Australian visitors to Gallipoli will benefit from two initiatives launched today by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, at the Australian War Memorial. A new walking guide to the peninsula, The Anzac Walk – Gallipoli in a day, has been produced in time for Anzac Day and a new visitor registration service is being trialled this year to help travellers attending Anzac Day services at Gallipoli.

“Gallipoli marks a defining moment in our nation’s history,” Mr Griffin said. “To be at Gallipoli, on Anzac Day or at any time, is opportunity to get a glimpse into that moment, especially as we near the 95th anniversary of the landing. Many Australians visit Gallipoli each year to pay tribute to the soldiers who forged the Anzac legend and the Australian Government is pleased to offer resources to ensure they get the most of out of their visit. We would like them to come prepared,” he said.

“In the past we have seen some Australian travellers arrive at Gallipoli wearing just thongs on their feet and a light jumper to keep warm. The weather at Gallipoli can be extreme – below zero and often windy overnight, hot during the day and there is always a chance of rain. I encourage travellers planning to attend Anzac Day services at Gallipoli to register and receive important updates in the lead-up to Anzac Day, helpful information on what to bring with them and what to expect at Gallipoli."

Registration is via the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website, www.dva.gov.au/anzac Mr Griffin said Australians travelling to Gallipoli at any time of the year should pack or download a copy of The Anzac Walk – Gallipoli in a day.

“Starting at North Beach the guide takes you on foot to key sites including Anzac Cove, Lone Pine, the Nek, Johnston’s Jolly and Shrapnel Valley,” said Mr Griffin. “The guide gives first-hand accounts of what it was like for an Australian soldier at that particular stop on the Gallipoli battlefield. To understand our history, particularly those dark parts where pain and loss prevailed, is to understand the incredible resilience of our Anzacs.”

Mr Griffin also launched the 2010 Anzac Day poster today, featuring images of the Anzacs arriving at Gallipoli in 1915 and of Anzac Cove today.

“This year marks 95 years since the Anzac legend was forged on the shores of the Gallipoli peninsula. To help commemorate this anniversary my Department has produced an Anzac Day commemorative poster focused on Gallipoli and the legacy of the Anzacs. These will be mailed nationally to schools, ex-service and community organisations in the coming weeks,” he said.

* Copies of The Anzac Walk are available from the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, and Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne. Audio and text excerpts of the guide, in English and Turkish, can be downloaded from www.anzacsite.gov.au