Road closures will be in place across the Darwin CBD this ANZAC Day, Saturday 25 April, to accommodate the 2026 ANZAC Day Parade, organised by the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) and sponsored by City of Darwin. 

The parade has an updated route and will commence at 9:00am from McMinn Street, travel along Knuckey Street, and conclude at Bicentennial Park on the Esplanade.  

To ensure the safety of participants and spectators, The Esplanade between Knuckey Street and Herbert Street will be closed from 3:30 am to 7:00 am. Knuckey Street and the adjoining roads will be partially closed to traffic from 7:00 am to 11:00 am, with traffic management in place. 

The community is advised to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes while closures are in effect. Parking will be limited in and around the parade route; however, parking facilities in the City Centre will remain accessible.  

Lord Mayor Peter Styles said ANZAC Day holds deep meaning for the Darwin community. 

“ANZAC Day is a time for reflection, remembrance and respect, recognising the service and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women, past and present,” the Lord Mayor said. 

“In Darwin, this day carries added significance given our city’s strong military history. It is a reminder of the impact that World War had on our community and the enduring service of those who have defended our nation since.” 

“The Dawn Service and parade are great opportunities for the community to come together in commemoration, to pause, reflect, and honour those who make the ultimate sacrifice and those who served and continue to serve,” he said. 

While these temporary closures and parking impacts may cause some disruption, they are necessary to support a safe and respectful event, he said.  

ANZAC Day 2026, Saturday 25 April, road closures: 

From 3:30am to 7:00 am for the Dawn Service: 

• The Esplanade (Between Knuckey Street and Herbert Street) 

From 7:00 am to 11:00 am: 

• Knuckey Street 

Partial closure of adjoining streets off Knuckey Street - please refer to the map: 

• Mitchell Street 

• Smith Street 

• Cavenagh Street 

• Woods Street 

• McMinn Street 

Roads will reopen progressively as the parade passes and equipment is cleared.  

Darwin City Centre parking options

• West Lane Carpark  

• Dragonfly Carpark 

• Nichols Place Carpark 

• State Square Carpark 

• Fort Hill (Darwin Waterfront)

• On-street parking is available outside of the road closures. 

For full details, including the ANZAC Day events and specific road closures, visit ANZAC Day | City of Darwin | Darwin Council, Northern Territory. 

The ANZAC Day commemoration is organised by RSL, if you have any questions, please contact Darwin RSL Sub-Branch on 8941 5848 or email sec@rsldarwin.org.au