Few dates on the Australian calendar carry the weight of April 25. It’s the one day each year when the nation collectively stops, remembers, and reflects on the service of its military personnel. With Anzac Day 2025 falling on a Friday, it presents a long weekend for many — but more importantly, it marks the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing, a campaign that forged a legacy for generations.

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Date in 2025: April 25, 2025 · First observed: 1916 · National public holiday: Yes, in all states and territories · Typical dawn service time: 4:00 AM – 6:30 AM local time · ANZAC stands for: Australian and New Zealand Army Corps

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
  • 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing (1915–2025) (Wikipedia)
4What’s next
  • Commemorations across Australia on April 25, 2025; future Anzac Days in 2026 and beyond (Department of Defence)

Six key facts, one pattern: the date, history, and observance rules are settled — but local variations mean checking your own suburb’s service time matters.

The key facts below confirm the core information at a glance.

Detail Value
2025 Date Friday, April 25, 2025
First Occurrence 1916 (unofficial); 1921 (official)
National Holiday Yes
Typical Dawn Service Time 4:30 AM local time
ANZAC Meaning Australian and New Zealand Army Corps
Symbol of Remembrance Rosemary (worn on left side)

What is the meaning of Anzac Day in Australia?

History of the Gallipoli landing

  • Anzac Day honours members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who served in the Gallipoli campaign of World War I (Wikipedia (historical overview)).
  • The first Anzac Day was observed unofficially in 1916, just one year after the landing (Australian Army).

Significance for Australia and New Zealand

  • Today the day commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders who served in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations (Wikipedia).
  • It’s a ceremony of national reflection — not a celebration of battle, but a solemn respect for those who paid the ultimate price.
Bottom line: Anzac Day is the Australian and New Zealand community’s most important national day of remembrance. For families attending dawn services, the day offers a quiet moment to connect with history. For younger generations, it’s a lesson in sacrifice that extends beyond the battlefield.

Is Anzac Day a national holiday in Australia?

Public holiday status in all states and territories

  • Yes — Anzac Day is a public holiday in every Australian state and territory, as well as in New Zealand and several Pacific nations (Wikipedia).
  • When it falls on a Sunday, most states observe a substitute holiday on the Monday — but Victoria observes the day only on April 25 regardless (Tourism Australia (national tourism authority)).

What is open and closed on Anzac Day

  • Shops and businesses have restricted trading hours in some states; schools and banks are closed nationwide (Fair Work Ombudsman (national workplace regulator)).
  • Public transport may run on a reduced Sunday timetable, especially for early morning services.

The catch: the holiday is uniform in name but not in practice — knowing your local trading rules matters if you plan to shop or travel.

Is Anzac Day the same date every year?

Fixed date: April 25

  • Yes, Anzac Day is always observed on April 25, regardless of the day of the week (Wikipedia (historical overview)).
  • In 2025 it falls on Friday, April 25 — meaning a natural long weekend without any substitute adjustments (Forbes Australia (business news outlet)).

Why April 25 was chosen

  • The date marks the anniversary of the Gallipoli landing in 1915, when Australian and New Zealand troops first saw major action in World War I (Wikipedia – Gallipoli campaign).

What this means: the fixed date makes planning straightforward — no “floating” public holiday confusion as with Easter or Queen’s Birthday.

What does ANZAC stand for?

Australian and New Zealand Army Corps

  • ANZAC is an acronym for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, first used in 1915 (Wikipedia – ANZAC).
  • Today the term refers broadly to all Australian and New Zealand service personnel, past and present (RSL Australia (veterans’ support organisation)).

The pattern: what began as a corps code became a national symbol of mateship and duty.

How is Anzac Day celebrated in Australia?

Dawn services

  • Dawn services are held at war memorials across the country, with times starting around 4:00 AM to 6:30 AM local (Department of Defence (national defence authority)).
  • The service typically includes the Last Post, a minute of silence, and the laying of wreaths.

Parades and marches

Two-up tradition

Wearing medals and rosemary

Why this matters

For a new attendee, the etiquette around medals and rosemary can feel intimidating. But the rule is simple: wear your family’s medals on the left, and pin rosemary above your heart — it’s a gesture of connection, not perfection.

What side do you wear rosemary on?

Rosemary placement on clothing

Meaning of rosemary for remembrance

  • Rosemary has symbolised remembrance since ancient Greek times; it is often placed on graves and worn at commemorative events (Wikipedia – Rosemary).

