Anzac Day 2025: Burial at sea marks sombre reminder of Diggers’ sacrifice

The ashes of veterans who’ve recently died have been given a ceremonial burial at sea during one of Australia’s most poignant Anzac Day dawn services.

Illuminated in poppy red and with flags at half mast, Elephant Rock on Queensland’s Gold Coast was the location for a solemn acknowledgement of the men and women who have served, and continue to serve, in conflict.

Several thousand people attended the service near the NSW border on Friday to mark the 110th anniversary of Australian and New Zealand forces making their landing at Gallipoli in Turkey.

The service was opened by Peter Thorpe from the Currumbin Palm Beach RSL sub-branch.

But the 2025 instalment was not without its own challenges.

Damage caused by ex-tropical cyclone Alfred, which smashed parts of southeast Queensland in March, left those paying their respects standing on the edge of dunes.

Choppy waters fuelled by rain overnight lapped the car park near to where Friday’s service was taking place.

Inflatable rescue boats were on hand during the burial at sea, a tribute during which the ashes of recently passed service men and women are laid to rest.

A roll call of veterans who have died echoed around the beach as the boats moved into strong waves off the shore.

Oars were raised as one into the air to pay respects to the fallen.

Children from the local surf lifesaving club stood with a choir as the Australian and New Zealand national anthems culminated the service.

Further services across the length and breadth of Queensland will continue on Friday.

The roar of an EA-18G Growler could be heard through torrential rain in Brisbane city early in the morning, one of many flyovers scheduled across the state.

A parade through Brisbane’s city streets will begin with an address from the state’s governor, Jeannette Young.