Australia Day (26 January) is the day to reflect on what it means to be Australian, to celebrate contemporary Australia and to acknowledge our history.
It is commemorated on this day each year with a 21-gun salute fired from the Shrine's Lower Forecourt by the Royal Australian Artillery.
The tradition of the Gun Salute originated in the early 14th Century, firstly as a ceremonial method of creating noise to honour a guest and secondly for the practical purpose of confirming the guns were empty. Salutes were considered a gesture of friendship and trust, and are always fired with an odd number of rounds as this was considered lucky.
Note: The Salute is very loud and it is recommended that visitors with small children or pets maintain an appropriate distance from the guns.
Reviewed 01 March 2023