Prior to the Dawn Service

From April 23 until the commencement of the Dawn Service on Anzac Day, images of Australian servicemen and servicewomen from a variety of actions and battles across the history of Australia’s Military Service will be projected for two evenings onto the Memorial’s façade. The final 15 minutes of projections will focus on contemporary conflicts. See more about each image featured in the projections.

From 4.30 am on 25 April excerpts from the letters and diaries of Australians who experienced war firsthand will be read aloud by a representative from each of the armed forces. Following these readings all will be quiet before the commencement of the Dawn Service.

Dawn Service

5.30 am to 6 am

The Australian War Memorial hosts the Dawn Service in close cooperation with the Returned and Services League of Australia ACT. This year’s Dawn Service Commemorative Address will be delivered by Corporal Mark Donaldson VC.

Visitor information and site safety

• The Dawn Service is a standing ceremony conducted in the dark prior to sunrise; accordingly, the weather is likely to be cold and we encourage visitors to dress for the conditions.
• We ask all visitors to be aware of their surroundings as the grounds can be uneven and may be icy or slippery in the early hours of the morning. We therefore advise caution when entering the Memorial grounds and when moving around the site.
• You should allow plenty of time to travel safely to the Memorial. Use of public transport is recommended.
• Those planning on walking to the Memorial via Anzac Parade should keep to the footpaths and remain off the road as the shuttle buses will be in operation.
• On-site lighting is provided until 5.15 am.

Seating

There is no allocated seating for the Dawn Service. Visitors are welcome to occupy the seating put in place for the National Ceremony, or stand on the Parade Ground. Visitors will be required to vacate this seating at the conclusion of the Dawn Service.

Road Closures

Road closures will be in effect from 8pm Wednesday 24 April until 3pm Thursday 25 April

• Traffic from Limestone Avenue diverts onto Treloar Crescent
• Traffic from Fairbairn Avenue diverts onto Treloar Crescent
• Anzac Parade closed from Constitution Avenue including the Blamey Crescent and Currong Street intersection.

Public Transport

The Australian War Memorial and Transport Canberra will be providing free bus services to and from the Dawn Service and National Ceremony.  For all information and to register to ride please go to www.transport.act.gov.au or call 13 17 10 for more information.

The Canberra Centre will offer parking for a flat rate of $2, and Russell Offices and Majura Park offer free parking for visitors who wish to park and ride.

Onsite Parking

There is limited parking onsite for mobility impaired visitors only. Vehicles displaying a government issued parking pass will be granted access. Parking is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Access to car parks is via Treloar Crescent.

Community Groups

The Memorial is now taking expressions of interest from community groups who would like to be involved in providing refreshments for the 2019 Anzac Day Dawn Service. If you wish to submit an expression of interest please complete the form linked below and return to ceremony@awm.gov.au by COB Monday 18 March 2019.

Please check this webpage regularly for further updates closer to the date.

For further enquiries please e-mail: ceremony@awm.gov.au

2018 Dawn Service

2018 National Ceremony

2018 Last Post Ceremony

2017 Dawn Service

2017 National Ceremony

2017 Last Post Ceremony

2016 Dawn Service

2016 National Ceremony

2016 Last Post Ceremony

2015 Dawn Service

2015 National Ceremony

2015 Last Post Ceremony