Australian War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial is the national memorial to members of the Australian Defence Force, located at the northern end of ANZAC Parade in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. The complex functions as a memorial, museum and research institution and was officially opened in 1941.

Galleries present campaigns, personal stories, military material and uniforms; the Commemorative Area contains the Roll of Honour and places for formal remembrance. ANZAC Hall displays large vehicles and equipment, and the Memorial runs public programs, exhibitions and educational activities.

The Memorial was conceived after World War I and developed through the mid 20th century as Australia’s principal site of national remembrance; it has been expanded with additional exhibition and research facilities since its opening.

It sits at the northern end of Canberra’s ceremonial ANZAC Parade, below Mount Ainslie and within easy reach of the parliamentary precinct.

• Opening date: Officially opened on 11 November 1941, the Memorial combines a shrine, museum and research centre dedicated to Australians who served in war and conflict.
• Last Post Ceremony: A daily Last Post Ceremony is held at the Memorial and is a central act of commemoration for visitors and families.

What to See #

• Commemorative Area and Roll of Honour: The Commemorative Area contains the Roll of Honour and the Hall of Memory where the names of service personnel who died in conflicts are recorded and commemorated.
• ANZAC Hall and galleries: ANZAC Hall is a large exhibition space added to the memorial complex for vehicles and large artefacts; it complements the indoor galleries that display uniforms, medals and personal effects.
• Research Centre: The Memorial's Research Centre provides archives and a reading room for service records, war diaries and research materials used by historians and relatives.