Anzac Day in NSW
Anzac Day 2023 commemorations, services, and events taking place in NSW on Tuesday, 25 April 2023.
Anzac Day events in NSW
Anzac Day, on 25 April, 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 the Returned and Services League of Australia (New South Wales Branch) (RSL NSW) and are open to the public to attend.
To find an Anzac Day event near you, visit the RSL NSW website.
Additional websites
Dawn Service Trust – Dawn Service
RSL NSW – March
Veterans Affairs – Anzac Day
Official NSW Anzac Day Dawn Service
The Anzac Day Dawn Service will be held at The Cenotaph in Martin Place, Sydney on Tuesday, 25 April.
The public is invited to attend in person or watch the broadcast from home on ABC TV and ABC iview.
Location: The Cenotaph in Martin Place, Sydney
Time: The Dawn Service will commence at 4.20am and conclude at 5.30am
General public viewing areas: Located in two sections, open from 3am:
- Section 1 - Martin Place at George Street. Seating is available until capacity is reached. Once reached, standing room will be available until capacity is reached. Entry via George St.
- Section 2 – Martin Place between Pitt Street and Castlereagh Street. Standing only. Entry via Castlereagh St.
General public viewing areas will remain open until capacity is reached, and bag checks will be required upon entry to the site.
Tickets are not required to attend the general public areas.
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 can enter the site via Pitt Street.
Auslan: Auslan interpreting can be viewed on dedicated screens at the Service.
Information: For more information, please visit the Anzac Day Dawn Service Trust website.
Sydney CBD Anzac Day March
The public is encouraged to line Elizabeth Street to show their support and gratitude for those who have served our country.
Location: The March takes place along Elizabeth Street in the Sydney CBD and ends near the Anzac Memorial located in Hyde Park. The public can view the March from both sides of Elizabeth Street.
Time: The March begins at 9am and concludes at midday.
To access the March path map and for more information, please visit the RSL NSW website.
Accessibility Information
To ensure the Anzac Day Dawn Service and March are accessible to all, designated accessible viewing areas are available for people with disability and/or limited mobility and their family, friends and carers at the following locations:
To register for seating in one of the accessible viewing areas, please contact Karen Wade on accessibility@dpc.nsw.gov.au or call 9228 4613. Transport: Accessible trips are shown in the Trip Planner with the wheelchair icon. You can select "accessible services only" in the Options to ensure you only see accessible services. Only trip plans with accessible train platforms, ferry wharves and buses will be presented. Accessible drop off and pick up zones: Accessible drop-off and pick-up zones can be found at the following locations on Anzac Day:
No Parking Zones and Special Event Clearways will be in place, so persons utilising accessible drop-off or pick up will be required to move on as soon as possible. Accessible Amenities: Anzac Day provides best practice portable accessible toilets that consider wheelchair users at all key areas. |
Plan Ahead
Spectators should plan ahead and use public transport to travel to the Sydney CBD on Anzac Day.
Public Transport & Road Closures
- Major roads will be closed and parking restrictions will be in effect throughout the Sydney CBD between 2am and 4pm.
- Spectators and participants are encouraged to catch public transport and leave the car at home.
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Additional early morning train and bus services will be running and continue throughout the day. Please plan your trip ahead of time by visiting transportnsw.info.
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For road closure, clearway details and real-time traffic updates, visit livetraffic.com.
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To download a road closures and clearways map, click here.
- Public transport is free for members and ex-members of the Australian Defence Force and their family on Anzac Day. For more information, visit transportnsw.info.
Protocol
Dress code and wearing of medals
- 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: defence.gov.au/medals
Flag protocol on Anzac Day
- 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).
- More information on flag protocol can be found here.
Rosemary
- 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