When to go
Anzac Day is always held on April 25, with the Dawn Service starting at first light.
Getting there
Fly into Istanbul — Gallipoli is 350km from there. To access the peninsula for Anzac Day you have to join an official coach tour. There are heaps of companies to choose from, offering everything from a two-day Anzac-only tour to a month-long Turkey trip including Gallipoli on April 25.
Vital info
In the past there has been trouble with drunken and rowdy revellers, so be prepared for bag searches to prevent alcohol being taken into the dawn service zone.
Most people arrive between 10pm and midnight for a vigil until first light, when the Dawn Service starts. There’s a programme of interviews and documentaries broadcast at the overnight vigil, and while it still gets packed with Antipodeans, the atmosphere is more solemn and respectful.
Australian and New Zealand travellers are encouraged to log their details online with their respective governments’ websites. Australians should go to smartraveller.gov.au and New Zealanders should go to kiwisoverseas.govt.nz and those with special needs are encouraged to register with their Department of Veterans Affairs website – Australians at dva.gov.au and New Zealanders at veteransaffairs.mil.nz
For further information on planning your visit see anzacsite.gov.au.
Contacts in Turkey include the Australian Embassy in Ankara (90 312 459 9500) and the Australian Consulate (90 286 218 1721) in Cannakkale.
Cost
Two-day Anzac-only tours start from £99 while four-day tours including extra side trips and activities are around £199. There are plenty of companies to choose from and it pays to do your research, as some include meals, accommodation and extras. Some of companies that offer Anzac tours include Fez Travel, On The Go, Fanatics and Top Deck.
