Lone Pine sits on the high ground of the Second Ridge and is, for many Australians, the most important single site at Gallipoli. The Lone Pine Memorial commemorates thousands of Australian and New Zealand servicemen who died in the sector and have no known grave.
The name comes from a solitary pine that stood on the ridge before the fighting stripped the area bare. A descendant pine grows there today, and the cemetery's white headstones spread out beneath it.
The Battle of Lone Pine
In early August 1915 Australian troops launched an assault on the heavily fortified Turkish trenches here as part of a wider offensive. The fighting was savage and often hand-to-hand in covered trenches, and seven Victoria Crosses were awarded for actions over a few days.
Casualties on both sides were extremely heavy for such a small piece of ground, and Lone Pine became a byword for the ferocity of the campaign.
Visiting Lone Pine today
The cemetery and memorial are beautifully kept and offer wide views across the peninsula. The Lone Pine Memorial carries the names of the missing, and the Australian national service on ANZAC Day is held here, following the Dawn Service at the cove.
Most guided tours spend time here so visitors can find specific names and reflect at one of the most moving stops on the battlefield.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to see it for yourself?
Browse Gallipoli Tours