Anzac Day - Gallipoli, Türkiye

Introduction

The Australian and New Zealand Governments jointly conduct the Anzac Day Gallipoli Dawn Service on 25 April each year at the Anzac Commemorative Site, Gallipoli, Türkiye. This service takes place with the permission and support of the host nation, the Republic of Türkiye. The commemorative sites at Gallipoli are the sovereign territory of the Turkish people and holding the annual Anzac Day commemorative services is only possible with the cooperation and generous assistance of the Turkish Government. 

Over 75,000 Australians and New Zealanders served at Gallipoli between 25 April and 20 December 1915. Over 10,000 lost their lives. Many of these men were killed during the two most intense periods of fighting, in the week of the landing and in the August offensive that was launched to break the deadlock that had prevailed. Gallipoli was the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps’ introduction to war and though the campaign ended in defeat, the anniversary of its beginning quickly became, and has remained, Australia's and New Zealand’s principal day of commemoration. 

Later in the war, veterans of the campaign were distinguished by a brass Anzac 'A' badge worn over their battalion colour patch. To have served at Gallipoli remained a singular honour for the rest of the survivor's lives. Some of the campaign’s most important aspects, addressing significant themes and offering a virtual tour of the key Allied battlefields, cemeteries and memorials is available on the Anzac Portal. 

Conditions on the Gallipoli Peninsula

Attendees will be exposed to the elements in all weather conditions for their entire duration on-site. The terrain includes reasonable flat sealed roads, cobblestone paths, sloped and uneven gravel tracks and grassed areas (which can become slippery or muddy when wet), as well as very steep ungraded paths. Attendees will often need to stand and queue, for long periods at a time, for security screening to enter the site, as well as for the limited public amenities. If the site is nearing the safe capacity, attendees on the grassed areas will be asked to stand.

Very basic and limited facilities, including limited temporary seating (at Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair), lighting and portable toilets are available on-site for the period of the commemorations. It is recommended that attendees bring adequate supplies of non-perishable food - there are no cooking facilities on-site, and camping cooking equipment is prohibited in the commemorative sites.

Limited rubbish disposal facilities are available and, where possible, attendees are asked to take their rubbish with them. There is no running water or power on-site, except for those in use for the services. Mobile phone coverage is available at the commemorative sites, but there are no recharging facilities.

Limited medical support is provided by local Turkish health authorities from the evening of 24 April to the afternoon of 25 April. Attendees should ensure they bring their own prescription medication and basic first aid supplies, including non-prescription pain relief medication and Band-Aids. The medical support provided is equipped for medical emergencies and is not designed to treat minor ailments.

Following the Anzac Day Gallipoli Dawn Service, services will be conducted at the Lone Pine Cemetery, and Chunuk Bair. To attend these services, there is a minimum of 8km walking, mostly up steep and uneven terrain. From the Anzac Commemorative Site, it is a 3.1km walk up Artillery Road which is unpaved and can be challenging (the equivalent of 30 flights of stairs or climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge). From Lone Pine Cemetery it is a further 3.3km uphill walk to Chunuk Bair along Second Ridge Road. Along the way are numerous cemeteries and historic sites which attendees will have an opportunity to view en-route. A moderate level of fitness is required.

For more information see ‘Visitor Journey’. If you do not think you will be able to walk to Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair, accessibility shuttles are available. See ‘Accessibility Arrangements’ below for more information.

Traffic Restrictions

Traffic management is the responsibility of, and managed by, the Turkish Authorities. Please follow all directions provided by them at all times.

Temporary traffic restrictions are likely to be in effect at various times on 24-25 April around the Gallipoli Peninsula, at the discretion of the Turkish authorities. These may restrict access to commemorative sites, cemeteries and other locations in the Helles and Anzac sectors.

Information about traffic restrictions for overseas Anzac Day services will be provided later in the year.

Planning your attendance – general public

Step 1: Register your attendance – attendance passes 

Similar to previous years, all attendees and tour guides planning to attend the Anzac Day Gallipoli Dawn Service on 25 April 2025 are required to register for an attendance pass. Entry to the commemorative sites will not be permitted without an attendance pass. 

Ensure you are familiar with the visitor journey, and whether you have any accessibility requirements. See ‘Visitor Journey’ and ‘Accessibility Arrangements’ below for more information.

Information about registering for an attendance pass for overseas Anzac Day services will be provided later in the year.

Step 2: Plan your transport to the Anzac Commemorative Site, Gallipoli

The Anzac Day services take place in the Gallipoli Campaign Historical Site, a protected area in a national park, which is an isolated, remote, and exposed location with no permanent infrastructure, facilities or shelter. The Gallipoli Peninsula is a 4.5 hour drive from Istanbul, with the nearest towns being Eceabat (20km), Çanakkale town centre (30km) and Gelibolu (45km). Please be aware there is no public transport from these towns to the national park.

