anzac day 2026

Anzac Day is a day to recognise all Australians that serve of have served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in times of war and peace. Australians recognise 25 April as a day of national remembrance through moments of quiet reflection and social connection.

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Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the Gallipoli landing where some 20,000 Australian and New Zealand troops arrived on the beaches in Turkey on 25 April 1915. This was the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

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The pride that the men who served on the Gallipoli Peninsula took in the ANZAC name endures to this day, representing the ideals of courage, endurance and mateship. Australian service is a deeply rooted in Australia’s cultural heritage. The Spirit of the ANZACs lives on in modern Australian culture.

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Anzac Day traditions and events include commemorative services are held across the nation at dawn – the time of the original landing, and then later in the day. Current serving ADF members and veterans and servicewomen meet to take part in marches across the country

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It is tradition on Anzac Day to wear a sprig of rosemary. Rosemary grew wild on the Gallipoli Peninsula and is a commemorative symbol used to commemorate the ANZACs. Red Poppies as the commemorative symbol on Remembrance Day, 11 November.

Flags are required to be flown at half-mast till noon on Anzac Day, then raised to the masthead until sunset. It is appropriate to fly the flags of New Zealand, the United Kingdom and other allied nations alongside the national flag. It is also considered appropriate to wave small Australian flags during marches.

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When flown with the flags of other sovereign nations, all flags should be flown on separate staffs and inequal position, no flag being flown higher than any other and all being the same size if possible.

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International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another in time of peace. The Australian National Flag should, however, be hoisted first and lowered last unless the number of flags permits their being hoisted and lowered simultaneously.

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For more information about hosting an Anzac Day service, visit Defence Ceremonial Protocols, RSL Australia, and the ANZAC Portal.

There are commemorative Anzac Day events at many locations around Western Australia. Contact your local RSL Sub-Branch to find out more about Anzac Day activities in your area.

There are seven key events in the Perth CBD:

1. All-Abilities Sunset Service – Kings Park Flame of Remembrance. 
2. Dawn Service – Kings Park State War Memorial.  
3. Gunfire Breakfast – Government House Gardens.
4. Anzac Day March – Saint Georges Terrace, Perth.
5. Cathedral Service - St Georges Cathedral, Perth.
6. Anzac House - 28 Saint Georges Terrace Perth.
7. Mateship Lane - Irwin Street, Perth.

There are four ways you can participate in the ANZAC Day March:

1. ‍March with a Unit Association or Group
   Contact your relevant U&K group to express interest and march with the group.U&K group to express interest and march with the group.
2. ‍March under a relevant conflict banner
   March under the conflict, war, or peacekeeping operation in which you served.
3. ‍Ride in a vehicle
   RSL WA helps to transport veterans with mobility issues to participate in the Perth Anzac Day March. This is a personalised service offered to veterans who need help getting to and from The March and for those who require vehicular assistance to participate. If you would like to request this service, please get in contact with Cassandra Brennan on 0402 845 459 or email cassandra@monarchevents.com.au.
4. ‍March as an individual
   Individuals can register to March and will be assigned a location in The Order of March. To register complete the RSL WA Individual March Registration.  

The form up area is where you wait to join The March in the correct order. You can locate your group's form up location on the Order of March and the March Map. Both of these documents will be available in March 2026. If you are participating in the March, please ensure you carefully read and follow the March Protocols.

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On the day Parade Marshalls will be present as well as an information booth on the corner of St Georges Terrace and Barrack Street. You will need to arrive at 8:30 am, at least 30mins before The March commences to form up. All groups must be formed up by 8:45 am.

Unless the weather is considered dangerous to participants and spectators, the events will go ahead whatever the forecast.

Yes. The term medals include the Member of the Order of Australia and the Medal of the Order of Australia and badges of the 4th and 5th classes of orders and decorations which are worn as medals as well as for campaigns and long service.

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A veteran may wear their own medals on the left and those of a relative on the right. For more information, view the list of Australian honours.

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There is comprehensive guide on the RSL Australia website to wearing medals on commemorative occasions.

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Yes. Your local RSL Sub-Branch or Ex-Service Organisation may be able to provide guidance regarding what group to march with. Then you need to register with a Unit and Kindred Group or with RSL WA. If you wish to wear family medals, then they should be worn on your right-hand side.

Yes. If you wish to wear family medals, then they should be worn on your right-hand side. There is comprehensive guide on the RSL Australia website to wearing medals on commemorative occasions.

Yes. RSL WA invites veterans marching on Anzac Day to include their children to impart the Spirit of ANZACs on future generations. Children do not need to register, but their parent/guardian MUST be registered with a Unit and Kindred Group or RSL WA. 

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Please note that children under the age of 18 cannot participate in the Anzac Day March without the direct supervision of a parent or guardian.  

Yes, but only after the formal service has concluded at the Sunset or Dawn Service. Wreath laying during the Dawn Service is by invitation only with limited spots to maintain the flow of proceedings.

Yes. You can bring food and non-alcoholic drinks. Alcoholic beverages should not be consumed in public places. There will be a licensed area at Irwin Street and Anzac House for alcoholic beverages. Please help us keep WA clean by taking your rubbish home with you or using the bins provided.

The Gunfire Breakfast at Government House Gardens from 7 am to 9 am is a great place to get a breakfast roll, tea or coffee, before the March starts down St Georges Terrace.

• Dangerous or hazardous items

• Sun shelters and tents

• Alcohol

• Glassware

• Portable BBQs

• Pets (service and support dogs are allowed)

Yes, but please be respectful at all times. We would love to see your photos, if you wish to share your images, please email them to marketing@rslwa.org.au or tag @RSLWA on social media – #rslwa #ANZACspirit #AnzacDay

Portable toilets, free drinking water stations, St John First Aid Stations, and Constable Care will be available throughout the Perth CBD.

Yes. Road closures and traffic detours will be in effect on 25 April around the Perth CBD for the safety of patrons, emergency access and event organisers.  

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Information on the Anzac Day road closures at the Dawn Service (Kings Park) or The March (Perth CBD) will be available closer to the event from the RSL WA website.  

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Ensure that you plan ahead, vehicles inside the road closures may be towed.  

It is recommended that you take public transport to ANZAC Day events. For further information on routes and public transport schedules, please visit transperth.wa.gov.au or call 13 6213.  Hearing or speech impaired? Call via NRS 133 677 and ask for 13 62 13.

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‍Cyclists are welcome to ride their bikes to the events but please note there will not be any event bike racks, so please remember your lock and key as well as your cycle helmet!

At Kings Park, there will be some parking available outside of the road closures. The road closures in place will prevent people from parking close to the State War Memorial. If you require ACROD parking at the Dawn Service, contact events@rslwa.org.au.

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For the March down St Georges Terrace, there is CPP parking available outside of the road closure areas.

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It is strongly recommended that visitors use public transport and plan your trip with the Transperth JourneyPlanner.

Visit the City of Perth website or parking app to locate accessible parking bays in the Perth CBD.

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A limited amount of ACROD parking is available at the Kings Park Dawn Service. Please contact events@rslwa.org.au to reserve ACROD parking. Parking passes are only available for pick-up from Anzac House (Perth).