2015 Gallipoli Ballot - 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landings

[smdoherty]

Received the email too, looking at tour options and flights now.
Not sure what to book, look forward to seeing what others who were also successful are planning on doing.

 

[Gogo65]

I was also successful!! As was my husband, so we have two double passes
We plan on going to Europe early, hitting Lapland and the northern lights, then spend two weeks somewhere before heading to turkey. Looking at tours also.
i did read that you had to part of an organised tour, so not sure if that is still the go or not, I suppose we just need to wait until the official paperwork comes.
i think we will do either an 'on the go' tour or maybe a combined Greece Turkey tour through guidepost tours, we need to be leaving pretty much straight after Anzac Day so looking at tours that end 26/27th.

this has been a dream of mine for over 10years, so very excited we were successful!

 

[amaroo]

I was also successful!! As was my husband, so we have two double passes

Well done on getting the lucky dip! I also submitted two in the hope the kids could come with us. Alas, this is the email that arrived overnight for the cheese & kisses



On behalf of the Australian Government and the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, thank you for applying for attendance passes in the Australian Gallipoli 2015 Ballot.

More than 42,500 applications were received from Australians alone for 8,000 places. Regrettably, the ballot process did not randomly select your application. It is understandable that you will be disappointed by this news.

You have been included on the wait list as you requested this in your application.

Details about the wait list are available on the Gallipoli 2015 websitewww.gallipoli2015.dva.gov.au.

In the coming weeks, you will also receive a letter by post from the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, containing this advice, as well as further information about other commemorative events throughout the Anzac Centenary period 2014-2018.


If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Yours sincerely
The Gallipoli 2015 Ballot Team

plan on going to Europe early, hitting Lapland and the northern lights, then spend two weeks somewhere before heading to turkey. Looking at tours also.
i did read that you had to part of an organised tour, so not sure if that is still the go or not, I suppose we just need to wait until the official paperwork comes.
i think we will do either an 'on the go' tour or maybe a combined Greece Turkey tour through guidepost tours, we need to be leaving pretty much straight after Anzac Day so looking at tours that end 26/27th.

this has been a dream of mine for over 10years, so very excited we were successful!

I never told the wife I applied for the ballot. Told her last night that we were successful......half thinking she'd wouldn't give a toss. However, she's as keen as mustard!

Shouldn't be surprised - 5th generation Australian with a family history that includes action all over the place including both WW and a "Fall of Singapore" POW Grandfather.

Have just started looking at options. Given the PITA logistics attending the service - I'm thinking a cruise might be the best option.

 

[Pushka]

Notified today I missed out on the random ballot. Shame. Father and Grandfather serving in Korean War and WW1 meant nothing.

 

[Gogo65]

Notified today I missed out on the random ballot. Shame. Father and Grandfather serving in Korean War and WW1 meant nothing.

I know it sucks but I think so many Aussies have relatives that fought in the war, that just couldn't be a deciding factor. My grandfather fought at Gallipoli and Villers Bretonneux, we are fortunate to be touring Villers Bretonneux in May this year and then Gallipoli next year.

Heres hoping you get lucky in the second chance draw!

 

[Gogo65]

Have just started looking at options. Given the PITA logistics attending the service - I'm thinking a cruise might be the best option.

We have just been a travel expo in Sydney and spoke to a couple of people about options, we looked at the cruise leaving Athens on one of the Azmara ships (sold by fairy chimneys) but at $8000pp for 10nights, we aren't that keen. We are however looking at a private tour with the same company that will end up in Gallipoli on the 24th. We also spoke with Turkey tourism board and got some information from them.
One other option is intrepid will be doing a two day transfer from Istanbul, it is literally a coach that leaves from Istanbul on the 24th at 11am, arrives in Gallipoli around 5pm, sleep outdoors that night, then back the next afternoon arriving back in Istanbul on the 25/4 in the evening. They are charging $249pp for this option, which could be a good one, if you literally just want to get down there.

 

[Fifa]

I'm on the wait list too .
Hopefully some people who were lucky haven't factored in the cost of getting to Gallipoli...

 

[Pushka]

The cost of cruises into Turkey at that time is huge. Friends are paying around $30k and they've never cruised before.

 

[Gogo65]

The cost of cruises into Turkey at that time is huge. Friends are paying around $30k and they've never cruised before.

:shock: Yeah that ain't gonna happen here!!

 

[Atleastonce]

Looking at all options. 2015 your packages are triple the cost of 2014 packages. Supply and demand at its best.

 

[Gogo65]

Looking at all options. 2015 your packages are triple the cost of 2014 packages. Supply and demand at its best.

I don't think it's to bad, one tour we looked at was $2699 this year and $3299 for 2015. I expect to pay a premium. Cruises however are a different league, although it seems people on the cruises are taking that option as a back up for not getting the ballot.
we are waiting on the quote for a private tour will be interesting to see what it comes in at.

