Days Until ANZAC Day

Lest We Forget: A Comprehensive Guide to ANZAC Day

The bugle sounds the "Last Post," a moment of silence falls over the crowd, and as the sun begins to peek over the horizon, we remember.

If you are checking "How many days until ANZAC Day?", you are likely preparing to attend a Dawn Service, planning a trip to a local cenotaph, or teaching the younger generation about the "ANZAC Spirit." Beyond just a public holiday in Australia and New Zealand, April 25th is the most significant day of national remembrance in both countries.

Our Live ANZAC Day Countdown Tool above tracks the exact time until the commemorative services begin. But what is the deeper meaning of this day? In this guide, we dive into the history of the Gallipoli campaign, the evolution of the "Mondayisation" rules, and why the Red Poppy remains a powerful symbol of sacrifice across the globe.

When is ANZAC Day 2026? (Occurs April 25, 2026)

ANZAC Day is observed annually on April 25. Unlike Easter or Thanksgiving, the date itself is fixed because it commemorates the exact day the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey in 1915.

The Legend of Gallipoli: Why We Remember

To understand why ANZAC Day is important, we must go back to the early morning of April 25, 1915. Australia had been a federated nation for only 14 years. New Zealand was also a young country. Both wanted to establish their reputation on the world stage.

The plan was for the Allied forces to capture the Gallipoli Peninsula to open the Dardanelles for the Allied navies. However, the ANZACs landed at the wrong spot—a rugged area now known as Anzac Cove. Instead of an easy victory, they faced steep cliffs and a fierce Turkish defense led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

The campaign lasted eight grueling months. By the time the Allied forces evacuated, over 8,000 Australian and 2,700 New Zealander soldiers had lost their lives. But out of this military failure, a national legend was born. The bravery, endurance, and "mateship" shown by the soldiers defined the national identity of both countries.

The Data of Remembrance: Analytics and Stats

Remembrance is not just a feeling; it is a massive logistical and social event. According to the Australian War Memorial and Department of Veterans' Affairs, the scale of ANZAC Day is growing.

Traditions: How to Spend ANZAC Day

If you are counting down to the day, here are the quintessential traditions that define the 25th of April.

• The Dawn Service: Why at dawn? Because this was the time of the original landing. In military terms, dawn is also the time of the "Stand-to," where soldiers woke up to guard against surprise attacks in the dim light.
• ANZAC Biscuits: These iconic oats and golden syrup cookies were originally sent by wives and mothers to soldiers abroad. Because they didn't contain eggs, they didn't spoil easily during the long ship journeys.
• Two-Up: This is a traditional gambling game involving flipping two coins. It was played extensively by diggers in the trenches. Today, it is illegal in Australia 364 days of the year, but perfectly legal on ANZAC Day in RSL clubs and pubs!
• Gunfire Breakfast: After the Dawn Service, many veterans and civilians enjoy a breakfast that traditionally includes coffee with a splash of rum (to simulate the liquid courage given to soldiers before battle).
• The Red Poppy: While more associated with Remembrance Day (Nov 11), poppies are often laid at cenotaphs on ANZAC day to honor the blood spilled in the fields of Flanders.

Planning Your Pilgrimage: Commercial Interests

For many, the ultimate way to mark the end of their ANZAC Day countdown is a pilgrimage to Turkey.

Gallipoli Tours: Booking a tour to the Gallipoli Peninsula for the Dawn Service at the North Beach Commemorative Site requires planning up to a year in advance. Because of the limited space and high E-E-A-T requirements for guides, official tour operators are vetted by the Australian and Turkish governments.
Cost Analysis: A 5-day commemorative tour from Istanbul typically ranges from $800 to $1,500 AUD.

The RSL Impact: The Returned and Services League (RSL) sees its highest foot traffic on this day. It is the primary day for fundraising for veterans' health and housing initiatives. If you are looking for an "ANZAC Day experience," visiting a local RSL for a game of two-up is the gold standard.

Frequently Asked Questions