Anzac Day

Anzac Day is our national day of commemoration.

On Friday 25 April 2025, the Australian War Memorial will mark the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, as well as commemorating all Australians who have served in times of peace and war.

The 2025 Anzac Day commemorative program includes:

• Dawn Service at 5.30 am
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans and Services Association Commemorative Ceremony at 7.30 am
• National Commemorative Service including RSL ACT Branch Veterans’ March at 9.30 am
• Last Post Ceremony at 4.30 pm

See below for a detailed itinerary.

Pre-dawn activities

Photo Projections: Images from the Memorial’s rich photographic collection will be projected onto the Memorial building from dusk to midnight on the evening of Wednesday 23 April and again on Thursday 24 April until just prior to the Dawn Service.

Readings: Beginning at 4.30 am, representatives from the Australian Defence Force will read excerpts from the letters and diaries of Australians who have witnessed the realities of war first-hand.

Dawn Service

5.30 am to 6 am

Parade Ground

• The Dawn Service provides an opportunity for quiet reflection and returns to the Parade Ground for the first time since 2021.
• The Commemorative address will be delivered by Deputy Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Matt Buckley AM CSC RAN.
• The Dawn Service is a standing ceremony. Visitors are welcome to use the seating in place for the National Commemorative Service and RSL ACT Branch Veterans’ March later that morning.
• Tickets: Required only for accessible seating. Book tickets for accessible seating areas. Those without internet access can call and book tickets over the phone (02) 6206 9813 or by email at ticketing@awm.gov.au
• Watch the Dawn Service broadcast live on ABC TV + iView.
• Following the Dawn Service, the Commemorative Area will open between 6.30 am and 7.30 am. Poppies available on entry for a donation.

Visitor information and site safety

• The Dawn Service is a standing ceremony conducted in the dark prior to sunrise; accordingly, the weather is likely to be cold and we encourage visitors to dress for the conditions.
• We ask all visitors to be aware of their surroundings as the grounds can be uneven and may be icy or slippery in the early hours of the morning. Exercise caution when entering the Memorial grounds and when moving around the site.
• Allow plenty of time to travel safely to the Memorial. Use of public transport is recommended.
• Those planning on walking to the Memorial via Anzac Parade should keep to the footpaths and remain off the road as the shuttle buses will be in operation.
• On-site lighting is provided until 5.20 am.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans and Services Association Commemorative Ceremony 

7.30 am

For Our Country Sculpture

• The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commemorative Ceremony will be held after the Dawn Service at the For Our Country sculptural pavilion on the lawn near Limestone Avenue.
• The ceremony is hosted by members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans and Services Association (ATSIVSA). All members of the public are welcome to attend.
• For information, please contact Garth O’Connell, National Secretary ATSIVSA on 6243 4513 or https://atsiva.au/

National Commemorative Service, including the RSL ACT Branch Veterans’ March

9.30 am to approx. 11.15 am

Parade Ground

• The National Commemorative Service will begin at 9.30 am with the RSL ACT Branch Veterans’ March, beginning on Anzac Parade.
• The Anzac Day Address will be delivered by Major Angela Uphill.
• Seating: General public are encouraged to attend and unallocated seating will be available.
• Large viewing screens will be positioned within the Memorial grounds. Visitors can bring their own seating or rugs to view the service in these areas.
• Tickets: Required only for accessible seating area (limited). Book tickets for accessible seating areas
• Those without internet access can call and book tickets over the phone (02) 6206 9813 or by email at ticketing@awm.gov.au
• The Memorial’s galleries will open at 1 pm for visitors.
• Watch the National Commemorative Service broadcast live on ABC TV + iView from 9.30am (AEST)

Last Post Ceremony

4.30pm

Commemorative Area

The Anzac Day Last Post Ceremony will commemorate the service and sacrifice of Captain Edward Frederick Robert Bage.

Tickets are not required to attend.

The live stream is available on the Memorial YouTube channel from 4.30 pm AEDT.

Visitor information

Getting to and from the Memorial

For further enquiries regarding the Anzac Day commemorative program, please email ceremony@awm.gov.au or call (02) 6206 9813 (note this is a voicemail, please leave a message and we will return your call).