ANZAC Day 2026: Services, Events and Things to Do in Perth
ANZAC Day 2026 falls on Saturday 25 April, making it a long weekend for most West Australians. Whether you’re rising before dawn to pay your respects, lining the streets for the march, or spending the extra days with family and friends, here’s everything happening in and around Perth this ANZAC Day weekend. Lest we forget.
Anzac Day Services
Kings Park Dawn Service
When: Saturday, 25 April 2026 | 5:45am – 7:00am
Where: State War Memorial, Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Probably the biggest ANZAC Day event in Western Australia, the Kings Park Dawn Service draws tens of thousands to the State War Memorial each year. In the quiet of the early morning, the ceremony includes the Last Post, a moment of silence, and a moving tribute to all those who have served. Road closures are in place from 2am, so public transport is strongly encouraged — and arrive early, as crowds are large. This year, dawn brings a bonus: three naked-eye planets — Saturn, Mars and Mercury — are visible in a celestial line-up. The service will also be live streamed on the RSL WA YouTube channel.
Gunfire Breakfast
When: Saturday, 25 April 2026 | 7:00am – 9:00am
Where: Government House Gardens, Perth CBD
Following the Dawn Service, head to Government House Gardens for the much-loved Gunfire Breakfast — a long-standing ANZAC Day tradition. RSL WA hosts a community BBQ with tea, coffee and a breakfast roll, offering a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow attendees and the WA veteran community. Capacity is limited to 2,000, so arrive early.
The ANZAC Day March
When: Saturday, 25 April 2026 | 9:00am – 10:30am
Where: St Georges Terrace, Perth CBD (departing corner of Barrack Street)
One of the great traditions of ANZAC Day, the Perth March steps off at 9am sharp from the corner of Barrack Street and St Georges Terrace, concluding at Langley Park. Veterans, current serving personnel, Navy, Army, Air Force, emergency services, and their families take to the streets in a powerful show of commemoration and camaraderie. Line the streets, wave a flag, and show your gratitude. The March will be broadcast live on ABC TV and ABC iView from 9am.
Mateship Lane
When: Saturday, 25 April 2026 | 9:00am – 3:00pm
Where: Irwin Street, Perth CBD
After the March, head to Irwin Street where the city transforms into Mateship Lane — a lively community space right next to ANZAC House. Expect a licensed bar, food trucks, live entertainment, and the iconic game of Two-Up, legal just one day a year. It’s the perfect place to gather with mates, soak in the ANZAC spirit, and make a day of it.
ANZAC House
When: Saturday, 25 April 2026 | 7:30am – 6:00pm
Where: ANZAC House, 28 St Georges Terrace, Perth CBD
ANZAC House opens its doors to veterans and the public for the day, offering drinks and a snack menu across three levels with sweeping views over St Georges Terrace and the Swan River. A prime central spot to connect, commemorate, and spend time with mates. Building capacity is limited, so get in early.
Cathedral Service — St George’s Cathedral
When: Saturday, 25 April 2026 | 11:00am – 11:50am
Where: St George’s Cathedral, 38 St Georges Terrace, Perth CBD
For those seeking a reflective and spiritual commemoration, the Cathedral Service at the iconic St George’s Cathedral offers a space for quiet remembrance and prayer. The service commences following the March and honours the service and sacrifice of past and present military personnel. Ticketed free entry — register ahead to secure your place.
Fremantle Dawn Service — Monument Hill
When: Saturday, 25 April 2026 | From 5:50am
Where: Fremantle War Memorial, Monument Hill, Fremantle
Fremantle holds a deeply special place in ANZAC history — it was the last piece of Australian soil many soldiers and sailors saw before departing for war. The traditional silent Dawn Service at Monument Hill honours the 849 Fremantle servicemen and women whose names are inscribed on the memorial. A free shuttle bus runs between Fremantle Train Station and Monument Hill, and both the Fremantle and North Fremantle services include an Auslan interpreter.
