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 survivors’ lives. The Anzac Portal offers a virtual tour of the key Allied battlefields, cemeteries and memorials, addressing significant themes and covering some of the campaign’s most important aspects.

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 yourself from the damp ground overnight.

No folding chairs or temporary seating are allowed to be brought into the site. Some areas may have restricted views; however, a large screen is available to view the service.

Limited seating will be available for a small number of attendees with pre-registered accessibility needs.

Lone Pine Australian Memorial Service, Lone Pine Cemetery

At the conclusion of the Dawn Service, there will be a shuttle service to Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair for attendees with accessibility needs.  Attendees must pre-register for this service.

For those attendees who registered for accessible seating, there will be a designated accessible seating area at Lone Pine.

Seating at Lone Pine is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees should not locate themselves in the vacant areas and along the sides out of respect for those buried within the cemetery.

It is requested that attendees do not lie or rest on the headstones.

Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial Service, Chunuk Bair

At the conclusion of the Dawn Service, there will be a shuttle service to Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair for attendees with accessibility needs.  Attendees must pre-register for this service.

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. 

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 capacity, attendees on the grassed areas will be asked to sit or stand.

Facilities on the Gallipoli Peninsula

Medical support

Limited medical support is provided by local Turkish health authorities from the evening of 24 April to the afternoon of 25 April. 

Attendees who are very young, very old or who have existing medical conditions should consult their doctor regarding their suitability to safely travel to Gallipoli and attend the Anzac Day commemorations.

Attendees should ensure they bring their own medical aides or equipment, mobility aids, 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.

Guest facilities

Limited seating (at Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair), lighting and portable toilets are available on-site for the period of the commemorations.

There are no baby changing or parenting facilities available.

It is recommended that attendees bring adequate supplies of non-perishable food - there are no cooking facilities, and camping cooking equipment is prohibited on-site.

Turkish food vendors provide limited takeaway food options at ACP, LP, CB and 57th Regiment.

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 rubbish disposal facilities are available and attendees are asked to take their rubbish with them. 

Additional Commemorative Services on 25 April

Following the Dawn Service, services will be conducted at the Lone Pine Cemetery, and Chunuk Bair. To attend these services, the walk is mostly up steep and often uneven terrain. From the Anzac Commemorative Site to Lone Pine Cemetery, it is a 3.2km 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.

Planning your attendance – general public

IMPORTANT NOTE: All attendees, tour operators and media are required to bring photographic ID in the form of a current passport (or copy), driver’s licence or national identity card with an attendance pass for validation.

Please watch the Gallipoli Experience Video below for more detail on what to expect.

Step 1: Register for an attendance pass 

All attendees planning to attend the Anzac Day Gallipoli Dawn Service on 25 April 2026 are required to register for an individual attendance pass. Entry to the commemorative sites will not be permitted without an attendance pass.

Registration with a tour company does not replace the requirement to register for an individual attendance pass. Your tour operator cannot complete the registration on your behalf.

Register here for your free 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.

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). 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. 

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 10:00 pm (TBC) on 24 April. 

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 2:45 am on 25 April. The last shuttle will depart 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 2:30 am on 25 April.

Please note that once attendees have arrived at the Anzac Commemorative Site, they will not be able 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’ 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’ for more information.

Getting there and getting around

Gallipoli conditions

Gallipoli is a historic battlefield with steep, uneven terrain and very basic facilities. Visitors should be aware of the following conditions:

• Walking distances of up to 8km, including uphill sections on paved and dirt roads.
• Seating is limited and often on grass.
• Terrain is uneven and may be difficult to navigate for those with mobility issues.
• Facilities are very basic and reflect the battlefield environment.
• Visitors must bring their own mobility aids and be prepared for self-care.

Visitor Journey

Please watch the 2025 Visitor Journey video below for further information regarding time at Gallipoli.

Seating

Seating on the Gallipoli Peninsula for all commemorative service sites, Anzac Commemorative Site, Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair, is limited.

Larger groups may not be to sit together. You should make sure that you have your tour guide’s details in case you are separated.

Please read the description of each site for further information.

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 of their registration on arrival to the Anzac Commemorative Site.

Accessible seating

Accessible seating is very limited and available only to visitors with a genuine medical condition or impairment that prevents them from sitting on grass or managing uneven ground.

Key information:

• Seat allocation is on an as-needs basis and cannot be guaranteed.
• Only one carer may accompany a person who is allocated accessible seating.
• Accessible seating does not include personalised care or one-on-one assistance.
• No wheelchairs, walkers or other aids are supplied – visitors must bring their own.
• Support such as help negotiating stairs or embarking/disembarking shuttles is not provided.
• Personalised or dedicated one-to-one assistance is not provided.
• Oxygen or personalised medications are not provided.
• Specialised support for 'high care' individuals is not provided.
• Support travelling to, or from, accommodation to the Gallipoli Peninsula is not provided.

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

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 is provided.
• Access to a limited number of dedicated accessible toilets is provided.

Accessibility shuttles

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

A limited shuttle service is available for visitors who have accessibility needs and are unable to walk the 8km 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.

