Every year on April 25th, Australia and New Zealand come together to commemorate the brave soldiers who served and sacrificed their lives in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) during World War I.

ANZAC Day holds profound significance across the nation, with ceremonies held in cities, towns, and villages to pay tribute to those who fought for their countries.

In Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast, these ceremonies carry special resonance, honouring the local heroes who answered the call of duty.

Check out what’s on in the Capricorn Coast region...

Dawn Service

The solemnity of ANZAC Day begins with the Dawn Service, a poignant ritual that symbolizes the darkness from which the soldiers emerged to serve their nations.

In Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast, locals gather before the break of dawn at memorials and cenotaphs, standing in quiet reflection as the first light of day illuminates the sky.

The haunting strains of the bugle playing the Last Post echo through the air, followed by a minute of silence, a time for personal contemplation and remembrance.

As the sun rises, wreaths are laid at the foot of memorials, each poppy representing a life lost in service.

Emu Park Dawn Service

Time: 5.30am

ANZAC Court, Emu Park

Rockhampton Dawn Service

Time: 4.27am

Where: Cenotaph, Rockhampton Botanic Gardens, Rockhampton

Yeppoon Dawn Service

Time: 5.30am

Yeppoon Foreshore, Anzac Parade, Yeppoon

The Caves Dawn Service

Time: 4.15am

Buch Square, The Caves

Gracemere Dawn Service

Time: 4.35am

Gracemere Cenotaph, James Street, Gracemere

Mount Morgan Dawn Service

Time: 5.20am

Anzac Park, Morgan Street, Mount Morgan

Bouldercombe Dawn Service

Time: 4.28am

Leanne Hinchliffe Memorial Lions Park, Burnett Highway

Alton Downs Dawn Service

Time: 4.28am

Alton Downs Hall Cenotaph, Cnr Nicholson and Ridgelands Roads

Marmor Dawn Service

Time: 4.27am

Marmor Memorial Park, Tynan Street

Marlborough Dawn Service

Time: 5.00am

Marlborough Lions Park

Marches

Following the Dawn Service, the ANZAC Day marches commence, offering communities the opportunity to come together and honour veterans, both living and deceased.

In Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast, veterans, their families, and descendants proudly don their uniforms or medals, marching with dignity through the streets lined with onlookers.

The sound of applause mingles with the rhythmic beat of drums, conveying gratitude for the sacrifices made by those who served.

It's a moving spectacle that bridges generations, connecting the past with the present as communities pay homage to their ANZAC heroes.

Yeppoon March

Time: 9.30am

March commences at the Yeppoon Railway Station and concludes at the Cenotaph, Beaman Park

Rockhampton March

Time: 9.57am

March proceeds along Archer Street intersection, turning right into Victoria Parade and marching under Fitzroy Bridge and along Quay Street to William Street.

Gracemere March

Time 4.25am

March assembles at 4.10am at Conaghan Park on Lawrie Street.

Mount Morgan March

Time: 11.00am

March steps-off from School of Arts on Morgan Street and finishes at Anzac Park.

Commemorative Services

Throughout the day, commemorative services are held in local churches, RSL clubs, and community centres, providing additional opportunities for reflection and fellowship.

These services often include readings, prayers, and musical performances, further emphasising the enduring legacy of the ANZAC spirit.

Veterans share their stories, offering glimpses into the courage and camaraderie that defined their wartime experiences. For many attendees, these services serve as a reminder of the values of mateship, sacrifice, and resilience that continue to shape our national identity.

Yeppoon

Time: 9.00am – 10.00am

Beaman Park, James Street, Yeppoon

Rockhampton – Rats of Tobruk Association

Time: 8.00am – 9.00am

Jeffries Park, Rockhampton

Rockhampton – CQ Military Museum

Time: 5.00am – 5.00pm (gunfire breakfast from 5.00am – 10.00am)

Drill Hall, Archer Street, Rockhampton

The Caves

Time: 11.30am – 1.00pm

Buch Square, The Caves

Keppel Sands

Time: 9.00am – 10.00am

Keppel Sands Foreshore, Schofield Park, Keppel Sands

Mt Chalmers

Time: 1.30pm – 2.00pm

Mt Chalmers Community Park

Stanage Bay

Time: 11.00am – 12.00noon

Memorial Garden, Stanage Bay

Westwood

Time: 6.00am

Westwood Hall, Capricorn Highway