Following the Dawn Service, a community service is held at the Fallen Soldier War Memorial in North Fremantle at 9am, before the traditional ANZAC Day March departs from Pioneer Park at 10:15am, winding through the streets to conclude at Walyalup Koort, where a stunning display of spinning poppies will be on show.
ANZAC Day at ANZAC Cottage
When: Saturday, 25 April 2026 | Open from 3:00pm | Sunset Service 5:15pm
Where: 38 Kalgoorlie Street, Mount Hawthorn
One of Perth’s most intimate and meaningful ANZAC Day experiences, ANZAC Cottage in Mount Hawthorn was built in a single day on 12 February 1916 by the local community — as a memorial to those who fought at Gallipoli, and a home for returned wounded soldier Private John Porter. Now 110 years old, the cottage opens its doors each ANZAC Day to the public for tours, historical talks, and a children’s wreath-making workshop at 4pm. The day concludes with the Sunset Service at 5:15pm. The “Fields of Remembrance” exhibition of community-dedicated crosses will also be on display, and the Maori cultural group Ngaru Pou will be present to honour the NZ in ANZAC.
ANZAC Services — Wadjemup / Rottnest Island
When: Friday, 24 April 2026 | Dusk Service 5:45pm | Saturday, 25 April 2026 | Dawn Service 6:00am
Where: Thomson Bay Lawn, Rottnest Island
For a truly unforgettable ANZAC Day experience, make the journey to Wadjemup / Rottnest Island. The island holds deep military significance — playing an important role in both World War I and World War II — and many West Australian families carry a personal connection here through ancestors who were stationed on the island. Services are held on the Thomson Bay Lawn with the ocean as a backdrop, making for one of the most moving settings in the state. The Dusk Service on the eve of ANZAC Day gives way to the Dawn Service the following morning, as the sun rises over the Indian Ocean. Proudly supported by RSL WA and Lotterywest. Early morning discounted ferry services are available from Fremantle and Hillarys, with veterans and current serving personnel able to access free same-day return travel — contact your ferry provider directly to book.
Kings Park Sunset Service (Eve of ANZAC Day)
When: Friday, 24 April 2026 | 5:00pm – 5:30pm
Where: Flame of Remembrance, Kings Park & Botanic Garden
Not just for the morning — the ANZAC commemorations begin the evening before. RSL WA’s inclusive Sunset Service gathers the community around the sacred Flame of Remembrance and Pool of Reflection in Kings Park. A quieter, more accessible event with wheelchair access, assisted listening, Auslan, and a low-sensory area. Parking is available in Kings Park.
Anzac Day Events
ANZAC Day | The Aviary Perth
When: Saturday, 25 April | From 8:00am
Where: The Aviary, Perth CBD
Cost: $25pp (breakfast buffet)
Step into the heart of ANZAC Day at The Aviary, opening from 8am with a chef’s breakfast buffet for $25pp — an easy way to start the day in the city. As the day unfolds, DJs take over the rooftop from late morning with drinks flowing into the evening, making it a go-to spot to settle in and spend the day with friends. Alcohol service begins from 10am.
ANZAC Day | Market Grounds
When: Saturday, 25 April | 11:00am or 2:00pm sittings
Where: Market Grounds, Perth CBD
Cost: $98pp
Spend ANZAC Day at Market Grounds with a lively bottomless session, featuring two hours of tequila cocktails, beer and wine paired with a Mexican-inspired shared menu. Two sittings available, with DJs keeping the energy going into the evening. Bookings essential.
ANZAC Day | The Guildford Hotel
When: Saturday, 25 April | From 7:00am
Where: The Guildford Hotel, Guildford
The Guildford Hotel opens early this ANZAC Day, welcoming guests from 7am with breakfast specials to start the day. From 10am, settle in with live entertainment and catch the footy with a drink in hand — an easy, laid-back way to spend the day with family and friends. Bookings essential.
