ANZAC Services 2024
Travel to Wadjemup / Rottnest Island for a special ANZAC service like no other.
ANZAC Day holds a special place on the Rottnest Island calendar. With a long military history, we commemorate all who have served and continue to serve.
Wadjemup / Rottnest Island played an important role in the First and Second World Wars, and there are many places of historical significance that can still be seen on the island today. Many generations of families also hold an important connection to the island with ancestors who were stationed on the island during WWI and WWII.
Join us to reflect and mark this important day of remembrance with services on the foreshore of Thomson Bay. A dusk service will be held at 5:45 pm on Wednesday 24 April and a dawn service will be held at 6 am on Thursday 25 April.
This event is free, but registration is required. Please note children must be accompanied by an adult.
Registrations are now open.
Register for:
- Dusk Service - Wednesday 24 April, 5:45 pm
- ANZAC Day Dawn Service - Thursday 25 April, 6 am
Event subject to change.
Wednesday 24 April
Dusk Service
5:45 pm
Thomson Lawn
An opportunity to pay your respects on the eve of ANZAC Day, with a service conducted as the sun sets over the island.
Thursday 25 April
Dawn Service
6 am
Thomson Lawn
As the sun rises over the ocean, stand as we mark ANZAC Day and honour the dedication and sacrifice shown by all who serve and continue to serve.
In recognition of the day, we invite you to stay after the service to learn more about the history of Wadjemup / Rottnest Island, including its pivotal role in WWI and WWII military operations.
Bofors Gun Display
Saturday 20 April - Sunday 28 April
Marvel at the display of a restored anti-aircraft gun and learn the history behind it. Located on Thomson Lawn, the gun will be on display for an extended period.
Bickley Battery Trail Tours
Thursday 25 April
Explore the Kingstown Barracks and the site of the 6-inch guns that made up the Bickley Battery. The battery was part of the overall military establishment on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island which included the 9.2-inch guns at Oliver Hill and the observation post and the radio and radar facilities at Wadjemup Lighthouse.
Schedule: Catch the complimentary bus daily from the main bus stop to Kingstown Barracks from 8 am - 11:45 am to meet your guide, or take a 7-minute bike ride from the main settlement to Kingstown Barracks. Free tours depart regularly from Kingstown Barracks from 8:30 am until 11 am. Bookings are not required.
Oliver Hill Guns and Tunnel
Thursday 25 April
Constructed in 1937 to defend Fremantle Port from potential enemy seaborne attacks, the battery of two 11-metre 9.2-inch naval guns at Oliver Hill is now a significant heritage icon. In fact, it’s the only intact emplacement of its type left in Australia.
Schedule: You are welcome to join in on the free Oliver Hill Gun and Tunnels tour from 9 am to 11:30 am. Departing from the train station in the main settlement catch a complimentary 8:30 am, 9:30 am or 10:30 am train or take a 15-minute bike ride to Oliver Hill. Regular paid train services commence from 11:30 am and paid tours at Oliver Hill commence from 12 noon.
Wadjemup Museum
Thursday 25 April from 8 am - 3:30 pm
The newly renovated Wadjemup Museum shares the wide-ranging stories of the island. Explore exhibits from 40,000-year-old-artefacts to contemporary stories of holidaymakers, past and present.
Schedule: Open 8 am to 3:30 pm. Wadjemup Museum is located behind the General Store in the settlement and entry is by gold coin donation. PayWave and cash donations are accepted.
Wednesday 24 April – Dusk Service
Late night ferry services will be available through Rottnest Express, departing Wadjemup / Rottnest Island at 7 pm after the service has concluded.
Current and ex-service men, women and veterans can also take advantage of free, same-day-return ferry travel to attend the ANZAC services.
To book these tickets, please call Rottnest Express directly on 1300 467 688 to make your initial booking, then present your Department of Veterans' Affair (DVA) Identity Card at the Rottnest Express booth prior to departure to pick up your tickets.
Thursday 25 April – ANZAC Day Dawn Service
Early morning ferry services will be available, departing Fremantle from 5 am in time for the Dawn Service on 25 April.
Ferry tickets to Rottnest Island are not included so book your tickets now with:
Current and ex-service men, women and veterans can also take advantage of free, same-day-return ferry travel to attend the ANZAC Day service.
To book these fares, please contact