Shrine of Remembrance Shrine

Address: Birdwood Ave, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia

Website: https://www.shrine.org.au

Hours: Daily 10:00am-5:00pm (often extended for commemorative events)

Admission: Free (donations welcome)

The Shrine of Remembrance is a major war memorial in Melbourne, Victoria, dedicated to the men and women of Victoria who served in war. The building was completed in the early 20th century as a public memorial and now functions as a museum and ceremonial site.

The main sanctuary is a compact, axial chamber containing the Stone of Remembrance and is aligned so that sunlight hits the stone at 11:00 on 11 November. Surrounding galleries present military history displays and personal stories, and a roof terrace provides city views about 2 kilometres to the north.

Designed by architects Philip Hudson and James Wardrop, the memorial has been adapted over time to include interpretive museum spaces beneath the building. It remains an active site for commemorative ceremonies and public education.

The Shrine stands on St Kilda Road within Kings Domain, immediately south of Melbourne’s central parkland and a short walk from the CBD.

• Ray of Light: The sunlight alignment known as the “Ray of Light” strikes the Stone of Remembrance at 11:00 on 11 November each year, marking Armistice Day.
• Location: The Shrine is located on St Kilda Road in Kings Domain, about 2 kilometres south of Melbourne’s central business district.

What to See#

• Sanctuary: The enclosed sanctuary contains the central Stone of Remembrance and the axial alignment that produces the annual “Ray of Light” at 11:00 on 11 November.
• Museum and galleries: A series of underground galleries and exhibition spaces added during redevelopment house military history displays and changing exhibitions on war and remembrance.
• Viewing terrace: A roof terrace and external steps give broad views south over the Royal Botanic Gardens and into the Melbourne city skyline approximately 2 kilometres to the north.

The Shrine sits on St Kilda Road, opposite the Royal Botanic Gardens. From the CBD take tram routes 3/3a, 5, 6, 16, 64 or 67 to the Shrine of Remembrance stop. By car, follow St Kilda Road south from the city centre and use the Botanic Gardens car parks; allow extra time on commemorative dates when roads are closed.

• Arrive before 10am to enjoy the sanctuary in relative quiet and catch long morning light on the stone surfaces.
• Walk up from the Royal Botanic Gardens along Birdwood Avenue - the western approach frames the Shrine against mature plane trees and is less crowded than the St Kilda Road side.
• If visiting on 25 April (ANZAC Day) or 11 November (Remembrance Day), expect crowds and road closures; public transport is strongly recommended.