Australian War Memorial Museum
National memorial and museum commemorating Australian military history
In Canberra, the Australian War Memorial combines museum galleries, the Hall of Memory and daily ceremonies; visitors research military history, attend commemorations and view expansive military collections.
Australian War Memorial at a Glance#
Address: Treloar Crescent, Campbell, Australian Capital Territory 2612, Australia
Website: https://www.awm.gov.au/
Hours: Daily 10:00-17:00 (check site for ANZAC Day and special event variations)
Admission: Free entry to galleries and memorial (special exhibitions may charge)
About 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.
How to Get to Australian War Memorial#
From Canberra city center it’s a 10-15 minute drive (or a 25-30 minute walk) up Anzac Parade to Treloar Crescent. There is on-site parking and regular local buses (ACTION routes) that stop nearby.
Tips for Visiting Australian War Memorial#
- Arrive for the 11:00 Last Post ceremony (check daily schedule) - the ceremony is deliberate and moving, but small venues can fill fast.
- Visit early on weekdays to avoid school groups; the Hall of Memory is quietest mid-morning.
- Spend time in the Research Centre upstairs: personal files and unit diaries give texture that galleries summarize.
Best Time to Visit Australian War Memorial#
Open year-round; avoid major public commemorative days unless attending for the ceremonies.
Weather & Climate near Australian War Memorial#
Australian War 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 | Excellent | 13° - 27° | 20° | 69 mm | partly cloudy | 60% | 3.6 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 14.1h |
| February | Excellent | 13° - 27° | 20° | 55 mm | partly cloudy | 68% | 3.0 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.2h |
| March | Excellent | 11° - 24° | 18° | 54 mm | partly cloudy | 70% | 3.0 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.2h |
| April | Very Good | 7° - 20° | 14° | 54 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 2.4 m/s | 1.0 high | 11.1h |
| May | Very Good | 5° - 16° | 10° | 49 mm | some cloud | 78% | 2.4 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.1h |
| June | Good | 2° - 13° | 5° | 42 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 2.9 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.6h |
| July | Good | 1° - 12° | 4° | 51 mm | some cloud | 83% | 2.5 m/s | 0.4 low | 9.9h |
| August | Good | 2° - 13° | 5° | 53 mm | some cloud | 78% | 3.2 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.7h |
| September | Very Good | 4° - 16° | 10° | 64 mm | some cloud | 72% | 3.4 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.7h |
| October | Very Good | 7° - 19° | 13° | 67 mm | partly cloudy | 67% | 3.2 m/s | 1.6 very high | 12.9h |
| November | Very Good | 9° - 22° | 16° | 74 mm | partly cloudy | 64% | 3.6 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.8h |
| December | Excellent | 12° - 26° | 19° | 52 mm | partly cloudy | 61% | 3.6 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 14.4h |
