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Emerald event

ANZAC Day March & Service

ANZAC Day March & Service is one of Emerald’s signature events, drawing visitors from across the Central Highlands and beyond. ANZAC Day is Australia’s most important military commemoration. The Emerald RSL organises a dawn service, march, and memorial service each 25 April.

About ANZAC Day March & Service

The ANZAC Day program begins with a dawn service at the Cenotaph — a solemn, moving ceremony attended by veterans, serving members, and community. The main march follows later in the morning, with veterans, emergency services, school groups, and community organisations parading through the town centre. A formal service at the RSL follows, with speeches, wreath laying, and the Last Post.

After the formal proceedings, the RSL opens for the traditional two-up games and social gathering. This is a genuine community moment — one of the few days when the entire town comes together regardless of background.

Organised by the Emerald RSL Sub-Branch, this event has become a fixture on the Central Highlands calendar. The event typically attracts 500–1,000 attendees visitors.

When & Where

When: 25 April every year. Dawn service typically 5:30am, march and main service from 9:00am. Where: Emerald RSL and Cenotaph, Emerald QLD Expected attendance: 500–1,000 attendees

Why Attend

If you’re in Emerald on 25 April, attending the dawn service is a powerful experience. Regional ANZAC Day services have an intimacy that large city ceremonies often lack — you’re standing alongside families whose members served, in a community where military service and sacrifice are part of living memory. It’s respectful, moving, and deeply Australian.

Getting There

Emerald is accessible via the Capricorn Highway from both Brisbane (9 hours) and Rockhampton (3 hours). Emerald Airport has daily flights from Brisbane via QantasLink and Alliance Airlines.

Where to Stay

Emerald Inn offers self-contained apartments with full kitchens, free undercover parking, and fast WiFi — about ten minutes from Emerald Airport and walking distance to the CBD. Our apartments are the perfect base for event visitors: cook your own meals, do your laundry, and settle in comfortably. Book direct for the best available rate.

Tip: Book early for major events — accommodation in Emerald fills quickly during Ag-Grow, race days, and school holiday periods.

Extend Your Stay

Many visitors combine their event trip with exploration of the Central Highlands region:

Plan Your Visit