ANZAC Day – Gallipoli
Country: Turkey
When: 25th April every year
ANZAC Day commemorates the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) soldiers on 25 April 1915. The landing was part of an attempt by the allied forces to take positions in Turkey in advance of a planned invasion of Constantinople (now Istanbul). The ANZACs met fierce resistance from the Turkish soldiers and fought to a stalemate over the next 8 months. Over 8,000 ANZAC soldiers were killed at Gallipoli and news of the battle had a significant impact on all Australians.
Overtime, Gallipoli has become one of the most important moments in Australian history. The ANZAC spirit has become integral to the identity of both Australia and New Zealand and ANZAC Day celebrations are held in nearly every city and town in both nations.
The pinnacle of the ANZAC Day experience is to be in Gallipoli for the Dawn Service. The service at Gallipoli honours not only the Australians and New Zealanders who gave their lives in 1915; it also remembers the Ottoman Turks who died in that time as well. The bond of respect forged between the ANZACs and the Turks ensures that that the courage and fortitude of men from all three nations is never forgotten.
In more recent times, the Dawn Service at ANZAC Cove has become very popular particularly for Australians and New Zealanders who have embraced the opportunity to celebrate ANZAC Day in the very same place where the ANZAC boys landed nearly 100 years ago.
Festival Videos
Key Highlights
- Dawn Service – Held from approximately 5:30am at the ANZAC Commemorative Site, North Beach
- Australian Service – Lone Pine Cemetery
- The ANZAC Walk is a walking tour that takes visitors to all of the key sites of the battle. Plan on an extra day if you intend to complete the walk.
- Turkish monuments and memorials. Don’t forget to visit the sites commemorating the Ottoman Turks and honouring the deep respect that developed between both sides during the long battle.
Where is it
The Gallipoli peninsula is on the western coast of Turkey.
How to Get There
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and is the gateway between Europe and Asia. Travel to Istanbul is relatively straightforward as most major international airlines as well as a range of budget European carriers service Istanbul Atatürk Airport. Istanbul is also easily accessed via rail from a number of European cities.
Once in Istanbul, most travellers make their way to Gallipoli via car or bus. Hiring a car and driving is an excellent option as getting around to each of the battlefields at Gallipoli can be challenging if you are on foot. It is however, important to be aware that driving in Turkey can present some interesting situations. You can also take a bus (coach) to Eceabat and hire a car from there. In either case, the journey from Istanbul to Gallipoli should take about 4 to 5 hours.
A final option is to book a formal tour of Gallipoli as these do provide you with the opportunity to learn from knowledgeable and friendly guides. The cost of a guided tour starts at about 75 Euros.
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Remember that if you are planning to attend the Dawn Service you will need to allow plenty of time to get to ANZAC Cove and find a place from which to view the service. Vehicle access to the entire area will close on the 24th so you need to be well prepared to “rough it” for 24 hours or more.
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Consider travelling with an all-inclusive tour company. That way all your accommodation and transportation requirements will be taken care of.
Where to stay
There are a range of hotels, hostels and guests houses in close proximity to Gallipoli and the battlefields. The most popular place to stay is Canakkale, a city about 37 kilometers from the battlefields. Another excellent location is Eceabat, also located in the Cannakale province and approximately the same distance from the site. If you are travelling by car, you will have some flexibility in regards to where you stay and could even stay a bit further afield.
In the last few hours before the Dawn Service commences remember that you will essentially be sleeping rough at the site. Make sure to have plenty of warm clothing, food and drink and be prepared for very large crowds.
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Consider travelling with an in inclusive tour company. That way all your accommodation and transportation requirements will be taken care of.
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ANZAC DAY 2015 is the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing. Places at the Gallipoli Dawn Service will be controlled by ballot. The ballot opens on 16 November 2013 and closes on 31 January 2014. The ballot is free but successful entrants must arrange their own travel and cover all associated expenses. Enter the ballot here: www.gallipoli2015.dva.gov.au/
Remember to check back with Workingholidaymaker.com to catch up on all the latest advice on attending the Gallipoli Dawn Service – particularly in relation to any restrictions which might be in place.
Useful information
More information on ANZAC Day and the Dawn Service: