800 digger descendants to visit Gallipoli

Just over 800 Australians who are direct descendants of WWI diggers are set to travel to Gallipoli for Anzac Day centenary commemorations.

The official ballot to attend the event has now been finalised, with 8120 Australians accepting a spot after 42,658 applied.

Winners of the ballot must obtain a Turkish entry visa before leaving home.

Veterans Affairs Minister Michael Ronaldson urged those who missed out to consider travelling to Turkey for the August 6 Battle of Lone Pine centenary commemoration service.

ANZAC DAY GALLIPOLI AUSTRALIAN ATTENDEES

* Direct descendants: 845

* Veterans: 521

* General public: 2603

* NSW: 2588

* Qld: 1727

* Vic: 1461

* WA: 785

* SA: 356

* Tas: 145

* ACT: 295

* NT: 121

* Australian expats: 246

(Source: Veterans Affairs Minister Michael Ronaldson statement)