As the sun rises on April 25, 2025, Australians and New Zealanders will gather across the nation to commemorate Anzac Day, a day steeped in history and remembrance. This year marks the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing during World War I, an event that has become a cornerstone of national identity for both countries. From dawn services to marches, communities will come together to honor the sacrifices made by military personnel throughout history.
In Sydney, the official Dawn Service will take place at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, with thousands expected to gather from 4:20 am. The service will include three public viewing areas, which will remain open until capacity is reached. At 9 am, over 10,000 current serving members and veterans of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) will march past the Anzac Memorial, allowing the public to show their support along Elizabeth Street, concluding around 12:30 pm.
Victorians are invited to the Shrine of Remembrance in Kings Domain, where the Dawn Service begins at 5:30 am. The shrine will open for public viewing at 6:30 am, and at 9 am, approximately 10,000 participants will march from Swanstown Street near Federation Square, finishing at the shrine around midday.
In Canberra, Anzac Day services will commence at the Australian War Memorial from 4:30 am, featuring ADF representatives reading letters and diary entries from Australians who experienced the horrors of war. The Dawn Service will follow at 5:30 am, with an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans and Services Association Commemorative Ceremony at 7:30 am. The RSL ACT Branch Veterans March is scheduled for 9 am, with a final service held at 4:30 pm.
Adelaide will host its Dawn Service at the National War Memorial at 6 am, located at the corner of North Terrace and Kintore Avenue. Following this, the Light Horse Memorial will take place at 8 am, with veterans and current serving members marching from the North Terrace and Gawler Place intersection to the Cross of Sacrifice at 9:30 am.
Brisbane's Anzac Day Dawn Service will occur at the Shrine of Remembrance at Anzac Square, starting at 4:28 am. The city’s Anzac Day march will begin at 9:45 am in the CBD, with spectators encouraged to find viewing spots along Adelaide Street between George and Creek Streets.
Perth will gather at Kings Park and Botanic Garden’s State War Memorial for its Dawn Service at 5:45 am, followed by a Gunfire Breakfast hosted by RSL WA at Government House Gardens at 7 am. The march will commence at 9 am at St Georges Terrace, heading down Adelaide Terrace before concluding at Langley Park.
In Darwin, attendees are asked to assemble at the Cenotaph in Bicentennial Park from 5:30 am for the Dawn Service, which begins at 6 am. The march will start at 9 am from the Esplanade, proceeding along Knuckey Street and concluding at Bennett Street.
Tasmania will hold its Dawn Service at the Cenotaph in Queens Domain at 6 am, with attendees advised to arrive an hour early due to expected large crowds. The annual march will see Elizabeth Street shut down from 11 am.
For those who cannot attend in person, various networks will broadcast the events live. The ABC will provide comprehensive coverage, including the Sydney Dawn Service broadcast live from 4:20 am (AEST) and the Canberra Dawn Service at 5:30 am. Viewers can also tune in for the Gallipoli Dawn Service at 12:30 pm and the Villers-Bretonneux Dawn Service at 1:30 pm.
Channel Nine will also cover the Anzac Day Dawn Service live from the Australian War Memorial in Canberra at 5:25 am, followed by full coverage of Anzac Day around Australia at 6:00 am. The Gallipoli Dawn Service will be broadcast at 12:25 pm, and the Villers Bretonneux Dawn Service at 1:35 pm.
The Seven Network will kick off its Anzac Day coverage with the 'Lest We Forget: Harbour Sunset Tribute' live from the Sydney Opera House at 5:00 pm on April 24, featuring performances from military and civilian artists. On April 25, the network will broadcast the Gallipoli Dawn Service at 12:30 pm and the traditional Anzac Day AFL match between Collingwood and Essendon at 2:00 pm.
Sky News will provide live coverage of the NSW Anzac Day Dawn Service at 4:25 am, followed by the national service from the Australian War Memorial at 5:30 am, and the Anzac Day National Commemorative Service & March at 9:30 am.
As the nation prepares to pay tribute, it is a time for reflection and remembrance, honoring those who served and sacrificed. Anzac Day is not just a day of mourning but a celebration of the spirit of camaraderie and the values that define Australia and New Zealand.
In addition to the formal ceremonies, many communities will hold their own events, allowing individuals to participate in a way that resonates with them. Whether through marches, services, or personal reflections, Anzac Day remains a poignant reminder of the cost of freedom and the importance of remembrance.
