The Australian War Memorial is not the only place to remember those who have served. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
On 25 April 1915, 110 years ago, Australia forged its own history and identity when soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps landed on the shores of Turkey (then part of the Ottoman Empire) and began the Gallipoli campaign.
The 25th of April was officially designated as Anzac Day in 1916, and commemorative services are held at war memorials at dawn to commemorate the time of the original landing in Gallipoli.
While the Australian War Memorial will be the focus of many veterans and dignitaries on Anzac Day, venues across the ACT are participating in commemoration activities.
Diggers young, old, retired and still in uniform parade in front of the AWM to commemorate Anzac Day. Photo: Australian War Memorial.
Anzac Day commemorations at the War Memorial
When: readings from 4:30 am, dawn service at 5:30 am
Where: The Australian War Memorial, Fairbairn Avenue, Campbell
Cost: Free.
The War Memorial is the centre of Anzac Day commemorations, providing a central place for the nation to mourn and remember servicemen and women from past conflicts.
Beginning at 4.30 am, representatives from the Australian Defence Force will read excerpts from the letters and diaries of Australians who have witnessed the realities of war first-hand.
The day will begin with the dawn service at 5:30 am, followed by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans and Services Association Commemorative Ceremony at 7:30 am. This will be followed by the RSL ACT veterans’ march at 9:30 am.
The Last Post ceremony is at 4:30 pm. It will be performed in honour and commemoration of Captain Edward Frederick Robert Bage, who was killed in action on 7 May 1915 in Gallipoli.
Commemorate at The Dock’s dawn service. Photo: The Dock Kingston.
Anzac Day at The Dock
When: from 5:30 am; events throughout the day
Where: The Dock, 7/81 Giles Street, Kingston
Cost: Free. See their website to book a table.
The Dock is hosting a series of events throughout the day, starting with the dawn service at 5:30 am, followed by a run at 6:30 am, and concluding with breakfast and coffee half an hour after that. For something a bit later in the day, they have two-up at noon with footy showing on the big screens. Live music commences at 5:30 pm from Marty K.
From live music to footy on the big screens, Olims Bar and Bistro has it all. Photo: Mercure Canberra.
Anzac Day at Olims Bar and Bistro
When: breakfast from 6 am with the dawn service
Where: Mercure Canberra, 39 Limestone Ave, Braddon
Cost: Free.
Olims Bar and Bistro hosts a special commemoration for Anzac Day, featuring a dawn service and breakfast, with the parade shown on the beer garden’s big screen. Then from noon to sundown, Canberra’s largest outdoor two-up venue kicks off, with all proceeds donated to charity. Live music will also be played from 6:30 pm. The AFL and NRL Anzac games will also be played on the big screen in the Carlton Room. Live music from 6:30 pm.
The Old Canberra Inn will be raising money for Soldier On throughout the day. Photo: Old Canberra Inn.
Anzac Day at Old Canberra Inn
When: from 1 pm
Where: Old Canberra Inn, 195 Mouat Street
Cost: Free. Call to book 6134 6000.
Join the Old Canberra Inn on Anzac Day. There’ll be live music from Moondog and two-up, with fundraising for Soldier On.
They’ve got live music for the rest of the long weekend too, with All-Star Blues Jam on Saturday from 7 pm and Ben Drysdale on Sunday from 4 pm.
Enjoy the best view in Canberra at The Jetty’s Anzac Day commemoration. Photo: The Jetty.
Anzac Day at The Jetty
When: beer garden from 10 am, two-up from 12 pm
Where: The Jetty, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes, Kingston
Cost: Free. See the website to book a table.
Commemorate Anzac Day at one of the best venues in town with two-up from 12 to 4, great food, beers on tap and an unbeatable view of the lake.
The Jetty is also partnering with Soldier On to give all house bets on the day to charity.
The Canberra Irish Club is offering a coach service to get locals to the AWM. Image: Canberra Irish Club.
Anzac Day at the Canberra Irish Club
When: the club opens from 11:30 am
Where: 6 Parkinson St, Weston
Cost: Entry to the club is free. The coach service to AWM for the dawn service is $32 per person; bookings are required.
The Canberra Irish Club is helping locals and club members attend the service by providing a coach service to the Australian War Memorial (AWM) for $32 per person, departing at 4:30 am and returning to the club after the service for a hot breakfast. The club officially opens at 11:30 am, and two-up games kick off at 1 pm and go until 6 pm.
The Gungahlin Club is a primo spot for Anzac Day commemorations, with footy running from 4 pm. Photo: Gungahlin Lakes Club, Facebook.
Anzac Day at the Gungahlin Lakes Club
When: from 10 am
Where: Gungahlin Lakes Golf & Community Club, Cnr Gundaroo and Gungahlin Drives, Nicholls
Cost: Free.
The Gungahlin Lakes Club hosts Anzac Day commemorations from 10 am with The Last Post at 11:50 am, two-up from noon and then a fully packed schedule of NRL and AFL from 4 pm.
Footy, two-up and the last post at the Ainslie Football Club. Photo: Ainslie Football & Social Club.
Anzac Day at the Ainslie Football and Social Club
When: from 10 am
Where: Ainslie Football & Social Club, 52 Wakefield Ave, Ainslie
Cost: Free.
The Ainslie Football Club’s kitchen and bar are open from 10 am, and two-up kicks off from midday in the main function room. At 1 pm, all will pause and observe silence as the last post is played; then, the Anzac round starts at 4 pm on the big screens, featuring both AFL and NRL.
Heading to the coast for the long weekend? The Steampacket Hotel is the best joint for Anzac Day in the Batemans Bay area. Photo: Steampacket Hotel.
Anzac Day at Steampacket Hotel
When: from 1 pm
Where: Steampacket Hotel, 963 King’s Highway, Nelligen
Cost: Free. Call 6421 1092 to book.
For Canberrans heading to the coast, head to the Steampacket Hotel for two-up and live music on Anzac Day from 1 pm.
Beatrice the Food Truck will serve delicious food and fresh beers on tap.
