ANZAC Day in Sydney

ANZAC Day on 25 April is a national day of remembrance and commemoration. This solemn day remembers all Australians who have served and died in war and on operational service, and the date marks the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps 1915 landing at Gallipoli, Turkey in WWI.

Highlights

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The ANZAC Day Dawn Service

Initially, ANZAC Day was a day to remember those who served in WWI. However, the date has now become a day to remember all Australians and New Zealanders who have served in conflicts across the globe. The acronym ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.

Dawn services, wreath-laying, veteran marches and commemorative services are held across Sydney and NSW. The main Dawn Service is held at 4:30am in Martin Place at The Cenotaph, which was sculpted by Sir Bertram Mackennal and unveiled in 1929.

Anzac Day, Dawn Service in Sydney

Anzac Day, Dawn Service - Credit: NSW Government

The dawn service offers quiet contemplation, accompanied by the bugle call of the Last Post and The Ode of Remembrance, an excerpt from English poet Laurence Binyon's moving poem, For the Fallen, which was first published in The Times in 1914. The Ode is from the fourth stanza:

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We shall remember them.

General public viewing areas will remain open until capacity is reached, and bag checks will be required upon entry to the site. Tickets are not required to attend the general public areas this year. 

You can also watch the broadcast from home on ABC TV and ABC iview. 

ANZAC Memorial - Hall of Service looking out through the Occulus to the original Memorial

ANZAC Memorial - Credit: Peter Bennetts/ANZAC Memorial

ANZAC Day March

Sydney's ANZAC Day March begins at 9am at the intersection of Martin Place and Elizabeth Street, finishing at the end of Hyde Park at Liverpool Street at approximately 12.30pm. Participating in the March will be WWII veterans followed by Navy/Army/Air Force, civilians in support of Australian Troops, descendants of Australian veterans, Commonwealth and allies. The march will be broadcast on ABC TV.

ANZAC wreath, The Rocks

ANZAC wreath, The Rocks

Two Up

Another time-honoured ANZAC Day tradition is two-up games. Its association with the day originates from WWI, when Australians played two-up in the trenches and on troopships. The game involves three or more players, with a designated "spinner" throwing two coins or pennies into the air and players guessing which side the coins will fall.

 

Public holiday dates 2024-2025

Holiday20242025
New Year's Day1 January1 January
Australia Day26 January26 January
Good Friday29 March18 April
Easter Saturday30 March19 April
Easter Sunday31 March20 April
Easter Monday 1 April21 April 
Anzac Day 25 April 25 April 
King's Birthday/June Long Weekend10 June9 June
October Long Weekend (Labour Day)7 October6 October
Christmas Day public holiday25 December25 December
Boxing Day26 December26 December

Anzac Day in Sydney FAQs

When is Anzac Day?

When is Anzac Day?

ANZAC Day falls on 25 April.

Why is Anzac Day important?

Why is Anzac Day important?

Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance and commemoration to all Australians and New Zealanders who have served in conflicts across the globe.

What time is the Anzac Day service?

What time is the Anzac Day service?

The Anzac Day Dawn Services are held at 4:30am as this was about the time that the ANZACs starting arriving at Gallipoli Beach. Other services and marches are held throughout the day.

What is there to do Anzac Day in Sydney?

What is there to do Anzac Day in Sydney?

There are a variety of events you can attend in Sydney to commemorate this important day. We suggest:

  • Anzac Day Dawn Service at The Cenotaph in Sydney's Martin Place, beginning at 4:30 am.
  • ANZAC Day March featuring veterans and the general public walking in honour of those who have served. The march begins at 9 am at the intersection of Martin Place and Elizabeth Street.
  • ANZAC Sunset Service Ceremony at the Cenotaph, Martin Place at 5 pm.
  • ANZAC Commemoration Service at ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park.
Are shops open on Anzac Day?

Are shops open on Anzac Day?

In Sydney, most shops cannot open until 1pm on Anzac Day. Many stores will remain closed for the whole day. Be sure to check the opening hours before your visit.