Accessible ANZAC Day Memorials on the Gold Coast: Honouring with Inclusion.

Events

21 Apr

A field of vibrant red poppies with a wire fence in the foreground.

ANZAC Day is a time of reflection, remembrance, and community. For many Australians, attending a memorial or dawn service is a deeply meaningful tradition. On the Gold Coast, several memorials offer not only powerful spaces to honour those who served, but also environments that are accessible and welcoming for people with disabilities.

This guide highlights disability-friendly ANZAC memorial locations across the Gold Coast, along with practical tips to help ensure an inclusive and respectful experience for all.

What happens on Anzac Day?

Some of us have only heard of the Dawn Service, but did you know there’s a lot more to Anzac Day reflection?

For those who don’t know what the Dawn Service is about, let me explain.
At dawn, (when the sun rises) on April 25th 1915, Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) troops landed in Gallipoli. The dawn service is a powerful ceremony to replicate the moment soldiers were ordered to ‘Stand-To-Arms’ (be alert and ready) for potential battle. The dawn service is a ceremony featuring the laying of wreaths, sounding of the Last Post and observance of a minute’s silence.

There’s sometimes a march or parade of past and present service people where you can honour their service in person. These usually start in a significant spot and end somewhere near an RSL or meeting space.

Gunfire breakfasts are also held around the city. Soldiers would sometimes have their morning coffee or tea, with a dash of rum in before heading into battle. It’s said that the ‘Gunfire Breakfast’ gave them courage.

Why Accessibility Matters on ANZAC Day

Commemoration should be inclusive. Accessible memorials ensure that people using wheelchairs, mobility aids, or living with sensory or cognitive disabilities can participate fully. Features such as step-free pathways, seating areas, and nearby transport make a significant difference in allowing everyone to gather and reflect together.

Accessible ANZAC Memorials on the Gold Coast

Southport

Anzac Park, located in Southport near the Broadwater, is one of the Gold Coast’s most prominent ANZAC Day gathering places, featuring:

Large open parkland with relatively flat terrain
Nearby parking and drop-off zones
Space for mobility aids and wheelchairs during services
Hosts a well-attended dawn service each year.
Multiple events are happening in Southport this Anzac Day -
- The Dawn Service commencing at 5.00 am at Anzac Park
- The Anzac Day March - There are two parades this year, the first at 04.30 am, 100 metres south of Nerang Street, and the second parade will assemble at 8.00 am on the Veterans Lawn - next to the car park of the aquatic centre.
- ‘Gunfire’ Breakfast from 6.00 am - 8.00 am at the Southport Bowls Club.
- Anzac Day Main Service From 9.00 am - 9.50 am Hosted by the Southport RSL, includes the laying of wreaths, playing the Last Post and the observance of a minute’s silence.

Things to consider:
Arrive early for accessible parking and positioning, as crowds can be large.

Surfers Paradise & The Esplanade

Situated along the beachfront, this memorial offers a reflective setting with ocean views, featuring:

Located along a paved esplanade suitable for wheelchairs
Close to accessible public transport (G tram nearby)
Open space allows flexible positioning for attendees
A few events happening in Surfers Paradise this Anzac Day -
- The Anzac Day March commences at 4.45 am. Starting outside Subway on Beach Road.
- Dawn service along the Esplanade from 5.30am near the Anzac Memorial
- Gunfire Breakfast from 6:30 am to 8.00 am at Diggers and Sports Club on Beach Road.
- Service at the ANZAC Memorial on The Esplanade begins at 5.30 am

Things to consider:
The memorial sits on a stepped base, so viewing may be from surrounding flat areas rather than directly at the structure.

Gold Coast Regional Botanical Gardens Memorial

While there are no formal ceremonies at the botanical gardens, it does provide a calming and contemplative atmosphere, to pay tribute in your own way and your own time, featuring:

Garden pathways suitable for wheelchairs and walkers
Quieter environment, ideal for those needing low sensory stimulation
Seating areas throughout the gardens

Things to consider:
There are picnic tables, but sometimes these areas can get a little busy. We recommend bringing a picnic blanket or camping chair if needed to take a comfortable seat.

Burleigh Heads

Picturesque Burleigh Heads, with its world-class beach, has its own memorial park, located on the corner of Gold Coast Highway and Connor Street. Burleigh Heads offers ample disability permit parking along with good concrete pathways for easy navigation.

Dawn service at the Cenotaph in Memorial Park from 5.30am
Gunfire Breakfast at the Burleigh Bowls Club on Connor Street from 6.30am-7.30am
Anzac Day Veterans March will commence from 9.40m-10.00am at Memorial Park
Main Service will be held at Memorial Park from 10.00am - 11.00am.

Currumbin & Palm Beach

Beautiful Currumbin & Palm beach will be hosting a Dawn Service & A day march. Please be aware this is a popular service and there is a bit of walking involved.

Currumbin RSL will be hosting the Dawn Service from 4.40am-6.00am from Elephant Rock, Currumbin beach. This march is usually televised on channel 9 nationwide. The Dawn March commences at 4.40am with the Dawn Service commencing at 5.00am.
Because this service is quite popular, there is a park and ride service available from Currumbin RSL and The Pines Shopping Centre continuously from 3.00am - 4.45am, dropping you at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. From there it is a short trip along concrete pathways and bitumen roads, to Elephant Rock on the beach.
After the service at Elephant Rock, park & ride services are available until 7am back to The Pines or Currumbin RSL.
Currumbin RSL will also be hosting a day service at 10.30am at the clubs cenotaph on the patio of the RSL.

Tips for Attending ANZAC Day Services

Arrive early: Accessible parking and seating areas fill quickly, especially for dawn services.
Check transport options: The Gold Coast light rail (G:Link) and buses often provide accessible routes to major locations.
Bring support if needed: Some areas may have uneven terrain or large crowds.
Look for designated viewing areas: Larger services often provide spaces for people with disabilities or mobility needs.
Contact local organisers: RSL clubs and councils can provide specific accessibility details for each event.

Creating Inclusive Commemoration

The spirit of ANZAC Day is rooted in unity and respect. Ensuring accessibility at memorials allows more people to participate in this shared moment of remembrance. Whether attending a large dawn service or visiting a quieter memorial, the Gold Coast offers inclusive options for honouring those who served.

Lest we forget.