Australian War Memorial

A monumental museum and memorial dedicated to Australia's military history and servicemen and women across all conflicts. Features extensive collections, moving exhibitions, and the iconic Hall of Memory.

Things to do

• Explore the Hall of Memory — Stand beneath the soaring dome and honour the names of over 102,000 Australians who died in service, the emotional centrepiece of the memorial.
• Tour the Exhibition Galleries — Walk through chronologically arranged exhibitions covering Australian military involvement from the Boer War through modern operations with personal stories and artifacts.
• Visit the Anzac Hall — Experience interactive displays and restored military aircraft suspended above, including a Spitfire and F/A-18 Super Hornet.
• Pay respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier — View the sacred tomb beneath the Hall of Memory containing remains of an unidentified soldier from World War I.
• Attend a Commemorative Service — Participate in daily services or special Anzac Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies held within the memorial.
• Explore the War Records — Access the research centre and archives to investigate individual service records and military histories.
• Walk the Memorial Gardens — Stroll through peaceful landscaped grounds with honour walls, reflection pools, and views over Canberra's Lake Burley Griffin.

Food to try

• Anzac Biscuits — Chewy oat-based biscuits traditionally baked for soldiers; find authentic versions at the memorial's café or local Canberra bakeries.
• Lamingtons — Sponge cake coated in chocolate and coconut, an iconic Australian treat available at the memorial café.
• Coffee and Tea Service — High-quality local roasted coffee and specialty teas served in the memorial's café overlooking the gardens.
• Meat Pie — Traditional Australian savoury pie filled with beef and gravy, available at nearby food venues in Canberra's city centre.
• Barramundi — Australia's iconic native fish, grilled or baked and served at fine dining restaurants throughout central Canberra.

Local customs & good to know

• Observe Silence and Respect — Maintain quiet, respectful behaviour throughout the memorial, particularly in the Hall of Memory, as this is a sacred space of remembrance.
• Understand Anzac Significance — Familiarise yourself with Anzac Day (25 April) traditions and the deep cultural meaning of military service in Australian identity before visiting.
• Allow Adequate Time — Plan for at least 2–3 hours to meaningfully experience the exhibitions and reflect, as rushing through diminishes the experience's emotional impact.
• Dress Appropriately — Wear respectful, modest clothing and remove hats indoors as a sign of honour when entering the main halls and ceremonial spaces.

Nearby

• Mount Ainslie — 2 km
• National Gallery of Australia — 2 km
• Canberra — 4 km
• Australian National Botanic Gardens — 5 km