 The AIF departed Australia in November 1914 and , after several delays due to the presence of German naval vessels in the Indian Ocean , arrived in Egypt , where they were initially used to defend the Suez Canal . In early 1915 , however , it was decided to carry out an amphibious landing on the Gallipoli peninsula with the goal of opening up a second front and securing the passage of the Dardanelles . The Australians and New Zealanders , grouped together as the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps ( ANZAC ) , went ashore on 25 April 1915 and for the next eight months the Anzacs , alongside their British , French and other allies , fought a costly and ultimately unsuccessful campaign against the Turks . 
