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.
ACT Memorial at a Glance#
Address: ACT Memorial, 21 National Circuit, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Website: https://www.act.gov.au/
Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-4pm, closed Mondays (confirm seasonal variations)
Admission: Free admission; some programs ticketed (check website)
About ACT Memorial#
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.
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.
Weather & Climate near ACT Memorial#
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).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 13° - 27° | 20° | 69 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 13° - 27° | 20° | 55 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 11° - 24° | 18° | 54 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 7° - 20° | 14° | 54 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 5° - 16° | 10° | 49 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 2° - 13° | 5° | 42 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 1° - 12° | 4° | 51 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 2° - 13° | 5° | 53 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 4° - 16° | 10° | 64 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 7° - 19° | 13° | 67 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 9° - 22° | 16° | 74 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 12° - 26° | 19° | 52 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
