Event

ANZAC Services 2026

Mark ANZAC Day with dusk and dawn services on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island.

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Details

24 – 25 April 2026

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Free event

With a long military history, ANZAC Day holds a special place on the Rottnest Island calendar. We commemorate all who have served and continue to serve Australia.

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 hold an important connection to the island with ancestors who were stationed on Wadjemup during WWI and WWII.

Join us to reflect and mark this important day of remembrance with dusk and dawn services on Thomson Lawn.

In recognition of ANZAC Day, you are invited you to learn more about the history of the island. Following the dawn service, join a free guided tour of the island's most significant military sites.

The services are free to attend, however registration is required. Please note children must be accompanied by an adult.

ANZAC Services

Event	Date	Time
ANZAC Dusk Service	Friday 24 April 2026	5:30 pm – 6:15 pm
ANZAC Day Dawn Service	Saturday 25 April 2026	6 am – 7 am

Proceedings will include a Welcome to Country by Traditional Owner of Nyoongar Boodjar - Walter McGuire OAM, Australian National Anthem performed by Matt Milford, and New Zealand National Anthem performed by Paula Parore.

The ANZAC services will be held on Thomson Lawn in front of Thomson Bay.

Explore the History of Rottnest Island

In recognition of the day, we invite you to learn more about the history of the island, including its pivotal role in WWI and WWII military operations. Join a guided tour with one of our knowledgeable guides from the Rottnest Voluntary Guides Association.

Bofors Gun Display

Marvel at the display of a restored anti-aircraft gun and learn the history behind it. Located on Thomson Lawn in front of Thomson Bay.

Thursday 23 to Saturday 25 April 2026

Free Bickley Battery Trail Tours

Explore 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 Rottnest Island which included the 9.2-inch guns at Oliver Hill, the Observation Post, as well as the radio and radar facilities at Wadjemup Lighthouse.

Saturday 25 April 2026
Free tours depart at 8.30 am, 9 am, 9.30 am, 10 am, 10.30 am and 11 am.

To get there, catch a complimentary bus from the main bus stop to Kingstown Barracks, departing every 15 minutes between 8 am and 11:30 am. Or cycle approximately 7-minutes from the main settlement.

Free Oliver Hill Gun & Tunnels Tour

Venture out to Oliver Hill to explore the 9.2-inch naval gun and enjoy panoramic views across the island before joining a guided tour through the maze of underground tunnels that lead to the gun’s ammunition supply and engine room.

Saturday 25 April 2026
Free tours depart at 9 am, 10 am, and 11 am.

To get there, ride on a complimentary train to Oliver Hill, departing from the train station in the main settlement. Services depart at 8:30 am, 9:30 am and 10:30 am. Alternatively, you can cycle approximately 15-minutes to Oliver Hill from the main settlement. Please note that spaces on the complimentary train are limited, so ensure you arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Regular paid Captain Hussey Historical Train tours and Oliver Hill Gun & Tunnels tours commence from 11:30 am onward.

Wadjemup Museum

Wadjemup Museum shares a wide range of stories of the island. Explore exhibits from 40,000-year-old artefacts to contemporary stories of holiday makers, past and present.

Open 8 am to 3:30 pm. Wadjemup Museum is located on Digby Drive, behind the General Store in the main settlement.

Entry is by gold coin donation. PayWave and cash donations accepted.

Program subject to change.

Ferry tickets to Wadjemup / Rottnest Island are not included in your event registration, so don't forget to book your tickets in advance with:

Friday 24 April 2026

A late-night ferry back to the mainland will be available through Rottnest Express, departing Wadjemup / Rottnest Island at 7 pm after the dusk service has concluded.

Saturday 25 April 2026 (ANZAC Day)

Early morning ferry services will be available, departing Fremantle from 5 am in time for the Dawn Service. Refer to individual ferry websites for details.

Rottnest Express
Departs 5 am from B Shed (Fremantle)

Current and ex-service personnel can also take advantage of free extended stay and same-day-return ferry travel to attend the ANZAC services.
To book these tickets, please call Rottnest Express, SeaLink or Rottnest Fast Ferries, then present your Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) Identity Card at the relevant ferry operator booth prior to departure to pick up your tickets.

Conditions and eligibility criteria apply.