Every ANZAC Day, tens of thousands of Australians head to Canberra to spend the day at the Australian War Memorial. Its dawn service is one of the biggest and most moving ceremonies in the country.
Here, we give you an overview of what will happen at the commemoration, and some tips for exploring the national capital while you’re in town.
Whether you’re visiting from Sydney, Melbourne or elsewhere, transform your trip into a smooth and environmentally-friendly cruise by travelling in one of SIXT’s electric vehicles (EVs).
ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATION AT THE AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL
Every year, around 20,000-30,000 people spend ANZAC Day at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
The commemoration begins with a dawn service in the Sculpture Garden. At 4:30am, members of the defence force gather to read letters and diary extracts written by Australians who served in war zones.
At 5:30am, the 30-minute official service begins. In 2024, the commemorative address will be delivered by Vice Admiral David Johnston CA RAN, Vice Chief of the Defence Force.
At 7:00am, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans and Services Association hold a commemorative ceremony, followed at 9:30am by the RSL ACT branch veterans march in the Australian War Memorial Parade Ground. At 11:00am, Damien Thomlinson, who served in Afghanistan, will deliver the ANZAC Day address.
The ANZAC Day commemoration is free, and no ticket is required. However, you do need a ticket to enter the Australian War Memorial’s exhibitions and attend the Last Post Ceremony at 4:30pm.
OTHER THINGS TO DO IN CANBERRA ON THE WEEKEND
Make your first stop the National Gallery of Australia. This incredible building holds more than 155,000 works of art – and new ones are always being added to the collection. Start with a wander through the Sculpture Garden, before heading inside to see the permanent exhibitions, which include the world’s biggest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.
The National Gallery is also an ideal spot for starting a self-guided tour of Lake Burley Griffin. The five-kilometre loop takes in loads of interesting places, including a colony of grey-headed flying foxes, Nerang Pool, Blundells Cottage, the National Workers Memorial, the International Flag Display and a grove of Japanese cherry trees presented by the Japanese Prime Minister in 1980.
Even more adventures are to be had out of town – especially when you’re behind the wheel of a SIXT EV. The Canberra District Wine Region is home to more than 140 vineyards and 40 wineries, all within 35 minutes’ drive of the city. Most specialise in Shiraz or Riesling – though you’ll find many other varietals to explore, as well as several excellent restaurants set among picturesque scenery.
Alternatively (or in addition), drive 40 minutes southwest to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, where you’ll find yourself face to face with all kinds of native animals and birds, including emus, koalas, platypuses, wallabies and kangaroos.
Travelling with kids? Then also check out these five amazing things to do – from meeting dinosaurs to feeding tigers.
GETTING TO CANBERRA
Canberra is an easy three-hour drive southwest of Sydney and seven-hour drive northeast of Melbourne. Both routes follow the Hume Highway. You can also fly to Canberra Airport.
But, if you’re looking for more of an adventure, check out our Melbourne to Canberra road trip guide, which is packed with fascinating stops – from the Golden Dragon Museum of Chinese history in Bendigo to the Dog on the Tuckerbox in Gundagai.
To make your trip eco-friendly, hire one of SIXT’s EVs. Not only are they emission-free, they’re also fantastic to drive, being quiet, comfortable and powerful. You’ll find plenty of spots to stop and recharge along the way.
