ANZAC Day 2026 Guide

Anzac Day is our national day of commemoration.

On Friday 25 April 2026, the Australian War Memorial will mark the 111th 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 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.

 

2026 Anzac Day Program

 

Pre-dawn Activities - 4:30am

Projections: Images from the Memorial's rich photographic collection will be projected onto the building from dusk to midnight on Thursday, 23 April and again on Friday, 24 April until just before the Dawn Service. 

Readings: From 4:30am, the representatives from the Australian Defence Force will read excerpts from letters and diaries of Australians who experiences the realities of war first-hand.  

Dawn Service - 5:30 to 6am 

The Commemorative address will be delivered by Flying Officer Kbora Ali. 

This 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. 

After the Dawn Service, the Commemorative Area will be open to the public from 6:30 to 7:30am. No tickets are required. 

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. 11:30am

The Anzac Day Address will be delivered by Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK AFC (Retd). Unallocated seating will be available around the Parade Ground. Members of the public are encouraged to attend.

Find out more HERE 

Last Post Ceremony - 4:30pm 

The Last Post Ceremony will be held in the Commemorative Area. Tickets are not required to attend. 

The live stream will be available on the Memorial's Youtube channel from 4:30pm AEDT. To watch, visit 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.

 

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.