Remembrance and rosemary: school holiday craft activity

‘There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance.’ (Hamlet, William Shakespeare) 

Collect and decorate your free pot of authentic Gallipoli rosemary at Anzac Square Memorial Galleries these school holidays, daily at 10am from 7–17 April (closed Saturdays).

Suitable for all ages, this 30-minute family-friendly activity is facilitated by our knowledgeable team as we explore the special connection between rosemary and Anzac Day.

Australians wear sprigs of rosemary on Anzac Day as a symbol of remembrance. The tradition comes from the wild rosemary growing on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Türkiye — the site of Australia’s first major engagement in the First World War. It is said that a wounded digger brought a rosemary bush home from ANZAC Cove, and cuttings from it were later propagated across the country. Today, rosemary grows at Anzac Square and at war memorials nationwide.

Participants will receive a free Gallipoli rosemary plant in a plastic tube, along with craft supplies to decorate their pot in memory of someone they are honouring this Anzac Day. Whether customised for a veteran, a military unit or current defence personnel, it’s a meaningful way to honour those who have served our nation and a gentle introduction to our Anzac Day traditions for children.

Take your rosemary home to continue growing, with care instructions provided.

Plants are limited and bookings are essential.