ANZAC Services 2025

Thursday 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.

Friday 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.

During the proceedings you can expect a Welcome to Country by Traditional Owner of Nyoongar Boodjar - Walter McGuire, Australian National Anthem - performed by Stella Kelly, and New Zealand National Anthem - performed by Paula Parore.

Explore Further

Guided Walking Tours

In recognition of this significant event, we invite you to stay after the service on ANZAC Day to learn more about the history of Wadjemup / Rottnest 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 Seawall Lawn in front of Thomson Bay.

The Bofors Gun will be on display all week, from Saturday 19 to Sunday 27 April.

Bickley Battery Trail Tour

Exclusively on Friday 25 April, experience a free trail tour to discover 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.

Schedule: Free trail tours will depart regularly between 8:30 am and 11:30 am from Kingstown Barracks.

Getting there: A complimentary shuttle bus will be offered for the day. This service will depart from the main bus stop to Kingstown Barracks every 15 minutes between 8 am and 11:30 am. 

Or, you can cycle approximately seven minutes from the main settlement.

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. 

Schedule: You are welcome to join the free Oliver Hill Gun and Tunnels tour from 9 am to 11:30 am.

Getting there: Exclusively for Friday 25 April, you can ride on a complimentary train to Oliver Hill. Services will depart from the train station in the main settlement 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: 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 onwards and a ticket will be required after this time.

Wadjemup Museum

The 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. 

Schedule: Open 8 am to 3:30 pm.

Getting there: 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, registration not required.

Program subject to change.

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

• Rottnest Express
• SeaLink Rottnest
• Rottnest Fast Ferries

Thursday 24 April 2025

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.

Current and ex-service personnel can also take advantage of free, same-day-return ferry travel to attend dusk service.

To book, please call Rottnest Express directly on 1300 467 688 then present your Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) Identity Card at the Rottnest Express booth prior to departure to collect your tickets.

Friday 25 April 2025 (ANZAC Day)

Early morning ferry services will be available. Refer to the below and individual ferry websites for details. 

Rottnest Express

Departs 5 am from B Shed (Fremantle)

Current and ex-service personnel can take advantage of free, same-day-return ferry travel. To book these tickets, call Rottnest Express directly on 1300 467 688, then present your Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) Identity Card at the Rottnest Express booth prior to departure to collect your tickets.

SeaLink Rottnest

Departs 5 am from O’Connor Landing (Fremantle)

Current and ex-service personnel can take advantage of free, same-day-return ferry travel. To book these tickets, call SeaLink Rottnest directly on 1300 786 552, then present your Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) Identity Card at the SeaLink Rottnest booth prior to departure to collect your tickets.

Rottnest Fast Ferries

Departs 7:30 am from Hillarys

Current and ex-service personnel travel free. To book these tickets, call Rottnest Fast Ferries directly on (+61 8) 9246 1039, then present your Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) Identity Card prior to departure to collect your tickets.