Key information:

• Shuttles are limited and seats allocated strictly on an as-needs basis.
• A request does not guarantee a seat on a shuttle.
• Wheelchair accessible shuttles will be available.
• Carers must accompany those requiring personal assistance.

Departing Gallipoli

Coach groups

Following the conclusion of the Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial Service, coaches will commence loading from Hill 261.

Given the numbers of coaches departing the Gallipoli Peninsula delays may be experienced, and patience is required while you wait for your coach to arrive.

Coaches will not arrive in numerical order. Arriving coach numbers will be called by an announcer and displayed on screens.

Once your coach number has been called, attendees should move to the coach loading zone, following the instructions of service officials.

Coach loading typically takes around 1.5hrs from commencement to departure of the last coach.

Private vehicles

Shuttles from Hill 261 to the Kilye Cove private vehicle parking will depart prior to the coaches.

Attendees

Attendees who have attended Lone Pine or Chunuk Bair services after the Dawn Service should confirm collection arrangements with their tour operator.

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.

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 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. Removal of historical artefacts and items from the Gallipoli Campaign Historical Site is strictly prohibited and carries severe penalties under Turkish law.

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. 

Advice for those visiting Gallipoli

• You may be at Gallipoli for more than 14 hours. You may arrive at 10.30pm on 24 April and depart after 1.00pm on 25 April. Prepare for your visit by ensuring that you bring adequate medication, non-perishable food and personal supplies. Be aware that food supplies are limited.
• Weather conditions at Gallipoli vary from cold overnight to hot during the day. Please bring appropriate clothing.
• Appropriate footwear for walking over sloped, uneven surfaces is recommended.
• Attendees will walk up slopes, on uneven surfaces for approximately 8 kms in total. A moderate level of fitness is recommended.
• A shuttle service for attendees with accessibility needs will be provided for attendees who have pre-registered.
• Complimentary drinking water will be available at all locations throughout the event.
• Bring a small torch for the walk to the site of the Dawn Service.
• Bring a plastic sheet or similar to sit on.
• Toilet facilities are limited.
• Smoking is not permitted.
• Alcohol is not permitted.
• Aircraft cabin sized backpacks or bags only.
• Prohibited items include the following:
  • Knives, weapons, metal cutlery
  • Musical equipment
  • Tents, folding chairs, cooking equipment
  • Drones, zoom lenses, audio visual / cinematic equipment
  • Selfie sticks
  • Hiking poles (excludes mobility aids)
  • Large flags or banners
  • Advertising or marketing materials
  • Glass containers or cans
  • LAG items.

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 of walking tours on the Gallipoli peninsula are available to be downloaded.

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. 

Travel advice

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides travel advice for Türkiye on its Smartraveller website. It is recommended that Australians travelling to Türkiye for the commemorations monitor this advice and register their details at the Smartraveller website. Registration means you will be advised of any changes to the travel advisory and allows DFAT to get in touch with you or your family in the event of an emergency.

Registration for attendance at the Anzac Day commemorations does not automatically register you on Smartraveller.

Contact information

Australian Consulate, Çanakkale Türkiye  
Tel: +90 286 218 1721  
Email: canakkale.consulate@dfat.gov.au 

Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Canberra Australia 
Tel: 1800 838 372 within Australia 
Tel: +61 2 6289 1133 outside Australia 

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 relay: +61 423 677 767

If you have read through the information on this page and still have questions, please contact commemorative.events@dva.gov.au.

Planning your attendance – media

IMPORTANT NOTE: All attendees, tour operators and media are required to bring photographic ID in the form of a current passport or national identity card with an attendance pass for validation.

All media personnel planning to attend the Anzac Day Gallipoli Dawn Service on 25 April 2026 are required to register for an individual attendance pass. Entry to the commemorative sites will not be permitted without an individual attendance pass.

Information about media accreditation for overseas Anzac Day services will be provided closer to April 2026.

Please see sections above regarding Safety and Security Measures and Advice for those visiting Gallipoli.

Planning your attendance – tour operators

Step 1: Register for an accreditation pass

All tour operators planning to attend the Anzac Day Gallipoli Dawn Service on 25 April 2026 are required to register for an individual attendance pass.

All tour coaches are required to register for a vehicle accreditation pass.

Entry to the commemorative sites will not be permitted without an individual attendance pass for guides.

Register here for your free attendance pass.

Tour operators are required to pre-register tour coaches for accreditation in advance using 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.

Pre-registering will assist in transitioning coaches through the Tour Coach Registration Point in a timely manner.  This will assist in transitioning coaches through the check points on 24 and 25 April 2026.

Step 2: Familiarise yourself with the traffic restrictions

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 10:00 pm on 24 April and close at 3:00 am on 25 April.

Following this, tour coaches will undergo security screening by Jandarma before attendees disembark at Beach Cemetery.

For detailed information on key sites and timings for tour operators please download the Information for Tour Coach Operators document.

• Information for Tour Coach Operators (English) (PDF 3.99 MB)
• Information for Tour Coach Operators (Türkçe) (PDF 5.23 MB)