ANZAC Day

ANZAC Day: Australia’s Most Sacred Day of National Remembrance

ANZAC Day is not merely a date on the calendar for Australians; it is the cornerstone of the national identity. Observed annually on April 25th, it is a day of profound solemnity, reflection, and community unity. Unlike many national holidays around the world that celebrate military victories or political independence with fireworks and festivities, ANZAC Day is defined by its quietude. It is a day when the nation pauses to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought and died in the Great War, and to recognise every man and woman who has served in the Australian Defence Force in all conflicts, wars, and peacekeeping operations since.

The essence of ANZAC Day lies in the "ANZAC Spirit"—a set of values that Australians believe were forged on the rugged cliffs of the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915. These qualities include courage, endurance, sacrifice, and, perhaps most importantly, "mateship." In the Australian context, mateship is more than just friendship; it is an unbreakable bond of loyalty and equality between people facing hardship. On this day, Australians from all walks of life—from the bustling CBDs of Sydney and Melbourne to the smallest dusty townships in the Outback—gather in the pre-dawn darkness to ensure that the sacrifices of the past are never forgotten. It is a day that transcends politics and religion, focusing instead on the shared human experience of service and the heavy cost of war.

What makes ANZAC Day unique is its focus on a military defeat rather than a victory. The Gallipoli campaign was, by most strategic measures, a failure. Yet, the conduct of the Australian and New Zealand soldiers during that grueling eight-month campaign became a symbol of national maturity for a young Australia, which had only federated as a single nation fourteen years prior in 1901. Today, the day has evolved to be inclusive of all who have worn the uniform, including the often-overlooked contributions of Indigenous Australian veterans and the modern veterans of more recent conflicts in the Middle East and beyond. It is a day of "Lest We Forget," a promise kept by millions of Australians year after year.

When is ANZAC Day in 2026?

In 2026, ANZAC Day will be observed on Saturday, April 25, 2026. As of today, there are 112 days remaining until the nation gathers for this significant occasion.

ANZAC Day is a fixed-date holiday, meaning it is always held on April 25th. This specific date marks the anniversary of the first landings at Gallipoli in 1915. Because the date is fixed, it occasionally falls on a weekend, as it does in 2026. When this happens, the "public holiday" status can vary across the different states and territories of Australia. While the commemorative services always take place on the 25th itself, some Australians may receive an additional day off work on the following Monday depending on their local state government’s legislation.

The Historical Origins: The Birth of a Legend

To understand ANZAC Day, one must look back to the early morning of April 25, 1915. At that time, the First World War had been raging for less than a year. Australia, as part of the British Empire, had sent its newly formed Australian Imperial Force (AIF) to support the Allied effort. The plan, devised by the British Admiralty, was to knock the Ottoman Empire (an ally of Germany) out of the war by capturing the Dardanelles straits and eventually the capital, Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul).

The Australian and New Zealand troops were tasked with landing on a narrow stretch of beach on the Gallipoli Peninsula. Due to navigational errors or the difficult terrain, the troops landed about two kilometres north of the intended site, facing steep, scrub-covered cliffs instead of level ground. As they waded ashore, they were met with fierce resistance from Ottoman defenders positioned on the heights above. What was intended to be a swift strike turned into a bloody stalemate that lasted eight months.

By the time the Allied forces evacuated in December 1915 and January 1916, the cost was staggering. Over 8,700 Australians had been killed, and more than 2,700 New Zealanders had lost their lives. Total casualties on both sides, including British, French, and Ottoman forces, numbered in the hundreds of thousands. Despite the tactical failure, the news of the soldiers' bravery and the hardships they endured reached home and sparked a sense of national pride. The "ANZAC" acronym—Australian and New Zealand Army Corps—was born, and the date of the landing was quickly etched into the national psyche.

The first official ANZAC Day was established in 1916, just one year after the landings, while the war was still ongoing. In London, over 2,000 Australian and New Zealand troops marched through the streets, and in Australia, various ceremonies were held to boost morale and honour the fallen. By the 1920s, ANZAC Day had become the primary day for veterans to gather and remember their "cobbers" who didn't come home. It was officially gazetted as a public holiday in all states by 1927, cementing its place as Australia’s most important day of commemoration.

