ACT Memorial

Museum War memorial commemorating Australian Capital Territory service

A Canberra memorial and interpretive site commemorating service by Australian Capital Territory residents. Visitors use the database, attend commemorations and join remembrance events.

Main image

The ACT Memorial is a territory-level commemorative site in central Canberra dedicated to residents of the Australian Capital Territory who have served in the Australian Defence Force and in peacekeeping operations. It functions as a place of remembrance and public ceremony rather than a large museum or gallery.

The site includes interpretive displays, plaques and sculptural elements that record service and sacrifice by people connected to the territory. It is a focal point for public ceremonies and small-group visits, particularly on national days of remembrance.

The memorial was developed and is maintained by ACT government agencies to provide an accessible civic space for commemoration and education. It is intended for both formal ceremonies and individual reflection, with interpretive text panels explaining the memorial’s purpose.

The memorial sits in Canberra’s central business district close to major civic buildings and transport links, making it easy to visit during a city visit. It is within the urban precinct of Canberra rather than in a remote setting.

  • Key commemorative days: Ceremonies are commonly held on ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day, when community services and wreath-laying events take place.
  • Access: Located within Canberra city centre, the memorial is accessible on foot from the Civic precinct and nearby public transport stops.
ACT Memorial
ACT Memorial, 21 National Circuit, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
-35.2812, 149.1483
Tue-Sun 10am-4pm, closed Mondays (confirm seasonal variations)
Free admission; some programs ticketed (check website)

How to Get to ACT Memorial #

Located in central Canberra, the ACT Memorial is a short walk from City bus routes and taxi ranks and is easily reachable from the Parliamentary Triangle. Street parking and nearby public transport make access straightforward.

Tips for Visiting ACT Memorial #

  • Visit the outdoor memorial and the interactive exhibits in the adjacent center for context on the ACT's role in national service.
  • Check the museum's calendar - the ACT Memorial hosts commemorative events on ANZAC Day (April 25) and other national dates.
  • Allow time to read individual name plaques; the memorial's power is in personal stories rather than grand gestures.

Best Time to Visit ACT Memorial #

Visit during ANZAC season (April) for commemorations and remembrances; spring and autumn offer comfortable weather for combining visits with Canberra's other cultural sites.

Autumn/ANZAC season
Mar-May · 5-20°C
ANZAC Day (April 25) events and mild autumn weather - a solemn and meaningful time to visit.
Spring
Sep-Nov · 5-20°C
Comfortable days for visiting memorials and combining trips with other Canberra attractions.
Winter
Jun-Aug · -1-12°C
Cooler but quiet; interior exhibits provide shelter from the cold.

Weather & Climate near ACT Memorial #

Climate

ACT Memorial's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 0°C to 27°C. Moderate rainfall (684 mm/year).

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
27°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
13° 27°

Weather

69 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
13° 27°

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
11° 24°

Weather

54 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
20°

Weather

54 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

49 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

42 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

51 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

64 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

67 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with 74 mm of rain.

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
22°

Weather

74 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
12° 26°

Weather

52 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

Nearby Attractions to ACT Memorial