80 years together.

The Australian National University (ANU) turns 80 this year, and we're inviting Canberra to join the celebration. Experience our beautiful campus and discover the rich stories of the ANU community.

This community celebration brings the Kambri precinct to life with interactive workshops, exhibitions, presentations, music, face painting and real scientific projects, alongside works from ANU student artists and musicians. There'll be food trucks and fun activities for all ages, so bring the family, wander campus and meet the people and ideas that have shaped the nation. Come celebrate 80 years together. Everyone is welcome.

Community Day runs from 10am-4pm on Saturday 15 August at the Kambri Precinct, ANU Acton campus, Canberra. See the full site map.

Yes, Community Day is free and open to the public. However, attendees who register automatically go in the draw to win a stay at University House at ANU. Terms and Conditions apply.

Register now

ANU Community Day will have a host of exciting activities and sessions on offer for all ages. The Curiosity Unleashed section includes live science shows, games and puzzles, interactive exhibits, animals up close, face painting and more. The Discovery Zone features ANU research and artists sharing ideas and presenting talks. Enjoy immersive experiences and watch ideas cross from one discipline into another. Meet our best and brightest at The Visionaries Amongst Us. There's also plenty happening across the precinct. Choose from a range of food options, catch live music from ANU students and staff, or try a Bollywood-inspired workout or Chinese calligraphy class. You can also see more of campus by shuttle bus or on foot, with guided experiences including a tour of the newly restored University House led by its Master, Professor Peter Kanowski. See the full program for details and session times.

Yes. Community Day is designed for all ages, with dedicated family-friendly activities running throughout the day. There is pram access around the Kambri Precinct, with nearby baby change facilities available at Chifley Library.

Public transport: Complementary buses 'Molly' and 'Nugget' will run circuits around campus, stopping at key Community Day locations. The route will also include a city stop on Rimmer Street, providing connections to local bus services.

Driving and parking: Parking is available across the ANU Acton campus. The underground Kambri car park, at the corner of Kingsley Street and Tangney Road, offers three hours of free parking on weekends. Fees apply after three hours. For more details visit the ANU Kambri parking website.

Accessible parking is available in the Kambri car park and other signposted locations across campus. Parking is free for holders of a valid Australian mobility parking permit.

Road closures: North Road and the Chemistry Building carpark will be closed on the day.

Cycling: Bike racks are available along University Avenue, Joplin Lane and Tangney Road.

Yes. Free Wi-Fi is available across the event area via ANU-Secure.

1. Go to your device's network settings
2. Select ANU-Secure and follow the prompts
3. Enter credentials:
   • - Username: ANUCommunityDay
   • - Password: 80yearstogether

Yes. ANU Apartments has reserved a limited number of apartments for guests attending the ANU 80th Anniversary celebrations, including 10 one-bedroom and five two-bedroom apartments. These are available from Friday 14 to Monday 17 August 2026, with a minimum stay of two nights. Extensions may be available on request.

Rates are $132 per night for a one-bedroom apartment and $184.80 per night for a two-bedroom apartment, including GST. Each apartment is fully furnished and self-contained, with key event venues within easy walking distance.

Guests can book through the ANU Apartments website or contact reservations.uas@anu.edu.au for assistance or group bookings. Full payment is required when booking and availability is limited.

Food trucks will be on-site throughout Community Day in the Kambri Precinct and on Joplin Lane. Or bring your own picnic and grab a spot on the lawn.

Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), a water bottle (free water refill stations available inside the Marie Reay Teaching Centre) and cash or card for stalls and food vendors.

Most activities are under cover. Some outdoor elements may be relocated or adjusted. Updates will be posted on this page and on the ANU Community Day Facebook event page on the day.

Yes. Kambri Precinct has level access throughout, with lifts in each building and accessible, gender-neutral toilets available across the precinct. Accessible parking is available in the underground Kambri car park at the corner of Kingsley Street and Tangney Road. The Kambri Lawn and Amphitheatre can also be accessed by ramps.

University House is also accessible and all buses operating as part of the event are wheelchair friendly.

Visit the Kambri Accessibility Guide for more information or to discuss specific accessibility needs before the event.

Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in outdoor areas. Please note that dogs may not be permitted inside buildings, with the exception of assistance animals.

Accessible and gender-neutral toilets are available in buildings across Kambri Precinct. A First Aid Room is located on the ground floor of the Lowitja O'Donoghue Cultural Centre. Toilets and additional first aid points are marked on the Community Day site map and will be signposted on the day.

For assistance during the event, please visit either one of the two Information Points located on University Avenue, in the Kambri Precinct. Staff will be available to help with any enquiries, including help with locating a lost child and lost property.

Alternatively, the University's dedicated security team, Unisafe will be contactable on 02 6125 2249.

Yes. ANU will be photographing and filming Community Day for use in University publications, social media and promotional material. By attending, you may appear in this content. If you have concerns, please speak to a staff member on the day. Learn more: ANU privacy policy

For assistance during the event, please visit either one of the two Information Points located on University Avenue near the Kambri Precinct. Staff will be available to help with any enquiries.