Australia is in the midst of commemorating the Anzac Centenary, which means it's been 100 years since our country became involved in the First World War. The centenary runs from 2014 through to 2018, marking an incredibly significant milestone for everyone throughout Australia.

What is the Anzac Centenary?

The four year centenary serves to remember original ANZAC soldiers who served on the Western Front and at Gallipoli. It also commemorates service undertaken by our men and women since WWI, an event that helped to define Australia as a nation and as a people. The range of events throughout the centenary is set to give Australians everywhere the chance to honour those 102,000 men and women who have died for our country, along with all those who have donned Australia's uniform to serve the nation since.

Canberra's role in the centenary

As the nation's capital, Canberra is playing a significant part in celebrating the centenary. The city's Australian War Memorial will be the site of many of the events throughout the duration of 2015, including the National ANZAC Day Ceremony. This is set to be held on 25 April and will feature a march by Australian war and peacekeeping veterans, along with a wreath​ laying. There will also be a Commemorate Address delivered by Sir Peter Cosgrove, hymns, a minute's silence and the sounding of the Last Post.

There will be a Dawn Service held in Canberra, providing a reminder of Gallipoli's dawn landing in 1915. This is also located at the Memorial and will run from 4:30am through to 6am on ANZAC Day, after which time the Memorial's Commemorative Area will be open. Be at the service early to hear excerpts from letters and diaries written by Australians experiencing war.

The Last Post Ceremony will be operating each day during the Centenary, as it always does at the Memorial. It takes place at 4:55pm at the Memorial, featuring the Australian National Anthem, a piper playing a Lament, and a wreath and flower tribute laying next to the Pool of Reflection. You can also hear a story of one of 102,000 Australians who lost their lives during war and other duties in the past century, finishing up with the sounding of the Last Post

In November, Canberra is also hosting Remembrance Day. This will take place at the Australian War Memorial and will mark the 97th anniversary of the Armistice that ended the First World War. Take in the formal wreath​ laying and pay your respects to the nation's service men and women. There will also be a Commemorative Address, Last Post and minute's silence, alongside more readings.

Stay nearby

Mantra on Northbourne is just a five minute drive away from the Australian War Memorial, making it ideally located for all the ANZAC commemorations. The property has a licensed bar and restaurant where you can relax over a delicious meal and a tipple or two after a day of commemorations, plus a gymnasium to help you keep up your fitness levels while you're on the road.

Peppers Gallery Hotel is another excellent Canberra accommodation option, with contemporary art installations, top-of-the-line televisions, marble finishes and an on-site restaurant. Indulge in a relaxing rain shower or sit in the Library Bar and sip on a cocktail or two. Best of all, it's just a seven minute drive from the Australian War Memorial, putting you within a stone's throw of all the action.

BreakFree Capital Tower offers self-contained, spacious apartments and penthouses, with city and lake views, surrounded by landscaped parkland. There are so many great facilities to keep you busy. Dive into the pool, soak in the sauna, enjoy a game of tennis, or work out in the gym.