong
Torquay Hotel
The Torquay Hotel is an iconic pub situated in the heart of the Surf Coast and as always, they’ll be open for all your dining and boozing needs.
Open for from 12pm – late Anzac Day.
Where: 36 Bell Street, Torquay
Barwon Heads Hotel
The Barwon Heads Hotel is a stunning spot overlooking the ocean, perfect for a classic pub meal. They will be open from 12pm – late on Anzac Day.
Where: 1 Bridge Road, Barwon Heads
The Grovedale
Like both Torquay Hotel and Barwon Heads, The Grovedale will be slinging beers and pub meals from 12pm – late with the AFL game ready for eager tippers.
Where: 258 Torquay Road, Grovedale
The Sporting Globe
With 50 plus flat screens, an epic menu and a number of drink specials, The Sporto is always a safe option when you’re craving beer, pub classics and bar snacks to go with your Easter long weekend footy viewing. They’ll be open on Anzac Day and they’ll be slinging 2 for 1 pints of Carlton Draught for two hours during the Collingwood v Essendon Anzac Day match which you bet will be screened on the big screens around the venue.
Where: 175-177 Ryrie Street, Geelong
Sailor’s Rest
This multi-level gem offers dinner, drinks and a view. Located on Geelong’s waterfront, Sailors Rest shakes it up from an all day brunch spot to a certified good time as the sun goes down thanks to their incredible rooftop bar. For Anzac Day, they’ll be open from 11am.
Where: 3 Moorabool Street, Geelong
Malt Shovel Tap House
Malt Shovel Tap House is a home for craft beer lovers. Split into multiple dining areas, including an art deco front room, a beer garden, a more intimate booth setting and a beer hall reminiscent area, Malt Shovel Tap House caters for everyone with their well rounded offering. Open as normal on Anzac Day.
Where: Corner Malop St & Bellerine Street, Geelong
St Lords
Situated on the corner of Latrobe Terrace and West Fyans Street in Newtown, just a stone’s throw away from Kardinia Park, St Lords (previously Lord of the Isles Tavern) has been a favourite amongst locals for the past 40 years.
Open on Anzac Day from 12pm for lunch and dinner.
Where: 3 West Fyans Street, Newtown
The Deck
Since its killer makeover a couple of years ago, The Deck on Gheringhap Street has quickly become a favourite amongst locals looking for a cold beer, quality meal and decent tunes to see them through the week. Open for Anzac Day during the Anzac Day AFL game.
Where: 2-4 Gheringhap Street, Geelong
Fyansford Hotel
This absolute gem is a must-visit hotel complete with a bar with a kids’ playroom and a deck, ideal for pub meals and weekly specials like all-day steaks.
They’re open from 12pm on Anzac Day.
Where: 67 Hyland St, Fyansford
Bannockburn Railway Hotel
In the heart of Bannockburn the Bannockburn Railway Hotel keeps things chugging along with their classic pub meals, specials and of course their live entertainment. They are open from 12pm – 10pm.
Where: 2 High Street, Bannockburn
