Australia • April 27, 2026 • Monday
Also known as: ANZAC Day Holiday
ANZAC Day is arguably the most significant national occasion in Australia. It is a day that transcends politics, religion, and social standing, uniting the country in a collective moment of solemn reflection. Unlike many other public holidays that are celebrated with fireworks or festive parties, ANZAC Day is characterized by its quiet dignity, its early morning vigils, and a profound sense of gratitude. It is the day when Australians stop to remember the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who landed at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I, and by extension, every man and woman who has served in the Australian Defence Force in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.
What makes this day truly special is the "ANZAC Spirit." This concept is deeply woven into the Australian identity, encompassing qualities like mateship, courage, endurance, and sacrifice. For many Australians, ANZAC Day is not about glorifying war, but about acknowledging the heavy price of freedom and the extraordinary resilience of ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Whether it is a veteran in their nineties proudly wearing their medals or a young child placing a poppy at a local cenotaph, the day serves as a bridge between generations, ensuring that the promise "Lest We Forget" is kept year after year.
In the modern era, ANZAC Day has seen a massive resurgence in participation, particularly among younger Australians. It has evolved from a day primarily for veterans to a national day of pilgrimage. From the rugged cliffs of the Gallipoli peninsula to the local RSL (Returned and Services League) clubs in outback towns, the atmosphere is one of shared history. It is a time to reflect on what it means to be Australian and to honour the legacy of those who helped shape the nation’s character through their service and ultimate sacrifice.
In 2026, the commemoration of ANZAC Day falls on Monday, April 27, 2026.
As of today, there are 114 days remaining until the nation gathers for this important occasion.
The date of ANZAC Day is fixed. It is always held on April 25th, regardless of which day of the week it falls on. This is because April 25th marks the specific anniversary of the first landings at Gallipoli in 1915. However, because April 27, 2026 falls on a Saturday in 2026, the "observed" status regarding public holidays and long weekends varies significantly across the different states and territories of Australia. While the solemn commemorative services always happen on the 25th, some Australians will receive a substitute holiday on the following Monday to ensure workers do not miss out on a day of rest.
To understand ANZAC Day, one must look back to the early morning of April 25, 1915. Australia had been a federated nation for only 14 years when it joined the British Empire in World War I. The Gallipoli campaign was a plan by the Allied powers to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies and capture Constantinople (now Istanbul). The Australian and New Zealand forces landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula at a place now known as ANZAC Cove.
The campaign was a grueling eight-month stalemate. Instead of a quick victory, the soldiers faced steep cliffs, treacherous terrain, and a fierce, well-prepared Turkish defense led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. By the time the Allied forces evacuated in December 1915, over 8,000 Australian soldiers had been killed. While the campaign was a military failure, the bravery and "mateship" displayed by the ANZACs created a powerful legend. It was during this time that the "ANZAC legend" was born—the idea that Australia had finally proven itself on the world stage, not through diplomacy, but through the courage of its soldiers.
The first official ANZAC Day commemorations were held in 1916. In London, over 2,000 Australian and New Zealand troops marched through the streets, and in Australia, various marches and services were organized to boost morale and remember the fallen. By the 1920s, ANZAC Day was established as a national day of commemoration for the 60,000 Australians who died during the Great War. Over the decades, the scope of the day expanded to include World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and more recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as various peacekeeping missions.
The observance of ANZAC Day follows a traditional pattern that has remained largely unchanged for decades. The day is divided into three distinct phases: the solemnity of the dawn, the pride of the midday march, and the social reflection of the afternoon.
While the spirit of the day is national, the legal "observed" holiday status for 2026 varies by state because the actual date falls on a Saturday.
If you are visiting Australia or living here as an expat during 2026, there are several key sites where you can experience the most significant services:
The Australian War Memorial (Canberra): This is the national heart of remembrance. The Dawn Service here is massive, often attended by the Prime Minister and Governor-General. The "Last Post" ceremony held every evening at the Memorial is also particularly poignant on ANZAC Day. The Shrine of Remembrance (Melbourne): A stunning monument where thousands gather on the surrounding lawns. The design of the Shrine allows a ray of sunlight to hit the "Stone of Remembrance" at exactly 11:00 AM on Remembrance Day, but for ANZAC Day, it serves as the focal point for Victoria’s commemorations. The Anzac Memorial, Hyde Park (Sydney): Located in the CBD, this Art Deco building is the site of Sydney's main service. The nearby Martin Place Cenotaph also hosts a very popular and historic Dawn Service. Kings Park (Perth): Overlooking the Swan River, the State War Memorial in Kings Park offers one of the most beautiful settings for a Dawn Service in the country. Anzac Square (Brisbane): Home to the Shrine of Remembrance and the Eternal Flame, this is the central gathering point for Queenslanders.
