Anzac Day events in NSW
This solemn day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.
Anzac Day commemorations, services and events take place throughout Australia. In NSW, these are generally organised by RSL NSW and are open to the public to attend.
To find an Anzac Day event near you, visit the RSL NSW website.
Anzac Day Sydney Dawn Service and March
The official NSW Anzac Day Dawn Service and March will take place in Sydney on Friday, 25 April 2025.
The public can attend the events in person or watch the live broadcast on ABC TV or ABC iview.
Dawn Service
Everyone is invited to gather at the Cenotaph for the official NSW Anzac Day Dawn Service, a solemn occasion to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of our servicemen and women in conflicts.
To mark the time at which the first Australians waded ashore Anzac Cove in 1915, the Dawn Service includes a reading of the Ode of Remembrance, Last Post bugle call, a minute's silence, and the laying of wreaths.
Location: The Cenotaph in Martin Place, Sydney
Time: From 4:20am
General public viewing areas: Located in two sections, open from 3:00am:
- Section 1: Entry via George Street and Pitt Street. Seating available until capacity is reached. Standing areas also available.
- Section 2: Entry via Castlereagh Street. Standing areas available only.
General public viewing areas will remain open until capacity is reached, and bag checks will be required upon entry to the site.
Please note: Like previous years, access to the ceremonial area of the NSW Anzac Day Dawn Service will be via invite only, and only invited guests will be allowed entry into the site. Invited guests are able to enter the ceremonial site via Pitt Street.
Information: For more information, please visit the RSL NSW website.
Sydney CBD March
The Anzac Day March sees more than 10,000 current serving members and veterans of the Australian Defence Force march from Martin Place to the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park to pay their respects to the fallen.
Spectators are invited to line Elizabeth Street and show their support for the brave men and women who have served their country and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice or suffered as a result of their service.
Location: Begins at the intersection of Elizabeth Street and Martin Place, and finishes at the intersection of Elizabeth Street and Liverpool Street.
Time: 9:00am until approximately 12:30pm.
For more information, visit the RSL NSW website.
Following the March, a Commemoration Service is held next to The Pool of Reflection at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park South at 12:30pm.
Official Anzac Day commemorations will conclude at 5:00pm with a Sunset Service at the Cenotaph. This short ceremony is open to the public.
Further Information
Accessibility and inclusion information keyboard_arrow_down
Dawn Service
Accessible viewing areas
Two designated accessible viewing areas will be available for people with disability/limited mobility and their guests at the following locations:
- Section 1: The Cenotaph in Martin Place (southern side). Entry is via George Street.
- Section 2: Screened area, between Pitt and Castlereagh Streets, Martin Place. Entry is via Castlereagh Street.
To register for seating in one of the accessible viewing areas, please contact Karen Wade on accessibility@premiersdepartment.nsw.gov.au or call 0407 237 864.
Auslan interpreting
Auslan interpreting will be available on the large digital screens at the Dawn Service to facilitate communication for those that require this service.
ABC TV and ABC iview will also broadcast the Dawn Service with full Auslan interpreting. The broadcast will commence from 4:20am.
Drop-off and pick-up zones
Accessible drop-off & pick-up points are available at the following locations:
- Wynyard Street, Southern Side (off York Street)
- 197 Macquarie Street at Martin Place (front of St Stephen’s Church)
- 210 Pitt Street (eastern side)
- 25 Commonwealth Street (western side)
These locations are no parking zones or special event clearways, so persons utilising these areas will be required to move on as soon as they have dropped off their passengers.
Accessible amenities
Portable accessible toilets that consider wheelchair users will be located on George, Pitt and Castlereagh Streets; otherwise, there are wheelchair accessible toilets at the CBD train stations.
Anzac Day March
Accessible viewing areas
A designated accessible viewing area is available for people with disability/limited mobility and their guests in front of the Sheraton Grand Hotel on the western side of Elizabeth Street.
To register for seating in the accessible viewing area, please contact Karen Wade on accessibility@premiersdepartment.nsw.gov.au or call 0407 237 864.
Drop-off and pick-up zones
Accessible drop-off & pick-up points are available at the following locations:
- 197 Macquarie Street at Martin Place (front of St Stephen’s Church)
- 210 Pitt Street (eastern side)
- 25 Commonwealth Street (western side)
These locations are no parking zones or special event clearways, so persons utilising these areas will be required to move on as soon as they have dropped off their passengers.
Accessible amenities
Portable accessible toilets that consider wheelchair users will be located at 201 Elizabeth St out the front of Starbucks and across the road on Elizabeth St (Hyde Park side); otherwise there are wheelchair accessible toilets at the CBD train stations.
Plan ahead keyboard_arrow_down
- Attendees are encouraged to dress for the conditions and take simple precautions to protect their health on Anzac Day.
- This includes wearing a hat, sunglasses, weather appropriate loose-fitting garments and sunscreen in hot weather. Find out more information on how to protect yourself in the heat.
- To help protect yourself and those at higher risk of severe illness, please stay at home and do not attend Anzac Day events if you have cold or flu symptoms.
Dress code and wearing of medals keyboard_arrow_down
- Dress should reflect the dignity of the occasion. Business attire is appropriate.
- Veterans and serving personnel are to wear their medals on the left chest.
- Many people choose to remember deceased relatives by also wearing medals, however, please wear these on the right-hand side of your chest.
- For more information please visit the Australian Defence website.
Flag protocol on Anzac Day keyboard_arrow_down
- The Australian National Flag is to be flown at half-mast from sunrise to 12:00pm on Anzac Day.
- During individual Anzac Day ceremonies, the Australian National Flag is to be half-mast and then raised to the peak during the playing of Reveille at the conclusion of the service.
- Please note, Reveille is only played at a Dawn Service, all other times Rouse is to be played (with the exception of the Royal Australian Navy).
- For more information on flag protocol can be found on the Australian National Flag Protocol website.
Rosemary keyboard_arrow_down
- Rosemary grows wild on the Gallipoli peninsula and a sprig of rosemary is worn every Anzac Day as a symbol of remembrance.
- If you would like to secure Rosemary for your Anzac Day event, please contact Sydney Legacy on 02 9248 9000 or enquiries@sydney-legacy.com.au.