 

[amaroo]

The cruises don't look that bad price wise - the number of days they want to hook you for is another issue.

 

[amaroo]

Stage 1 complete. Outbound flight booked (F/ MASA ) gets us to London. Intention was to pull up in Dubai but after reviewing the point/cost the impulse to keep flying was strong!

Been looking at cruises however, being virgin cruises we're gun-shy of committing for 10+ days.

It looks like this is one of those places/events where an organised tour is essential/logical. Anyone, have an experience or recommendation that conflicts with this?

The gun barrel tours that get you there on the 24th and out on the 25th don't look appealing. Have been recommended a tour that is 9 nights all up, 5 of them in Gallipoli. Seems like a long time....but I suppose this way you end up seeing more than just queues of beanies and sleeping bags.

Have never been before and don't plan on gong back so I figure we better do it justice.

Gogo65 or anyone else have a contact for a private tour option? Sounds preferable to an organised Big Red Bus affair

 

[medhead]

Personally, I'm planning to go to Beersheba on 31st October 2017 for the 100th anniversary of the charge of the 4th light horse brigade. My great grandfather fought both in Gallipoli and Palestine, and he always wished that people would forget about the former.

My great grandfather was also at Gallipoli and in Palestine. Mum and I were both in the ballot and it would have been good to get the ticket. But I'm probably more interested in Palestine, as well, especially as I served in the same unit so it is part of my unit history as well. I also think Gallipoli would be more poignant to experience the dawn without the crowds.

 

[phily]

Congratulations to those who were successful in the lottery for tickets to Anzac Day 2015.

I was at Gallipoli for a brief visit 3 years ago, and I found it to be an incredibly moving experience. Near Anzac Cove you'll find a wall with the following statement by the Turkish President Attaturk written in 1934: "Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives... You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side now here in this country of ours... you, the mothers, who sent their sons from faraway countries wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well." What an incredibly generous statement for him to make, given that we were the invaders of Turkey and killed so many of their men.

Gallipoli is a collection of cemeteries and memorials, all kept in excellent condition. To visit it away from the time of annual commemoration events is something very special, for it is a very quiet place for reflection. Unfortunately, people who visit there in April don't experience that peacefulness, but then you have other good reasons for being there.

Gallipoli is not set up for large numbers of visitors. The roads are narrow, and there is little car parking available. Toilet facilities are minimal and basic. There are very few accommodation facilities in the area, and it is a 6-7 hour car trip from Istanbul.

If you're going to Gallipoli, be sure to do a guided tour of Turkey, for it is a fascinating country. My wife and I spent a week in Istanbul, and enjoyed it immensely. We then did a 2-week guided tour of the western half of Turkey, and we learnt so much about the history and the culture. Along with Rome and Greece, Turkey is one of the birthplaces of modern civilisation. Given that the language is a horror for most of us you need a guide outside of Istanbul, and all licenced guides in Turkey must have a university degree and demonstrate their competence. Turkish people are very friendly to tourists, and they especially love Australians given that so many of their families have migrated here.

 

[turtlemichael]

Excellent advice Philly. I visited a few years ago and it was a very moving experience. While its historical significance in the course of WW1 may not be that great, its spiritual significance to many Australians and Kiwis is unquestionable. I'd encourage everyone to go but preferably at a time away from April 25th. If nothing else the stark beauty of the Peninsula is awesome.

 

[Katie]

We went in 2005 for the 90th (BLM days - Before Little Miss). Some of the details are in this old post: http://www.australianfrequentflyer..../anzac-day-at-gallipoli-42934.html#post676188

We did one of the cheap tours from Istanbul that went down on the 24th & came back to Istanbul after the services on Anzac day. If we went again, we'd probably try to stay at Cannakale and get transport from there to Gallipoli if possible.

 

[turtlemichael]

If we went again, we'd probably try to stay at Cannakale and get transport from there to Gallipoli if possible.

That is what we did. It is relatively straight forward and quite civilised.

 

[amaroo]

We went in 2005 for the 90th (BLM days - Before Little Miss). Some of the details are in this old post: http://www.australianfrequentflyer..../anzac-day-at-gallipoli-42934.html#post676188

We did one of the cheap tours from Istanbul that went down on the 24th & came back to Istanbul after the services on Anzac day. If we went again, we'd probably try to stay at Cannakale and get transport from there to Gallipoli if possible.

Thanks for the link - starting to see the merit for staying local a few days.

Must admit. I'm not one for overcrowded gatherings, queues, standing whilst sleeping, poor sanitation, freezing outdoor activities, etc, etc, etc.

If we didn't get the nod for this gig - I'd probably never go. Turkey was never on our must do list so it's kinda cool that all of a sudden we're going to Turkey!

 

[turtlemichael]

If anyone is in to ancient history and wants to make a trip of it, Troy is very nearby (near to Cannekale that is) and the wonderful Ancient Greek ruins at Pergamon and Ephesus are not far away.