Traditions and Customs: How Australians Observe the Day

ANZAC Day is characterized by a series of deeply ingrained traditions that have remained largely unchanged for decades. These rituals provide a framework for the nation’s grief and respect.

The Dawn Service

The most iconic tradition is the Dawn Service. This practice originated from the military routine known as "stand-to." In the trenches, the half-light of dawn was one of the most dangerous times for an attack, so soldiers were woken before sunrise, manned their weapons, and stood in silence, ready for action.

Today, Australians replicate this by gathering at local war memorials at approximately 5:30 AM. There is a profound atmosphere as thousands of people—from toddlers to the elderly—stand in total silence in the chilly autumn air. The service typically involves:

• The Introduction: A brief history and welcome.
• Hymns and Prayers: Reflective music and words of remembrance.
• The Laying of Wreaths: Dignitaries, veterans, and community members place floral tributes (often featuring rosemary for remembrance) at the base of the cenotaph.
• The Ode of Remembrance: A recitation of a verse from Laurence Binyon’s poem For the Fallen: "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 will remember them."
• The Last Post: A bugle call that traditionally signaled the end of the day's labours. Its haunting notes signify the final rest of the fallen.
• One Minute's Silence: A period of absolute stillness for personal reflection.
• The Rouse or Reveille: A second bugle call signaling the start of a new day and the "awakening" of the spirit.
• National Anthems: Both the Australian and New Zealand national anthems are usually played.

The ANZAC March

Later in the morning, usually around 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM, the ANZAC Marches take place in major cities and regional towns. Veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and more recent conflicts march through the streets, often accompanied by brass bands. As the number of veterans from the World Wars has dwindled to zero, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren now march in their place, wearing the medals of their ancestors on the right-hand side of their chest (medals earned by the wearer are worn on the left).

The crowds lining the streets do not cheer as they might at a parade; instead, they clap respectfully, often shouting "Thank you" to the veterans as they pass. It is a powerful display of intergenerational respect.

The Lone Pine and Rosemary

Rosemary is the plant most associated with ANZAC Day. It grows wild on the Gallipoli Peninsula and is an ancient symbol of remembrance. You will see almost every attendee at a service wearing a small sprig of rosemary pinned to their lapel. The "Lone Pine" is another significant symbol, referring to a solitary tree that stood on a plateau where one of the fiercest battles of the Gallipoli campaign took place. Seeds from pines at Gallipoli were brought back to Australia and planted at memorials across the country.

Two-Up: A Unique Tradition

After the solemnity of the morning services, the mood shifts slightly in the afternoon as Australians gather at RSL (Returned and Services League) clubs and pubs for a game of "Two-Up." This is a traditional gambling game that was played extensively by Australian soldiers in the trenches.

The game involves a "spinner" throwing two coins into the air from a wooden paddle (the "kip"). Players bet on whether the coins will land both heads up, both tails up, or one of each (which results in a re-throw). Interestingly, Two-Up is actually illegal in most Australian states on every other day of the year, but the laws are relaxed specifically for ANZAC Day as a tribute to the soldiers' pastimes. It is a loud, communal, and quintessentially Australian way to bond after a morning of reflection.

ANZAC Biscuits

No guide to ANZAC Day would be complete without mentioning the ANZAC biscuit. During World War I, wives and women's groups back in Australia sent food to the soldiers. Because of the long journey by sea, they needed to bake something that wouldn't spoil easily. The result was a biscuit made of rolled oats, sugar, plain flour, butter, golden syrup, bicarbonate of soda, and desiccated coconut. Crucially, they do not contain eggs, which helped them stay fresh for months. Today, these biscuits are a staple of the holiday, often sold to raise funds for veterans' charities.

The Significance of "Lest We Forget"

The phrase "Lest We Forget" is the unofficial motto of ANZAC Day. Taken from Rudyard Kipling’s poem Recessional, it serves as a warning that if we forget the sacrifices of the past and the horrors of war, we are doomed to repeat them. On April 25th, this phrase is seen on banners, heard in every speech, and whispered at the end of every "Ode."

