Anzac Day

Anzac Day is an important special community event celebrated in Australia on April 25. Millions of Australians commemorate the anniversary of the first significant military pairing of Australian and New Zealand forces fighting together during the First World War.

In addition, veterans and participants in peacekeeping operations and conflicts will be honoured during this national event.

Like all other cities in Australia, Sydney celebrates this day to pay homage to some of the bravest veterans who have lived and died serving their country. The event’s name comes from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, also known as ANZAC.

Australia and New Zealand observe this event every year, and it is marked by a public holiday. The Australian Government and all members of the public honour past and serving members on this prestigious day.

RSL NSW is committed to leading the State in commemorative services. The ANZAC Day message aims to connect all Australians to the ANZAC Spirit and encourages everyone to participate and pay their respects in their own unique way.

More than 600 commemorative events are scheduled to take place in communities across New South Wales this ANZAC Day. Participating in ANZAC Day is an opportunity for all Australians to come together, honour the sacrifice of our service men and women, and show support for our current and past members of the armed forces.

Sydney Dawn Service

To mark the time at which the first Australians waded ashore at ANZAC Cove in 1915,  thousands of people will gather at the Cenotaph, Martin Place, to watch the official NSW ANZAC Day Dawn Service on 25 April at 4:20 am.

The Dawn Service offers quiet contemplation, accompanied by the bugle call of the Last Post and The Ode of Remembrance.

General public viewing areas will remain open until capacity is reached, and bag checks will be required upon entry to the site. There is no general public entry via Pitt Street.

Three public viewing areas are available:
Section A: Martin Place outside Challis House
Seating is available until capacity is reached; once capacity is reached, standing room will be available until capacity is reached.
Entry via George Street
Martin Place at George Street
Seating is available until capacity is reached
Entry via George Street

Section B: Martin Place between Pitt Street and Castlereagh Street
Standing only
Entry via Castlereagh Street

Sydney CBD March

An event like no other, the ANZAC Day March brings the Sydney CBD to a standstill as over 10,000 current serving members and veterans of the Australian Defence Force file past the Anzac Memorial to pay their respects to the fallen.

Spectators are invited to line Elizabeth Street and show their support for the brave men and women who have served their country and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice or suffered due to their service.

The ANZAC Day March begins at 9am at the intersection of Elizabeth Street and Martin Place, finishing at Liverpool Street at approximately 12:30pm.

The Order of March will be:

• Royal Australian Navy/Australian Army/Royal Australian Air Force
• British and Commonwealth Forces
• Civilians in support of Australian Troops
• Descendants of Australian veterans
• Allies

Extensive road closures and clearways will occur throughout the Sydney CBD from 2am to 4pm.

Event parking is only available in designated areas and is limited to vehicles with a Vehicle Access Permit. Coaches or vehicles cannot park in a clearway without a Vehicle Access Permit.

ANZAC Day Commemoration Service

The ANZAC Day Commemoration Service is held at the Anzac Memorial, Hyde Park, adjacent to the Pool of Reflection, commencing at 12:30pm.

This service has developed into an impressive dedication, attended by the Governor of New South Wales, the Premier of New South Wales, the Leader of the Opposition, senior service representatives, invited guests and community members.

In recent years, a United Drumhead Service has been introduced. It is provided by cadets from The Scots College and supported by the NSW Police Concert Band and The Scots College Pipes and Drums.

This service is open to the public. The marquee on the western side (Elizabeth Street) of the Anzac Memorial has accessible seating and limited seating for the public.

ANZAC Day Sunset Service

This ceremony is a short service, with the flags lowered, accompanied by the NSW Ambulance Service Band. The Sunset Service concludes the official ANZAC Day Commemorations in Sydney. It is open to the public.

Public Transport

Travel on public transport is free for members and ex-members of the Australian Defence Force, this also includes their carers; and the spouses, children and grandchildren of deceased service personnel; and the spouses, children and grandchildren of living war veterans. This entitlement allows free travel on Anzac Day on the following public transport services:

• Sydney Metropolitan and Outer Metropolitan buses
• Sydney Ferries
• Newcastle Transport buses, ferries and light rail
• Sydney Trains
• Sydney Metro
• NSW TrainLink intercity trains
• Sydney Light Rail

The public is invited to attend and watch the Service and March in person, or they can watch the events from home on TV and online. The Dawn Service will be broadcast live across all free-to-air television networks and radio stations. The March will be broadcast live on ABC or available on iView.