ANZAC Day 2025 Guide

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. If you’re planning to head to the Australian War Memorial this Friday to commemorate ANZAC Day, here’s everything you need to know.

Australian War Memorial ANZAC Day

The Australian War Memorial’s purpose is to commemorate the sacrifice of those Australians who have died in war or on operational service and those who have served our nation in times of conflict. Its mission is leading remembrance and understanding of Australia’s wartime experience. This year’s ANZAC Day Commemorative program will mark the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, as well as commemorating all Australians who have served in times of peace and war.

Pre-dawn Activities

Projections: Images from the Memorial’s rich photograph 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. From 5 am on 25 April, a series of images from contemporary conflicts will be projected until 5.15 am.

Dawn Service – 5.30 to 6am

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.

View enlarged map HERE

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans Association Commemorative Ceremony – 7.30am

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 Association (ATSIVA). All members of the public are welcome to attend.

National Commemorative Service, including the RSL ACT Branch Veterans’ March – 9.30am to approx. 11.15am

The National Commemorative Service will begin at 9.30 am with the RSL ACT Branch Veterans’ March, beginning on Anzac Parade.

Find out more HERE 

View enlarged map HERE

Travelling To The Australian War Memorial

The Anzac Day ceremonies are well attended commemorative ceremonies. Parking is restricted and road closures are in place. Transport Canberra, together with the Australian War Memorial provide free bus services to assist in reducing these pressures. You can catch free transport to and from the: 

• Dawn Service
• National Commemorative Service (including the RSL ACT Branch Veterans’ March).

A loop shuttle bus will operate from Canberra Centre Ainslie Bus Stop. The shuttle bus will have a will have a continuous loop service between 3:30 am and 4:50 am.  Return shuttles will depart from original drop off points approximately 20 minutes after the Dawn Service has concluded.

Registering to ride provides you with peace of mind knowing that your bus travel to the Australian War Memorial is arranged. It also allows Transport Canberra and the Australian War Memorial to effectively manage customer demand for bus services and ensures that bus resources are used efficiently. Find out more about the Dawn Service Shuttle HERE

For The ANZAC National Commemorative Service Shuttle services departing from Canberra Centre (Ainslie Avenue) will have a continuous loop service between 8:15 am and 9:05 am. Wait times may vary, and passengers may need to wait for the next shuttle to arrive. Return shuttles will depart from original drop off points approximately 20 minutes after the ceremonies conclude. Find out more about the ANZAC National Commemorative Service Shuttle HERE

Parking at Canberra Centre

Complementary customer parking is available for customers attending the ANZAC Day Services up to midday on 25th April. Ainslie Carpark (entry off Ainslie Avenue) and Aldi Carpark (Entry off Petrie St) will be accessible from midnight for those wishing to attend one of the services using the shuttle bus to the War Memorial. Please proceed down to Ground Level and out to Ainslie Bus Stop.

Canberra Centre Opening Hours 

Canberra Centre stores will be open from 1pm on 25th April. Please note some individual store hours may vary.