ANZAC Day Raceday — Ascot Racecourse
When: Saturday, 25 April 2026
Where: Ascot Racecourse, Ascot
A long-standing ANZAC Day tradition in Perth, the Ascot Raceday combines commemoration with a day out at one of WA’s most beloved venues. Before the racing kicks off, an ANZAC Day Ceremony and wreath-laying is held trackside to pay respects to those who have served. On the track, the day is headlined by two feature races — the $125,000 Listed Sheila Gwynne Classic and the $100,000 Diggers Cup. General Admission is free, with dining options ranging from fine dining in Flying Colours Restaurant to the all-you-can-eat Terrace Restaurant buffet.
Fremantle Dockers v Carlton — Len Hall Tribute Game
When: Saturday, 25 April 2026 | 6:15pm
Where: Optus Stadium, Burswood
End ANZAC Day the Perth way — with footy under the lights. The Fremantle Dockers host Carlton in the annual Len Hall Tribute Game, a fixture that carries special meaning on ANZAC Day. The match honours Private Leonard William Hall VC, a Western Australian war hero who was awarded the Victoria Cross for extraordinary bravery during the Battle of Mount Tambu in Papua New Guinea in 1943. Fill Optus Stadium in purple and pay tribute to the ANZAC spirit in one of the most memorable nights in the WA football calendar.
Anzac Day Long Weekend Events
ANZAC Day Long Weekend | Scarborough Beach Bar
When: Friday, 24 – Monday, 27 April
Where: Scarborough Beach Bar, Scarborough
Settle in by the coast this ANZAC Day long weekend at Scarborough Beach Bar, with four days of food, drinks and live music. Across Friday to Sunday, bottomless sessions run at 2pm and 5pm, featuring two hours of free-flowing spritz, house wines and selected tap beers, paired with a spread of share plates for $75pp. Breakfast is served from 8am on Saturday and Sunday, with live music running all weekend long. Bookings essential.
ANZAC Weekend | BrewDog Perth
When: Saturday, 25 April | From 12:00pm
Where: BrewDog, West Perth
Gather the crew at BrewDog Perth this ANZAC Day for beers, bottomless wings, and live AFL and NRL action across the big screens — a laid-back way to spend the afternoon in the spirit of mateship.
ANZAC Day Long Weekend | The Peninsula Mandurah
When: Friday, 24 – Monday, 27 April
Where: The Peninsula Mandurah, Mandurah
Four days of live music and waterfront sessions take over The Pen this ANZAC Day long weekend, with DJs and local artists soundtracking everything from after-work drinks to long lunches. What’s on:
- Friday, 24 April (from 6pm): DJ Creative Sounds
- Saturday, 25 April (from 1pm): Stu McKay
- Sunday, 26 April (from 6pm): Tyler Ian
- Monday, 27 April (from 12pm): Damien Wicks
Bookings recommended.
Smokin’ in the Valley — Swan Settlers Market
When: Saturday, 25 – Sunday, 26 April 2026
Where: Swan Settlers Market, 124 Lennard Street, Herne Hill (Swan Valley)
Head to the Swan Valley for a smoking-hot long weekend event. Perth’s top BBQ teams go head-to-head in a KCBS-sanctioned competition, battling it out for the title of Swan Valley’s Best BBQ. Expect incredible aromas, serious pitmasters, and an unbeatable atmosphere — with guest pitmaster Uncle Diesel’s Smoke n Grill serving up Central Texas–inspired wood-fired BBQ on the side. Running alongside it is the Smokin’ Chilli Fair, with chilli tastings, competitions, and plenty of heat. Want to be part of the judging panel? Register as an official KCBS judge for $50.
ANZAC Day Long Weekend | Quarter Acre Hotel
When: Friday, 24 – Monday, 27 April
Where: Quarter Acre Hotel, Perth
The Quarter Acre Hotel is keeping things going all long weekend, with four days of great drinks, good music and even better company. Kick things off Friday and Saturday night at Cocktail Club from 8pm with expertly mixed drinks and late-night energy. On Saturday, settle in from 12pm with $10 pints of QA Lager pouring all day. Live music runs all weekend long. Bookings recommended.