State-wide Commemorations Mark Saturday Anzac Day
Anzac Day 2026 is observed across Queensland this Saturday, April 25th. Unlike some other states, Queensland does not offer an additional public holiday on the following Monday. This year's observance falls on a Saturday, meaning public holidays are tied to the actual day itself. Businesses operating on Saturday April 25th will adhere to Anzac Day trading restrictions, which generally mean non-exempt businesses must remain closed until 1pm, with takeaway alcohol sales also restricted until that time.
Specific service times and locations vary throughout South East Queensland:
East Toowoomba: The Mothers' Memorial at Corner Burstow Street and Margaret Street hosts a Dawn Service from 5:00 AM to 6:30 AM.
Gold Coast: Services include one at Carricks Road (4:40 AM - 5:00 AM), Anzac Park, Broadwater Parklands (5:00 AM - 5:30 AM), and ANZAC Memorial, The Esplanade (5:30 AM - 6:00 AM). Club Helensvale also has a Dawn Service from 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM, followed by a Gunfire Breakfast.
Logan City: Dawn services are scheduled for Greenbank Services Club lower carpark (5:30 AM) and corner Wembley Road and Jacaranda Avenue (5:30 AM). Morning services are at Springwood Park, Cinderella Drive (8:20 AM) and Logan District Ex-Service Memorial Gardens, corner Wembley Road and Jacaranda Avenue (9:00 AM).
Brisbane: A comprehensive list of Royal Australian Air Force flypasts is scheduled across various locations throughout the day, beginning around 7:25 AM with an EA-18G Growler over Gaythorne RSL, Sid Loder Park. The Brisbane Anzac Day March is scheduled for King George Square, Adelaide Street, with flypasts noted at 10:05 AM and 11:10 AM.
Flypasts and Ceremonies Across Queensland
The Royal Australian Air Force will conduct a series of flypasts across Queensland to support Anzac Day commemorations. These aerial displays are scheduled at numerous locations, featuring aircraft such as F/A-18F Super Hornets and C-27J Spartans, commencing from early morning. Examples include a flypast over Gaythorne RSL, Sid Loder Park at 7:25 AM and over Mothers’ Memorial, East Toowoomba at 8:30 AM.
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Other Notable Services and Events
Further afield, services are also noted in various regions:
Woonona-Bulli RSL Memorial Club is holding its Dawn Service at 5:30 AM.
Helensburgh will host a service at Charles Harper Park Memorial at 5:45 AM.
Corrimal begins its march from Corrimal RSL Memorial Club at 5:45 AM, with the Dawn Service at Anzac Grove at 6:00 AM.
Wollongong's Dawn Service is at MacCabe Park Cenotaph at 5:00 AM, with a march on Crown Street at 10:00 AM.
Kiama has a Dawn Service at Blowhole Point at 5:30 AM, followed by a main service and march later in the morning.
Background Information
Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance, historically commemorating the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during World War I. The Dawn Service, in particular, is a tradition steeped in solemnity, often featuring the laying of wreaths and the sounding of the Last Post, aiming to evoke the moment soldiers stood to arms at dawn. While the day is a solemn occasion, certain traditions, like the game of 'two-up', are permitted to occur after 1:00 PM. Amusement parks such as Dreamworld will be closed on Anzac Day.