In recent years, there has been a significant push to ensure the day remains relevant to a modern, multicultural Australia. This includes recognizing the "Black ANZACs"—Indigenous Australians who fought for a country that, at the time, did not even recognize them as citizens. Today, many marches include specific contingents for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans, ensuring their contribution is finally given its due place in the national narrative.

Practical Information for Visitors and Locals in 2026

If you are planning to participate in ANZAC Day in 2026, there are several practical considerations to keep in mind to ensure you are respectful and prepared.

Attending a Dawn Service

Dawn Services are free and open to everyone. However, because of their popularity, especially in cities like Canberra (at the Australian War Memorial) or Sydney (at the Martin Place Cenotaph), you should plan to arrive very early. For a 5:30 AM service, arriving by 4:30 AM is often necessary to get a spot within hearing distance of the speakers.

Etiquette:

• Silence: Maintain a respectful silence from the moment you arrive at the memorial site.
• Photography: It is generally considered disrespectful to use flash photography or to take "selfies" during the solemn parts of the service (the Last Post and the Minute's Silence).
• Dress: While there is no strict dress code, "smart casual" is the norm. Keep in mind that late April is autumn in Australia, and pre-dawn temperatures can be quite cold, even in northern states. Dressing in layers is highly recommended.
• Medals: If you are wearing a relative's medals, ensure they are on your right breast. Only those who personally earned the medals wear them on the left.

Transport

In major cities, public transport usually runs on a special "Sunday" or "Holiday" timetable, but many cities provide additional early-morning bus and train services specifically to get people to and from Dawn Services. In Sydney and Melbourne, these services are often free for veterans and their families wearing medals. Check your local transport authority (like Transport for NSW or PTV in Victoria) closer to the date.

Weather in Late April

Across much of Australia, April 25th marks the true beginning of the cooler weather.

• Sydney/Melbourne/Canberra: Expect crisp mornings (8°C to 12°C) and mild, sunny afternoons (18°C to 22°C).
• Brisbane/Perth: Generally milder, but still cool enough for a jacket at dawn.
• Darwin: It will be the beginning of the "Dry Season," meaning it will be warm and humid but unlikely to rain.

Is ANZAC Day a Public Holiday?

Yes, ANZAC Day is a designated national public holiday in Australia. However, because it falls on Saturday, April 25, 2026 in 2026, the rules for a "day off" work depend on where you live.

Trading Hours and Closures

ANZAC Day has some of the strictest trading laws in Australia. In most states, almost all businesses—including supermarkets, department stores, and banks—must remain closed until 1:00 PM. This is to ensure that employees have the opportunity to attend morning services and marches.

• Shops: Large retailers (Coles, Woolworths, Kmart, etc.) usually open after 1:00 PM but may have reduced evening hours.
• Cafes and Restaurants: Many smaller cafes near war memorials open very early to serve "gunfire breakfast" (coffee with a splash of rum, historically served to soldiers) but may close in the afternoon.
• Services: Schools, post offices, and government buildings are closed for the entire day.

The "Monday" Holiday in 2026

Since April 25, 2026 falls on a Saturday, the following applies:

• ACT, Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory: These regions typically provide a substitute public holiday on Monday, April 27. This means most workers in these areas will have a long weekend.
• New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania: Traditionally, these states do not provide a substitute holiday when ANZAC Day falls on a weekend. The day is commemorated on the Saturday, and Monday is a normal working day.

It is always wise to check the specific "Fair Work" or state government website for 2026 as the date approaches, as legislation can occasionally change.

A Day of National Unity

Ultimately, ANZAC Day is the heartbeat of Australia. It is a day that brings the nation together in a way that no other holiday does. It is not about glorifying war, but about remembering the human cost of it. It is about the 103,000 names on the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial and the millions of families whose lives were changed by service.

Whether you are standing in the dark at a local cenotaph, watching the march on television, or sharing a game of Two-Up with friends in the afternoon, ANZAC Day is a time to reflect on what it means to be Australian and to honour those who gave their "today" for our "tomorrow."

Lest We Forget.