Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand and is also celebrated in other cities around the world. One of the most popular ways that Anzac Day is commemorated, is by attending the dawn service at the Gallipoli Peninsula at the site of the first landing. Attending this event on Anzac Day, allows individuals to pay respect, but also to learn many important lessons from tracing the footsteps of the Anzacs - lessons that we should never forget.

Anzac Day takes place on April 25th and marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by the Australian and New Zealand military forces during the First World War. Parades and services are held at dawn across the world to honor those who have fallen.

Why do we celebrate Anzac Day?

Even though the mission failed, the actions of the Australian and New Zealand soldiers left a profound legacy known as the “Anzac Legend” which formed much of the identity of both nations. By the time the Allied forces were evacuated from the peninsula at the end of 1915, both sides had endured heavy casualties and devastating hardship.

When did Anzac Day start?

The first commemorations were held on April 25th, 1916 at many ceremonies and marches across Australia, New Zealand, and even in Egypt and London. During the 1920s, Anzac Day was established as a national day of remembrance for the 60,000 Australians and New Zealanders who died during the war. Many rituals were established in the 1930s which still play an important role in the commemorations today, including dawn vigils, memorial services, reunions, marches, and two-up games.

What does Anzac stand for?

ANZAC serves as an abbreviation for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. When Britain declared war in August 1914, Australia became its ally.

What is open on Anzac Day?

In Australia and New Zealand, Anzac Day is a public holiday, meaning most supermarkets will operate with shorter trading hours from 1 pm onwards. Public transport will operate on a different timetable and will vary between each state, however, some cities may operate extra trains and buses for dawn services.

Anzac Day Tour Packages

Lest we forget. In 1915, the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) arrived in Turkey, and fought an ill-fated mission during the First World War. Anzac Day marks the anniversary of this event and honors the fallen soldiers with a service hosted on the Gallipoli Peninsula and throughout various locations in Australia and New Zealand. Despite the somber atmosphere, it’s a way to pay respect to those who lost their lives and to celebrate the legacy of the Anzac spirit.

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Tours with Anzac Day Services

Anzac Day Parades Around the World

Australia
Across Australia, commemorative services are hosted at dawn – the time of the original landing. Later in the day, there are marches and parades that take place across the country. In Canberra, the National Ceremony features a traditional order of service that begins with the Commemorative Address and includes wreath laying, hymns, the sounding of the Last Post, observance of a moment of silence, and the national anthems of Australia and New Zealand.
New Zealand
In New Zealand, Anzac Day is a public holiday, and many people will attend a dawn ceremony or attend a commemorative parade. In most cases, the parade and march will involve retired service personnel or family members wearing their medals, and it is not uncommon for cadets or defense service members to join in the parade. Wreaths are often laid to honor New Zealanders who have lost their lives in wars over the years.
Turkey
Anzac Day is just as important to the history of Turkey and is remembered in a number of ways as a defining moment in the history of the nation. To commemorate the event, individuals from around the world travel to the solemn battlefield site (Anzac Cove on the Gallipoli Peninsula) on April 25th, where they will attend a dawn service.

All About Anzac Day

What is Anzac Day?
Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand and is also celebrated in other cities around the world. One of the most popular ways that Anzac Day is commemorated, is by attending the dawn service at the Gallipoli Peninsula at the site of the first landing. Attending this event on Anzac Day, allows individuals to pay respect, but also to learn many important lessons from tracing the footsteps of the Anzacs - lessons that we should never forget.
When is Anzac Day?
Anzac Day takes place on April 25th and marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by the Australian and New Zealand military forces during the First World War. Parades and services are held at dawn across the world to honor those who have fallen.
Why do we celebrate Anzac Day?
Even though the mission failed, the actions of the Australian and New Zealand soldiers left a profound legacy known as the “Anzac Legend” which formed much of the identity of both nations. By the time the Allied forces were evacuated from the peninsula at the end of 1915, both sides had endured heavy casualties and devastating hardship.
When did Anzac Day start?
The first commemorations were held on April 25th, 1916 at many ceremonies and marches across Australia, New Zealand, and even in Egypt and London. During the 1920s, Anzac Day was established as a national day of remembrance for the 60,000 Australians and New Zealanders who died during the war. Many rituals were established in the 1930s which still play an important role in the commemorations today, including dawn vigils, memorial services, reunions, marches, and two-up games.
What does Anzac stand for?
ANZAC serves as an abbreviation for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. When Britain declared war in August 1914, Australia became its ally.
What is open on Anzac Day?
In Australia and New Zealand, Anzac Day is a public holiday, meaning most supermarkets will operate with shorter trading hours from 1 pm onwards. Public transport will operate on a different timetable and will vary between each state, however, some cities may operate extra trains and buses for dawn services.