Anzac Day Tour Operator Coach

Numerous tour providers in Australia and Türkiye offer tours that incorporate the Anzac Day Gallipoli Dawn Service. Attendees are strongly encouraged to travel to Gallipoli as part of an organised tour. 

Tour coach registration does not replace individual registrations; an attendance pass is still required for all attendees to attend the services.

Private Vehicles

Attendees are strongly encouraged to travel to Gallipoli as part of an organised tour. Private vehicle parking is not permitted on, or near the Anzac Commemorative Site.

Private vehicle parking is only available at Kilye Cove and will open to attendees from TBC pm. Shuttles will be available to transport attendees from Kilye Cove to Beach Cemetery. Attendees will then be required to walk approximately 1km to the Anzac Commemorative Site Southern Entry for security screening.

The Kilye Cove carpark will remain open until 3:30 am on 25 April, with the last shuttle also departing at this time. To ensure you arrive with time to board the shuttle and make your way through security screening, it is recommended attendees arrive no later than 3:00 am on 25 April.

Please note that once attendees have arrived at the Anzac Commemorative Site, they will be unable to return to their vehicles until the conclusion of the Dawn Service. It is recommended to pack any belongings and personal items before boarding the shuttle.

See ‘Locating Kilye Cove Private Vehicle Parking’ below for more information.

Step 3: Familiarise yourself with the Safety and Security Measures for Attendees

Security at the site is the responsibility of the Turkish authorities, who provide considerable Military, Jandarma, Police and Medical assistance to the commemorations. The directions of the Turkish authorities and service officials must be adhered to at all times, and any suspicious behaviour or references to illegal activities will not be tolerated. Please also note that the removal of historical artefacts and items from the Gallipoli Campaign Historical Site is strictly prohibited and carries severe penalties under Turkish law.

See ‘Safety and Security Measures for Attendees’ below for more information.

Planning your attendance – tour operators

Step 1: Register for an accreditation pass

All tour operators will need to register their tour coaches in advance for an accreditation pass through the online tour coach registration system. Tour coaches must register for accreditation in order to drop off and pick up attendees attending the services and will undergo a security screening process prior to attendees disembarking at Beach Cemetery. See ‘Visitor Journey’ below for more information.

Information about registering tour coaches for an accreditation pass will be provided later in the year.

Step 2: Familiarise yourself with the Traffic Restrictions and Visitor Journey

Tour operators who register their tour coach will receive an accreditation pass – to display on the windscreen – when passing through the Tour Coach Registration Point at the Simulation Centre (Çanakkale Destanı Tanıtım Merkezi). Tour coach registration will open to tour coaches from TBC pm on 24 April and close at 3:30 am on 25 April. Following this, tour coaches will undergo security screening by Jandarma before attendees disembark at Beach Cemetery.

Tour operators are encouraged to pre-register coaches for accreditation in advance using the online registration system. Pre-registering will assist in transitioning coaches through the Tour Coach Registration Point in a timely manner.  Tour operators are to register their coaches online by TBC April 2025.

See ‘Visitor Journey’ below for detailed information on key sites and timings for tour operators. 

Planning your attendance – media

Information about media accreditation for overseas Anzac Day services will be provided later in the year.

Safety and Security Measures for Attendees

Security at the site is the responsibility of the Turkish authorities, who provide considerable Military, Jandarma, Police and Medical assistance to the commemorations. Several checkpoints will be located across the Gallipoli Peninsula where attendees will be required to produce an attendance pass, as well as photographic identification – such as a passport, driver’s license or national identity card.

All attendees will undergo airport-style security screening upon entry to all commemorative sites. Prohibited items as identified in the Terms and Conditions will not be permitted into the site. This includes, but is not limited to liquids, aerosols and gels exceeding 100ml.

All prohibited items will be confiscated by officials at security screening checkpoints and will not be returned. All attendees will be wrist banded after passing through security screening. Please note that any suspicious behaviour or references to illegal activities will not be tolerated and you may be refused entry to the commemorative sites. 

The directions of the Turkish authorities and service officials must be adhered to at all times. Please also note that removal of historical artefacts and items from the Gallipoli Campaign Historical Site is strictly prohibited and carries severe penalties under Turkish law.

Visitor Journey

Locating Kilye Cove Private Vehicle Parking

To locate Kilye Cove, search Tanıtım Merkezi Otoparkı on google maps. 

Kilye Cove Private Vehicle Parking is located on the Gallipoli Peninsula and is a five minute drive north from Eceabat along the E87 Gallipoli – Eceabat Road, turning left at the Kilye Kalesi roundabout.

If traveling from Istanbul, the Kilye Cove Car Park is a 4.5 hour drive south on the European side. Travel along the E87 Gallipoli - Eceabat Road and turn right at the Kilye Kalesi Roundabout.
 

