ANZAC Day Extra Info

ANZAC DAY EXTRA INFORMATION
A moderate level of fitness is recommended as a minimum.

The services take place in the Gallipoli Campaign Historical Site, a protected area in a national park, which is an isolated, remote and exposed location with no permanent infrastructure, facilities or shelter.

The terrain includes reasonably flat sealed roads, cobblestone paths, sloped and uneven gravel tracks and grassed areas (which can become slippery or muddy when wet), as well as very steep ungraded paths. Attendees will often need to stand and queue, for long periods at times, for security screening to enter the site, as well as for the limited public amenities. If the site is nearing the safe capacity, attendees on the grassed areas will be asked to stand. Please note that while umbrellas are not permitted on site, in cases of wet weather ponchos will be available.

There are basic and limited facilities, including limited temporary seating (at Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair), lighting and portable toilets are available on site for the period of the commemorations. Complimentary bottled water is available on site after security screening. It is recommended that attendees bring adequate supplies of non-perishable food. Attendees are asked to take their rubbish with them. There is no running water or power on site, except for those in use for the services. Mobile phone coverage is available at the commemorative sites, but there are no recharging facilities.

Limited medical support is provided by local Turkish health authorities from the evening of 24 April to the afternoon of 25 April. Attendees should ensure they bring their own prescription medication and basic first aid supplies such as non-prescription pain relief medication and Band-Aids. The medical support provided is equipped for medical emergencies and is not designed to treat minor ailments.

There is a minimum  walk of 8km at the commemorations, and includes up steep hills. Moving from the Anzac Commemorative Site to the Lone Pine Cemetery involves a walk of approximately 3.1km, including walking up the steep Artillery Road from sea-level to the Lone Pine Cemetery on the ridge line. Artillery Road is unpaved and can be challenging (the equivalent of 30 flights of stairs or climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge). From Lone Pine Cemetery to Chunuk Bair is a further 3.3km uphill, past numerous cemeteries and historic sites, which attendees will have an opportunity to view-en-route.

Approximate Timing for the Day of Events
01h30 – Departure from hotel with boxed breakfasts.
03h00 - Arrival at the Memorial carpark

At Kilye Cove. Shuttle buses will drive our group to Beach Cemetery. From there, walk approximately 1km to the Southern Entrance of the Anzac Commemorative Site. There will be check points with standard international airport rules before entering the site.

5:30AM: Official Anzac Day Gallipoli Dawn Service commences
7:00AM: Dawn Service
10:00AM: Australian Memorial Service, Lone Pine Cemetery
11:30AM: New Zealand Memorial Service, Chunuk Bair
12:30PM: Coach loading commences from Chunuk Bair to drive our group to to the restaurant for our lunch, with a great view of the Dardanelles for an individual lunch (table will be reserved for our group for self payment)
4:00PM: arrive back at our hotel

There will be comfort stops on the way and back whenever needed for the group. For the ones who do not participate in the dawn service unfortunately no public or private tours will  be available for other parts of the day’s events. If opting out of this day the facilities of the hotel can be enjoyed. The hotel has a swimming pool,  a relaxing Spa service with massage therapists and a Turkish bath. There are also several walking and biking routes surrounding the hotel.