Anzac Day

Anzac Day is observed in Australia each year on 25 April, commemorating the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) at Gallipoli, Türkiye, in 1915 during the First World War. The campaign was intended to open a route to Constantinople and assist the Allied war effort, but the landing met fierce resistance and developed into a costly eight-month campaign. Although the operation ended in military evacuation, the courage, endurance and mateship associated with the Anzacs became central to Australian national memory. In 2026, Anzac Day falls on Saturday, 25 April; public-holiday and substitute-day arrangements vary between Australian states and territories.

After dawn services, communities often gather for a traditional gunfire breakfast, historically consisting of tea or coffee and simple foods. Anzac biscuits, made with rolled oats, flour, sugar, butter, golden syrup and coconut, are strongly associated with the day, although their exact wartime history is more complex than popular tradition suggests. Many Australians attend commemorative ceremonies, visit war memorials, watch televised services and spend time with family. The social game of two-up is traditionally played at licensed venues and some community events on Anzac Day, subject to state and territory regulations. Common respectful greetings include “Lest we forget” and “They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old,” while “Happy Anzac Day” is generally avoided because the occasion is solemn rather than celebratory.