Where and when dawn services will be held on ANZAC Day in the capital cities

Dawn services have returned to full capacity for ANZAC Day 2023, with ceremonies and marches being held in cities and towns right across Australia.

The ABC will provide comprehensive broadcast coverage of Anzac Day services and events, but if you would like to attend in person there are services in every capital city around Australia.

Keep reading to find out what each state capital has planned (all times local) to see what’s happening in your capital city:

Sydney

Crowds gather at the cenotarph after the ANZAC Day dawn service at Martin Place in Sydney
Crowds gather at the cenotaph after the ANZAC Day dawn service at Martin Place in Sydney. (Tracey Nearmy: AAP)

The Anzac Day Dawn Service will be held at the cenotaph in Martin Place and will commence at 4.20am.

Tickets will not be required to attend the two general public areas at George Street and between Pitt Street and Castlereagh Street, which will remain open until capacity is reached.

The ANZAC Day march will begin at 9am and will take place along Elizabeth Street in the Sydney CBD and end near the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park. The public will be able to watch the march from both sides of Elizabeth Street.

Melbourne

People gathered at the shrine of remembrance.
People gather for the Anzac Day dawn service in Melbourne. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica)

In Melbourne, Victorians can attend the annual dawn service held at the Shrine of Remembrance, which begins at 5.30am.

The dawn service will be followed by the annual ANZAC Day march starting at 9am on Princes Bridge and leading to the Shrine of Remembrance, where a further commemorative service will be held.

Brisbane

Purple light lights up ANZAC Square with a large crowd looking on.
The dawn service at ANZAC Square in Brisbane’s CBD. (ABC News: Curtis Rodda)

The Anzac Day dawn service will begin at 4.28am at the Shrine of Remembrance in Anzac Square, located between Ann and Adelaide Streets. 

The Nurses Memorial Candlelight Vigil will be held in the same location on 24 April from 5.30 to 7.15pm.

The ANZAC Day March will be held on Adelaide Street, between George Street and Creek Street, starting from 9.45am.

Perth

The skies lighten over Kings Park, as purple light shines on the war memorial.
The skies begin to lighten over Kings Park during the Anzac Day dawn service. (ABC News: Andrea Mayes)

RSLWA will hold their ANZAC Day dawn service at the State War Memorial in Kings Park, beginning at 5.50am, with attendees recommended to arrive from 4am onwards.

This will be the first time in over three years that the RSLWA have been approved to plan ahead with full public attendance, and RSLWA said it hopes to see similar numbers attend the Dawn Service as they did pre-COVID.

For those that are unable to make the dawn service on the 25 April, RSLWA are planning an all-inclusive Sunset Service on 24 April. Facilities such as audio description, wheelchair access, Auslan and low sensory facilities are available. The all-inclusive event is to be held at the Flame of Remembrance and will need to be booked.

Adelaide

people lined up in front of a memorial with a lectern set up to the side
People gather early on at Adelaide’s National War Memorial for Anzac Day commemorations. (ABC News: Helen Frost)

RSLSA will hold the ANZAC Day dawn service at the National War Memorial on North Terrace, with proceedings beginning at 6am.

The ANZAC Day March will commence at 9.30am from the corner of North Terrace and Gawler Place, turning right down King William Road.

Hobart

A long column structure surrounded by flags as the sun rises.
The Hobart cenotaph on the Queens Domain on Anzac Day at dawn. (ABC News: Maren Preuss)

The Anzac Day Hobart dawn service is conducted at the Hobart cenotaph in Queens Domain at 6am.

The ANZAC Day March departs from Elizabeth Street at 11am, processing down Macquarie Street to the Cenotaph.

Canberra

People walk in the dark past the Australian War Memorial in Canberra
Crowds gather at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. (ABC News: Jordan Hayne)

The dawn service at the Australian War Memorial on Fairbairn Avenue will commence at 5.30am.

For those arriving early, images from the National Collection will be displayed from 3.30am.

At 4.30am representatives from the Australian Defence Force will read excerpts from the letters and diaries of Australians who have experienced war first-hand.

The ACTRSL Veterans’ March will begin at 9.30am on Anzac Parade at the intersection of Blamey Crescent and Currong Street.

Transport Canberra will provide free transport to and from the dawn service and Veterans’ March, with attendees able to register online.

Darwin

Darwin cenotaph
A woman lays a poppy on the Darwin cenotaph to commemorate Anzac Day. (ABC News: James Purtill)

The ANZAC Day dawn service at the cenotaph in Bicentennial Park on the Darwin Esplanade, with proceedings beginning at 5.50am.

The ANZAC Day March will begin from 9am along Knuckey Street, turning right into Cavenagh Street and finishing at Bennett Street/Civic Centre area.

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