For those planning to attend a service on April 27, 2026, here are some practical tips to ensure you are respectful and prepared:
Dress Code: There is no formal dress code, but most people dress "smart-casual" out of respect. It is often very cold in the early hours of the morning (especially in Canberra, Melbourne, and Hobart), so wearing layers and a warm coat is essential. Arrival Time: For Dawn Services in major cities, it is recommended to arrive at least 30 to 60 minutes early. Large crowds can make it difficult to get close to the memorial. The Rosemary Sprig: You will see many people wearing a small sprig of rosemary pinned to their lapel. Rosemary grows wild on the Gallipoli peninsula and has long been a symbol of remembrance and fidelity. It is a simple way for anyone to show their respect. Medals: If you are wearing a relative's medals, remember to wear them on your right breast. Only those who personally earned the medals wear them on the left. Conduct: During the "Last Post" and the minute of silence, it is expected that everyone stands perfectly still and remains silent. Mobile phones should be turned off or silenced. Transport: Many city councils provide free or discounted public transport for veterans wearing medals and for the general public attending dawn services. Check local transport websites (like NSW Transport or PTV in Victoria) for special early-morning "ANZAC Day" timetables, as many roads will be closed for the marches.
Yes, ANZAC Day is a national public holiday, but its impact on your working week in 2026 depends on your location.
Saturday, April 25, 2026: This is the official public holiday nationwide. Most retail businesses will be closed in the morning (until 1:00 PM). Banks, post offices, and government offices will be closed.
As we approach April 27, 2026, Australians are reminded that ANZAC Day is more than just a date on the calendar or a reason for a day off. It is a day of national soul-searching. It asks us to consider the qualities of those who served: their bravery in the face of certain danger, their loyalty to their mates, and their commitment to a cause greater than themselves.
Whether you are standing in the shivering cold of a Canberra dawn, watching the march in the tropical heat of Brisbane, or tossing coins in a crowded Sydney pub, you are participating in a tradition that is over a century old. In 2026, as we mark another year since that fateful landing in 1915, the message remains the same. We stop to say thank you. We stop to remember.
Lest We Forget.
Common questions about ANZAC Day Observed in Australia
ANZAC Day itself falls on Saturday, April 25, 2026. However, in certain states like Western Australia, the public holiday is observed on Monday, April 27, 2026. There are approximately 114 days remaining until this significant day of national remembrance. While the historical anniversary is always April 25, the 'observed' Monday holiday allows for a long weekend in specific jurisdictions, though the solemn dawn services and traditional marches always take place on the actual anniversary of the Gallipoli landings.
Yes, ANZAC Day is a national public holiday, though the way it is observed as a day off varies by state. In 2026, because April 25 falls on a Saturday, Western Australia will have a substitute holiday on the following Monday. In other states like New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania, there is generally no automatic Monday substitute, meaning the public holiday is strictly Saturday. Schools nationwide are closed, and many businesses operate with restricted hours or remain closed entirely to allow employees to participate in remembrance services.
ANZAC Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. It commemorates the landing of the ANZACs at Gallipoli, Turkey, on April 25, 1915. While the campaign was a costly failure, the bravery and sacrifice shown by the soldiers created the 'ANZAC legend.' Today, the day has evolved to honor all Australians who have served and died in all military conflicts, representing qualities of courage, mateship, and national identity.
The Dawn Service is the most solemn tradition of ANZAC Day, held at war memorials and cenotaphs across the country between 4:25 AM and 6:00 AM. This timing coincides with the original landing at Gallipoli. The service typically includes the laying of wreaths, prayers, a period of silence, and the sounding of the 'Last Post' on a bugle. It is a quiet, reflective event where thousands of people gather in the dark to pay their respects to the fallen before the sun rises.
Beyond the Dawn Services, the day features midday marches where veterans, current service members, and descendants of those who served parade through city centers. A unique social tradition is the game of 'two-up,' a gambling game involving tossing coins that was popular among soldiers. It is generally illegal in Australia but becomes legal for one day only on ANZAC Day in pubs and RSL clubs. Families often gather for a roast lunch, and many people wear sprigs of rosemary or red poppies as symbols of remembrance.
Trading hours are strictly regulated on ANZAC Day, particularly in the morning. In states like Victoria and NSW, most shops and supermarkets are required to remain closed until 1:00 PM to ensure the morning is dedicated to memorial services. Some smaller businesses or essential services may open earlier, but it is common for major shopping centers to have reduced hours. Public transport often runs on a Sunday or holiday timetable, though many cities offer free travel for veterans and those attending services.
Visitors are very welcome at ANZAC Day events, provided they remain respectful. The atmosphere is solemn rather than festive, so quiet behavior is expected during services and marches. Dress is typically smart-casual; many choose to wear medals belonging to deceased relatives on their right chest (veterans wear their own on the left). It is standard to stand in silence during the 'Last Post' and the minute of silence. Unlike other holidays, there are no fireworks or loud parties, as the focus remains on reflection and gratitude.
In Sydney, the main Dawn Service is held at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, followed by a march through Elizabeth Street. Melbourne holds a massive service at the Shrine of Remembrance, which attracts tens of thousands of people. In Brisbane, Anzac Square is the central hub for commemorations, while Perth holds a beautiful service at Kings Park overlooking the city. If you plan to attend a Dawn Service in these major locations, it is highly recommended to arrive at least an hour early as they are very crowded.