ANZAC Day 2026 Complete Guide: Commemorations, Events & Planning

ANZAC Day 2026: Key Information

In 2026, ANZAC Day falls on Saturday 25 April. This Saturday placement has specific implications for public holiday entitlements and commemoration planning that Australians need to understand.

When ANZAC Day falls on a weekend, the arrangements for substitute public holidays vary between states and territories. Unlike most public holidays, ANZAC Day has special protections in some jurisdictions that may provide additional days off. Employees should check their specific state regulations and employment agreements.

State-by-State Holiday Arrangements

Because ANZAC Day 2026 falls on Saturday, most states do not automatically provide a substitute Monday holiday as they do for other public holidays. However, specific arrangements vary:

• Western Australia: May observe Monday 27 April as a substitute
• South Australia: Substitute holiday provisions may apply
• Queensland, NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, ACT, NT: Generally no substitute when falling on Saturday

Check with your employer and consult official state government announcements closer to the date for confirmed arrangements.

Dawn Services and Commemorations

Dawn services remain the most poignant ANZAC Day tradition, commemorating the original Gallipoli landing that occurred at dawn. These services begin in darkness and conclude as the sun rises, creating a deeply moving atmosphere of reflection and remembrance.

Major Dawn Services

Every capital city hosts significant dawn services that attract thousands of participants. The Australian War Memorial in Canberra conducts the national service, typically led by the Prime Minister and senior government officials. This service is broadcast nationally on television and radio.

Sydney's Martin Place Cenotaph, Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance, Brisbane's ANZAC Square, Perth's Kings Park, and Adelaide's War Memorial all host major services. Suburban RSL clubs and regional towns throughout Australia also conduct their own dawn services, allowing communities across the country to participate.

What to Expect at a Dawn Service

Dawn services typically commence around 5:30 AM or 6:00 AM, depending on local sunrise times. Participants are encouraged to arrive 30-45 minutes early to find positions. The service usually includes:

• Welcome and opening prayers
• The Ode (recitation of Laurence Binyon's "For the Fallen")
• The Last Post, played by a bugler
• A minute's silence
• Reveille
• Wreath laying ceremony
• The Australian and New Zealand national anthems

Dress warmly, as April mornings can be cold. Formal or smart casual attire is appropriate, and medals may be worn on the right breast if they belonged to a family member.

ANZAC Day Marches

Following dawn services, ANZAC Day marches proceed through city streets, with veterans, current serving members, and descendants marching past cenotaphs and war memorials. These marches typically begin mid-morning and attract large crowds of spectators.

The Sydney march along George Street to Hyde Park is among Australia's largest, featuring thousands of participants. Melbourne's march through the city to the Shrine of Remembrance is equally significant, with similar traditions in all other capital cities.

Families of deceased veterans are increasingly encouraged to march, wearing medals on the right side to indicate they belong to a relative. This allows new generations to honour ancestors who served, ensuring ANZAC traditions continue.

Attending as a Spectator

Spectators line march routes, often arriving early for good viewing positions. Respectful silence during the march is expected, though applause for particular units or elderly veterans is common and appreciated. Many families bring children to introduce them to ANZAC traditions.

Two-Up: The ANZAC Day Tradition

Two-up, a traditional Australian gambling game, is legally permitted on ANZAC Day in most states, the only day of the year when this otherwise prohibited game can be played in pubs and clubs. The game involves spinning two coins and betting on whether they land with both heads up, both tails up, or one of each.

Originally played by ANZAC soldiers in trenches and camps, two-up has become synonymous with ANZAC Day celebrations. RSL clubs across Australia host games in the afternoon following marches and commemorative services. The atmosphere is typically jovial, celebrating the mateship and larrikin spirit associated with ANZAC tradition.

Newcomers are welcome at most two-up games. The rules are simple, and experienced players are usually happy to explain the game to beginners.

Planning Your ANZAC Day 2026

Whether attending commemorations or simply observing the day quietly, planning helps ensure a meaningful ANZAC Day experience.

For Dawn Service Attendance

Arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. Major city services attract very large crowds, so earlier arrival ensures better positioning. Dress warmly in layers, as you'll be standing still in cool morning air. Bring a small torch for navigating in darkness, but be prepared to switch it off during the service.

Public Transport Considerations

Public transport typically runs special early services on ANZAC Day morning to accommodate dawn service attendees. Check your local transport authority for ANZAC Day timetables and plan your journey accordingly. Parking near major services is usually extremely limited.

Weekend Planning

With ANZAC Day on Saturday in 2026, many Australians may choose to extend their weekend with Friday leave. This creates a three-day break for those who can take the time off. Consider using our 2026 calendar to plan around this date and coordinate with family members.

Explaining ANZAC Day to Children

ANZAC Day provides valuable opportunities to educate younger generations about Australian history and values. Many schools conduct special assemblies and lessons around this time, but family discussions add personal meaning.

The Australian War Memorial website offers child-friendly resources explaining ANZAC history. Picture books about Simpson and his donkey or the animals that served in war can engage younger children. Visiting local war memorials and reading names aloud helps children understand the personal sacrifice involved.

Baking ANZAC biscuits together provides a tangible connection to history. These simple oat-based biscuits were sent to soldiers because they kept well during long sea voyages and didn't spoil easily in hot climates.

ANZAC Day Traditions to Observe

Beyond formal commemorations, several traditions help Australians observe ANZAC Day meaningfully:

• Wearing rosemary: A sprig of rosemary symbolises remembrance and was found growing wild at Gallipoli
• Red poppies: Originally associated with Remembrance Day, poppies are also worn on ANZAC Day
• ANZAC biscuits: Baking and sharing these traditional biscuits connects families to history
• Minute of silence: Observing a minute's silence at 11:00 AM
• Visiting memorials: Local war memorials provide places for quiet reflection

The ANZAC spirit of courage, endurance, mateship, and sacrifice continues to resonate with contemporary Australians, making ANZAC Day observance meaningful across generations.