23-04-2025
What day of the week is Anzac Day this year? Where is a dawn service or parade near me?
Australians around the country will tomorrow pause to reflect on Anzac Day and commemorate the work of those in the defence forces.
The day will also bring with it a second long weekend for much of the country, and public holiday hours for shopping, businesses and services.
Here's what you need to know about one of the most solemn days on Australia's calendar.
How is Anzac Day commemorated?
There are many traditions associated with the day, but the two key events are a memorial service at dawn and a march later in the day.
Dawn services are symbolic of the time Anzac forces originally landed on the shores of Gallipoli.
These ceremonies typically involve the laying of floral wreaths, a moment of silence and a rendition of The Last Post — which is played on a bugle.
If you do go to a dawn service, you may want to stick around for a feed — called a gunfire breakfast — afterwards.
Usually this will be held by the Returned Services League (RSL) sub-branch as a fundraiser, so have some cash on you.
"A gunfire breakfast typically involves rum-laced coffee or tea, hot food such as bacon and eggs, and is a chance for veterans – and often other community members – to enjoy shared camaraderie," the RSL website says.
"The custom stems from 'gunfire' [which is] a mix of rum and black tea dating back to at least the 1890s.
"It was made by British Army soldiers – likely as a warming dash of morale or liquid courage ahead of the day's battle – and later adopted by Australian and New Zealand forces."
Later in the day, former and current military personnel and family representatives march in a parade and gather with the public for a formal memorial service.
Anyone can go to the public services, which are typically held in central areas.
You'll hear the phrase "Lest we forget" said quite often.
The phrase is uttered in response to the Ode, which is typically read out at every Anzac Day service.
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 speaker will then say "Lest we forget", which is then be repeated by the crowd.
The Ode is actually the fourth stanza of a longer poem by Laurence Binyon called For the Fallen.
How can I find an Anzac Day service near me?
The easiest way is to check out the Returned Services League's (RSL) website.
Select your state or territory on the map then, once prompted, enter your postcode or suburb.
The website should show you a list of services in locations near you.
If you're unable to make it there in person, the ABC always broadcasts a service, which you'll be able to watch free-to-air on ABC TV or on ABC iview.
Why is Anzac Day on April 25?
It's the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand armed forces during World War I.
On April 25, 1915, the soldiers landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula, in what was then known as Turkey (which is now officially known as Türkiye).
More than 8,000 Australian soldiers died during the campaign and the military operation had a profound impact on Australians at home.
Why is Anzac Day a public holiday?
It's our national day for honouring people who fought for and aided Australia's armed forces.
You could liken it to America's Veterans Day or Armed Forces Day in the UK.
While the day is the anniversary of the Gallipoli landing in 1915, it's been broadened out to commemorate the efforts of any Australian in any military action.
So it's not just about people involved in the Gallipoli landing or even World War I, but every military effort.
This year, it falls on a Friday.
Friday will be a public holiday for every state and territory, meaning many people will be have a long weekend.
That's not always the case, however.
If Anzac Day is on a weekday, all states and territories have a public holiday on April 25.
But if it falls on a weekend, some jurisdictions will have a public holiday on the following Monday, but others won't.
When Anzac Day fell on a Sunday in 2021, for example, most jurisdictions had the Monday off — except NSW, Victoria and Tasmania didn't.
The dawn service is a solemn and moving way to mark Anzac Day. ( ABC News: Andrew O'Connor )
What does ANZAC stand for?
Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
This was the name given to the Australian and New Zealand soldiers grouped together in Egypt before heading to Türkiye to land in Gallipoli.
What shops are open on Anzac Day? What are the opening hours?
While many shops are typically open on other public holidays, Anzac Day might be a bit different depending where you live.
Here's a state-by-state breakdown of Anzac Day trading hours.
