Anzac Day, Cairns 2024
April 25th is a special day for Australians and New Zealanders to come together and observe ANZAC Day. Across both nations, communities gather and give tribute to those who have served during all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping efforts across the world, and those who continue to serve in the military since World War I.
If you’re wanting to pay your respects, below you’ll find a guide to Anzac Day events, commemorations and dawn services in Cairns this April 25th.
What Is Anzac Day?
Anzac Day is a national public holiday, held annually on the 25th of April that honours all members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli in Turkey during the First World War. Ceremonies include dawn services, parades, two-up games and maybe a drink or two in salute.
April 25th marks the anniversary of the first landing of ANZAC armed forces on the shores of Gallipoli in 1915. A time when many young men felt a strong sense of patriotism to assist allies in the British Empire against opposing nations.
Today, Anzac Day now commemorates all those who have served in national military operations and who are still active today. Australians are proud to preserve the legacy of these soldiers who dedicate their life to defending and upholding the values, traditions, freedoms, safety and way of living that we get to enjoy here in Australia today.
Anzac Day Events in Cairns
If you’re looking for the details of Cairns Dawn Service, a run down of the morning events to be hosted can be found below.
| Event | Time | Location |
| Cairns Dawn Service | 5:30am | Cenotaph, Cairns Esplanade |
| Cairns Services Parade | 7:30m | Fogarty Park, heading north on the Esplanade and past the Cairns RSL Club |
| Cairns Commemorative Service | 8:00am | Cenotaph, The Esplanade |
Road Closures in Cairns
Below is a list of roads that will be closed off for the Anzac Day commemorative events in Cairns City, along with the approximate times closures will start and finish.
| Roads Closed | Time Closed / Re-Open |
| Cairns Esplanade Road from Spence Street to Minnie Street | 3:00am - 10:00am |
| Pier Point Road, Shields Street, Aplin Street, Florence Street and Minnie Street to accommodate the Service Parade | 7:00am - 8:00am |
