Dawn Service
Date: Thursday, 25 April 2024
Location: Sculpture Garden and Western grounds
Time: 5.30am
Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
No ticketing required
Join us on Thursday, April 25, 2024, for the Anzac Day Dawn Service in the Sculpture Garden. Commencing at 5:30 am, the Dawn Service provides an opportunity for quiet reflection in the peaceful moments before dawn.
Prior to the service, 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 firsthand.
The Dawn Service is a standing ceremony, with limited seating available exclusively for mobility-impaired visitors. For those attending in person, large viewing screens will be strategically placed within the grounds to ensure optimal visibility of the ceremony.
We are honored to announce that the Dawn Service Commemorative address will be delivered by Vice Admiral David Johnston AC RAN, Vice Chief of the Defence Force.
Poppy's Cafe will be open, from 6 am, following the Dawn Service, but please note that it will require approximately a 1 km walk to the eastern grounds.
For more information, maps and transport information including road closures visit the Anzac Day page.
Watch the livestream
For those unable to attend in person, the Dawn Service will be broadcasted live on ABC TV, ABC NEWS channel, Radio National, and ABC iView from 5.30 am (AEST).
Free bus services
Register to Ride free bus services are being offered by Transport Canberra.
If you're planning to attend either the Dawn Service or Veterans’ March, you will need to register to ride.
If attending both ceremonies, you will need to register separately.