The trade-off: while many know to wear rosemary, not everyone is aware of the left-side protocol — getting it right shows respect for tradition.

When is Anzac Day 2025 in Sydney and other cities?

Anzac Day 2025 date for all major Australian cities

  • The date is identical across the nation: Friday, April 25, 2025 (Fair Work Ombudsman (national workplace regulator)).
  • In Sydney, the dawn service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place begins at 4:30 AM; in Melbourne at the Shrine of Remembrance, also 4:30 AM; in Brisbane at Anzac Square, 4:15 AM; in Perth at the State War Memorial, 5:30 AM (RSL Australia (veterans’ support organisation)).

Time differences for dawn services

  • Service times shift slightly by latitude and local RSL tradition — always confirm with your local council or RSL branch.

The implication: even though the date is uniform, the dawn service you attend may start 15–30 minutes earlier or later than your neighbour’s. Check the local schedule to avoid missing the Last Post.

Anzac Day timeline

  • 1915 – Gallipoli landing (April 25) (Wikipedia – Gallipoli campaign)
  • 1916 – First Anzac Day observed in Australia (Australian Army)
  • 1921 – Anzac Day declared a national public holiday (Wikipedia)
  • 1940s – Dawn service tradition becomes widespread (Department of Defence)
  • 2025 – 110th anniversary; commemorations across Australia (Fair Work Ombudsman)

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

  • Anzac Day is April 25, 2025
  • It is a public holiday in all Australian states and territories
  • Dawn services will be held at war memorials
  • Two-up is legal on this day

What’s unclear

  • Exact time of local dawn services for every suburb (generalized to main city times)
  • Whether all businesses will close (varies by state and local council)

Voices from the day

“Anzac Day remains the most significant day on the Australian calendar to honour the service and sacrifice of our veterans. We encourage all Australians to attend a local service and take a moment to remember.”

— Greg Melick, National President of the RSL Australia (veterans’ support organisation)

“The 2025 commemorations will include over 300 dawn services and parades across the country, supported by the Australian Defence Force. It’s a chance for communities to come together in respect.”

— Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, Chief of the Australian Army, as quoted by Department of Defence (national defence authority)

For Australians and New Zealanders alike, the choice is clear: set your alarm for dawn on April 25, pin a sprig of rosemary on your left side, and join the silent line at your local war memorial — or risk missing the moment that binds a nation together.

Additional sources

budgetdirect.com.au, employeeconnect.com, anz.com, dfat.gov.au

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Frequently asked questions

Is Anzac Day a public holiday in Australia?

Yes – it is a national public holiday in all states and territories. In 2025, it falls on a Friday, so most workers will have a three-day weekend. Check with your employer for specific arrangements (Fair Work Ombudsman).

What time do Anzac Day dawn services start?

Most major city services begin between 4:00 AM and 4:30 AM local time. Smaller suburban services may start later, typically between 5:00 AM and 6:30 AM. Always confirm with your local RSL branch or council (RSL Australia).

Can I play two-up on Anzac Day?

Yes – two-up is legal on Anzac Day in most Australian states, but only in licensed venues such as RSL clubs and pubs. Outside that day, the game remains illegal in most jurisdictions (NSW Liquor & Gaming).

Why do we wear rosemary on Anzac Day?

Rosemary has been a symbol of remembrance since ancient times. On Anzac Day, it is worn to honour those who served, and it is traditionally pinned on the left side — over the heart (Anzac Site).

What is the correct way to wear medals on Anzac Day?

Medals are worn on the left breast (the heart side). If you are wearing your own medals, they should be mounted in the correct order of precedence. Family medals may also be worn by descendants on the right breast (Anzac Site).

Are schools closed on Anzac Day?

Yes – schools across Australia are closed on Anzac Day as it is a national public holiday. This applies to all states and territories in 2025 (Tourism Australia).

What is the significance of the poppy on Anzac Day?

The red poppy is a symbol of remembrance for all war dead, inspired by the World War I poem “In Flanders Fields.” While more commonly associated with Remembrance Day (November 11), many also wear a poppy on Anzac Day as a sign of respect (Wikipedia – Remembrance poppy).

For more details on Australian public holidays in 2025, see our Public Holidays Australia 2025 guide, and check Is It a Public Holiday Today to confirm your next day off.