Gallipoli Peninsula Commemorations

Location
The Gallipoli Peninsula is a 5-hour drive from Istanbul. There are no towns in the close vicinity of the Anzac Commemorative Site. The nearest towns are Gelibolu (45km), Canakkale (30km), and Eceabat (20km). There is no public transport to and from the peninsula, and the vast majority of visitors attend the commemorations as part of a guided group tour. While you can take your private vehicle, note that they will not be permitted access to the Gallipoli Campaign Historical Park.
Transportation
The vast majority of visitors attend the commemorations as part of a guided bus tour. While you can take your private vehicle, they will not be permitted access to the Gallipoli Campaign Historical Park. Instead private vehicles are directed to the Akbas checkpoint where they will have attendance passes validated and receive entry wristbands. Turkish authorities may allow parking along local roads behind Akbas, but this is not a guarantee. Note that it is an approximately 20km walk from Akbas to the next checkpoint at Kabatepe.
Where to stay
Most people visiting the Gallipoli Peninsula for Anzac Day opt to stay in one of the nearby towns of Canakkale, Eceabat, or Gelibolu. If you plan on arranging this excursion on your own, you will need to book accommodation early, because tour companies reserve most of the hotel rooms located in these three towns well in advance. Another option is to take an overnight excursion from Istanbul, but keep in mind that you’ll be on the road for at least 5 hours or more.
Registration
While registration is not required, it is highly recommended in order to receive updates on helpful information and tips on what to expect. Visitors are also advised to read the travel advisories for Turkey prior to departure.
Packing list
Make sure you pack an overnight bag for the 24 hours you’ll be attending the commemoration events in Turkey. Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes. Bring sunscreen and a hat for the daytime. Pack a warm jacket as temperatures can drop to below zero degrees in the early hours before the dawn service and you will also need a warm blanket for the overnight vigil.
Precautions
Travelers should note that the Gallipoli peninsula has no infrastructure for shelter, and visitors attending the dawn ceremony will be outdoors for up to 24 hours (including sleeping at night). The days can be hot while the nights can be bitter cold, so it’s important to prepare for all weather conditions. The event can be physically challenging as it requires several kilometers of walking on sometimes uneven gravel paths, slopes, and stairs.

Tours to Gallipoli

How to prepare for your Gallipoli Ceremony

The Anzac Day commemorations in Gallipoli are considered a bucket list experience for many Australians and New Zealanders. Here are our top tips to prepare you for your Gallipoli service to ensure a comfortable, yet memorable experience.

✓ Make sure you are in good physical condition to walk up to 10km, the Gallipoli service involves a bit of walking.
✓ Be sure to have your passport handy, this is required at the first validation checkpoint at Akbas.
✓ There are a few Turkish food vendors, but please bring some of your own non-perishable food.
✓ Remember to be patient - lines can be long at multiple security screening points.
✓ Pack an overnight bag for the 24 hours you’ll be attending commemoration events.
✓ Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes to avoid any injuries or blisters.
✓ Bring sunscreen and a hat for the daytime, Turkey's sunshine can be harsh this time of year.
✓ Pack a warm jacket as temperatures can drop to below 0 in the early hours before the Dawn Service.
✓ Pack a warm blanket for the overnight vigil.
✓ Bring a sealed water bottle as there is no running water on the premises.
✓ Get your tour guide’s contact information in case you get separated, there are many people attending this event.