ANZAC Day in Canberra

words by ben stephens

Short of making the pilgrimage to Gallipoli and to ANZAC Cove, we highly recommended a trip to Canberra to commemorate the special day of remembrance for the fallen soldiers of wars gone by.

With so many activities taking place in the nation’s capital over the weekend leading to and the day itself, we felt it only necessary to compile a little guide to this day worth celebrating.

National Gallery of Australia
Over the vast body of water that is Lake Burley Griffin, you’ll find a plethora of attractions to check out. From Parliament House to Questacon, there is something for absolutely every member of the orphan or nuclear family. Though given the date, it would be a great time to check out the Artists of the Great War, an exhibition currently on exhibit at The National Gallery of Australia. The showing explores the horrors of World War One with a look at propaganda and first-hand experiences from the ground.
Artists of the Great War is on until May 31.

National Archives of Australia
Also on the same side of the lake, you’ll find the archives from this fine country. Currently, the Libraries are showing Indigenous Australians at War: From The Boer War to the Present. This exhibition looks at the commitment and service from Indigenous Australia and the personal stories that came to light through the duty acted. It’s moving while being overly fascinating given the relationship between the traditional owners of the land and the new found Commonwealth.
Indigenous Australians at War: From The Boer War to the Present is on until July 16.

Dawn Service at the Australian War Memorial
If you’ve never been to the Australian War Memorial, there is no better day to pay your respects than ANZAC Day. As you walk around the memorial, there is something inside you that induces a chill, while you leave feeling rather connected. This year, the dawn service will commence at 04.30am with readings from letters and diaries from service men and woman on the ground. At 05.15am, silence will fall over the crowd before the Dawn Service commences at 05.30am.

Two-up, gunfire breakfasts and a beer
ANZAC Day is nothing without a game or two of Two-up, but before the coins are tossed, you need to line the stomach with a little breakfast, a Gunfire Breakfast. Head to any of the RSL clubs dotted around the capital and you’ll be in line for a rum-laced coffee, ringside for a morning of two-up and in a fine spot to order an early morning beer to raise one to those who have fallen.

If you would like more information on times, maps or even more events to attend this ANZAC Day, head over HERE

"Their name liveth for evermore." @siscaarudy captures this moment of quiet reflection at the @awmemorial. Book your Canberra accommodation for Anzac Day today. #VisitCanberra

A post shared by VisitCanberra (@visitcanberra) on Apr 9, 2017 at 3:27pm PDT