Accessibility Arrangements

Limited assistance will be available for attendees at the commemorative services who have health or accessibility requirements. Attendees with an accessibility requirement must pre-register their requirements when registering for an attendance pass and will need to alert staff on arrival to the Anzac Commemorative Site.

Accessible Seating 

Those requesting accessible seating can have one carer or companion with them to provide assistance. 

Accessible seating inclusions: 

• Shuttle transfer from the Anzac Commemorative Site to Lone Pine Cemetery or Chunuk Bair Memorial after the Anzac Day Gallipoli Dawn Service; and
• Access to a limited number of dedicated accessible toilets.

Accessible seating exclusions:  

• Personalised or dedicated one-to-one assistance.
• The provision of carers, wheelchair pushers, or physical assistance with seating or embarking and disembarking from vehicles.
• Wheelchairs, walkers, or mobility aids — any attendee requiring this assistance must bring their own.
• Oxygen or personalised medications.
• Specialised support for 'high care' individuals.
• Support travelling to, or from, accommodation to the Gallipoli Peninsula.

Attendees requiring accessibility assistance should consult with their doctor regarding the conditions likely experienced on-site to ensure they can safely travel to the services. 

Accessibility Shuttles 

As part of the Gallipoli experience, you should expect to do a lot of walking, up to 8km including uphill along paved and unpaved roads. A moderate level of fitness is recommended.

A shuttle service is available for those with accessibility requirements, or who believe they are unable to walk the trail between commemorative sites.

Please ensure you pre-register for this service when registering for your attendance pass. The shuttle service is limited, and those who have pre-registered will have priority on the day.

Seating

Please refer to information below regarding seating at each of the commemorative sites. Note, larger groups might be unable to sit together. You should make sure that you have your tour guide’s details in case you are separated.

Anzac Day Gallipoli Dawn Service, Anzac Commemorative Site

The Anzac Commemorative Site is a custom designed site which provides for amphitheatre style viewing of the Anzac Day Gallipoli Dawn Service. Attendees will be located on the grassed areas, and it is advisable to bring a plastic sheet or similar to protect individuals from the damp ground overnight. No folding chairs or temporary seating will be allowed to be brought into the site. Some areas may have restricted views; however a large screen is available to view the service. Tiered seating will be available for accessible attendees, and (if space permits), for other attendees to view the Dawn Service.

Lone Pine Australian Memorial Service, Lone Pine Cemetery

There will be limited temporary seating available at Lone Pine. This will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees should locate themselves in the vacant areas and along the sides out of respect for those buried within the cemetery. 

For those who registered for accessible seating, there will be a designated accessible seating area. It is requested that attendees do not lie or rest on the headstones. 

Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial Service, Chunuk Bair

The Chunuk Bair site is small with limited seating and standing room. This may result in not all attendees being able to directly view the service. There will be an overflow site at Hill 261 for those who cannot access the official Chunuk Bair site. It is requested that attendees do not lie or rest on the headstones. 

Wreath Laying

Wreath laying, by invited official representatives, will occur during the official part of the services. Please note official public wreath laying will not occur at the Anzac Day Gallipoli Dawn Service.

Members of the public who wish to lay a wreath will have the opportunity to do so at the conclusion of the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair commemorative services. Individuals are to supply their own wreaths and it is their responsibility to carry, care and transport any private wreaths to the service. There are no facilities or arrangements for storage or transport of personal wreaths at the sites. 

Guides, apps and other information 

Gallipoli 

The Anzac Portal contains a range of historical information and walking tours for visitors travelling to Gallipoli. MP3 audio guides are able to be downloaded of walking tours on the Gallipoli peninsula. 

Commonwealth War Graves Commission 

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) War Graves app provides information about the cemeteries around the world and allows you to search for the location of an individual's war grave. Visit the CWGC website to download the app. 

Visitors wishing to locate a particular grave or name on a memorial to the missing should consult the CWGC website to identify the exact location of the grave or name on a memorial to the missing prior to travelling to Türkiye. Limited assistance may be available on the day.
 

Contact Information

Australian Consulate, Çanakkale Türkiye  
Tel: +90 286 218 1724  
Email: Canakkale.Consulate [at] dfat.gov.au (Canakkale[dot]Consulate[at]dfat[dot]gov[dot]au) 

Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Canberra Australia 
Tel: 1800 838 372 within Australia 
Tel: +61 2 6289 1133 outside Australia 
Email: commemorative.events [at] dva.gov.au (commemorative[dot]events[at]dva[dot]gov[dot]au)

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Emergency helpline  
Consular Emergency Centre 24 Hour Phone Service:  
Tel: 1300 555 135 within Australia   
Tel: +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia 
SMS: +61 421 269 080