Travel overseas for Anzac Day

Last Updated
Thursday, 06/04/2023
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Anzac Day falls on 25 April each year. It commemorates the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. Services are conducted in major cities and at war memorials around the world.

Explore this page to learn about:

See our general information and advice on staying safe if you’re planning to attend a major Anzac Day service overseas. Also, read and subscribe to our travel advisory for your destination and our news updates.

Major services overseas

It’s important to check the advice level of your destination before you decide to travel there. Our advice levels reflect the risks Australian travellers might face in a destination. If the advice level is “reconsider your need to travel” or “do not travel,” consider carefully the risks in deciding on whether or not to travel.

The Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) manages the Anzac Day Service at commemorative sites:

The DVA website has information on the venue and time for each commemorative service. More extensive information is provided for Gallipoli and Villers-Bretonneux, including:

  • how to get an attendance pass
  • what to do before you depart
  • what to expect at the service
  • what to take
  • security and safety
  • COVID-19 entry requirements.

More information:

Staying safe

Security and crowd management are the responsibility of the local security personnel. You may be subject to airport-style screening at the entry point to the commemorative site, including bag searches. Follow the instructions of security personnel. They’re there to keep you and others safe.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Türkiye and France due to the threat of terrorist attack. Attacks could occur at any time.

To protect yourself:

  • minimise the time you spend in possible terrorist target areas
  • be aware of your surroundings, especially in public places and around significant dates
  • report suspicious activity or items to the police
  • monitor the media for new and emerging threats
  • take official warnings seriously
  • follow the advice of local authorities.

If there's an attack, leave the affected area immediately, if it's safe to do so.

Looking after your health

Local health authorities provide limited medical support at the commemorative sites. The medical support provided is equipped for medical emergencies and not to treat minor ailments. Bring a small first-aid kit and sunscreen with you as these aren’t provided by the first aid teams.

Facilities are not generally available for people with disabilities or restricted mobility. The terrain varies from sealed roads, cobblestone paths and uneven surfaces. You will often have to stand and queue for long periods.

Make sure you bring with you:

  • any medical equipment
  • medications
  • wheelchairs or mobility aids

Before organising your trip, contact a travel agent, tour operator or the local tourist authority to find out whether local transport, accommodation and attractions will meet your needs.

Weather conditions

Services are held outdoors at dawn and the weather can change suddenly. You’ll be exposed to the elements as there’s no permanent shelter. It will be very cold overnight, and rain is possible, particularly in France. The temperature in Türkiye can get very hot during the day. Ensure you bring adequate clothing and prepare for the weather conditions specific to your destination.

If you're affected by a natural disaster or severe weather:

  • follow the advice of local authorities
  • keep in touch with friends and family
  • monitor local media

See our page on severe weather for more information.

Getting around

Gallipoli

The Gallipoli Peninsula is a 5 hour drive from Istanbul. The nearest towns to the commemorative sites are Eceabat (20km), Canakkale town centre (30km) and Gelibolu (45km). There's no public transport to the national park. You should go as part of a guided bus tour.

Winter storms and heavy traffic seriously affect many coastal roads around Gallipoli. This includes roads in the Gallipoli Peninsula Peace Park. Traffic restrictions may apply to the Anzac Cove road. This doesn't usually affect pedestrian access.

Accessibility considerations

The Anzac Commemorative Site is a 1km walk from the parking area. There are shuttle services available if you have accessibility needs. You're encouraged to pre-register your need for the shuttle service as places are extremely limited. 

During your time on the peninsula, you can expect to walk up to 10km along both paved and unpaved/dirt roads, including up steep hills. Attendees with an accessibility requirement will need to alert staff on arrival at the Anzac Commemorative Site. 

Villers-Bretonneux

The national memorial is located approximately 90 minutes’ drive north of Paris, adjacent to the Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery. It is roughly half-way between the town of Villers-Bretonneux and the towns of Corbie and Fouilloy. You can attend the service with private vehicle, organised tour coach or walk from adjacent villages.

To stay safe

  • Be prepared for a range of weather conditions.
  • Obey safety signs and directions.
  • Don't wander off marked roads and tracks.
  • Don't separate from your tour group.

Where to get help

Depending on your requirement, your best option may be to first contact your family, friends, airline, travel agent, tour operator, employer or travel insurer. Your travel insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

If you break local laws, you could be arrested or jailed. Understand how and when we can help. Read the Consular Services Charter.

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More information