Australian War Memorial

I honestly looove the Australian War Memorial. I’ve been several times already, and I’m still not sick of it yet. There’s just so much to see and read that even though I’ve been here before, I could just devour all the items on exhibit.
Signed up for a tour a couple of times. The last time we had a sweet old man whose voice was kinda faint so we ended up leaving because we couldn’t really hear him. But if you’ve got time, I really do suggest the tours. But allot time for exploring on your own — while the tour gives you a general tour of the museum, it’s not enough time to really absorb everything they’ve got.
Also, see if you can make it to the closing ceremony at 5 PM – it’s solemn and beautiful, and always worth seeing.
Plus, you can spot rabbits in the gardens!

I really enjoyed my visit here. I stayed and watched the ceremony at the end of the day in which the honor guard and ceremony team honor an individual who died in service to Australia. The museum is as good as if not better than any other war memorial I have been too. The guides are all very educated and dedicated to what they are doing and every ounce of this place makes you feel what was given and lost to maintain the current peace we have today.
The tomb of the unknown soldier struck home as each stain glassed window pane had ideals and a legacy to follow that make you remember how expensive freedom really is. I enjoyed my time here and wish I had more time to walk around further. This is definitely one of the must see exhibits in Australia if you go to the capitol.
The midget submarine and the WWII Australian bomber made me realize how hard people fought for their homes. It is a lesson that should never be forgotten.

A must-​see when you visit Canberra. The memorial and museum are fascinating and the wall of remembrance is truly tragic when you see all the people killed at war. The tomb of the unknown soldier is breathtaking and will bring tears to your eyes.

If you are in Canberra, make sure you allocate a day to visit the War Memorial. It will be one of the best things to do. The feeling of patriotism amongst the visitors is amazing. The staff are extremely helpful and always ready to help you.

Great and very interesting. We got here right as a highlights tour was beginning, so we went on that. It was really helpful, since the place is kind of big and can be intimidating. I didn’t think I’d be terribly interested but it was actually really cool.

I am always impressed with the displays at this War Memorial. There is so much to see and it takes hours to walk all the corridors and look through the rooms.
Unfortunately I have always visited with school groups and the next time I visit I will spend at least a whole day walking through the various rooms. The displays and information are very moving.
It brings back to all of us that war is a terrible situation.

Everyone who comes to Canberra MUST see this! I was there for the closing ceremony. Not sure what the official name is. Very moving and the architecture is pretty cool! Lest we forget…

Pretty much the best historical thing to do in Canberra. They have lots of items on display, dioramas, and videos. Definitely worth dedicating an afternoon to this…

If there is only one memorial/​landmark you visit while you’re in our Nation’s Capital, this is it.
There are so many stories about people who have given their lives for the life I live today. The outdoor memorial, along with the tomb of the unknown Australian soldier, it’s beautiful. The names listed, the poppies, and wars listed really drive home just how much this country has given up in the name of war.
Then there is downstairs, the information available along with the displays really gives you a better appreciation of how these soldiers operate.
You need at least a few hours here, take the guided tour and then go back for a second look too truly absorb everything at your own pace.

An absolutely sensational, and free, visit in Canberra. I was fooled at first and thought the outdoor memorial area was it. And that would have been fine — it was lovely, moving, and beautiful, with memorials to every Australian killed in wars around the world. As I got ready to leave, I searched out a restroom and instead found the entire museum underneath, which told the history of Australian warfare over land, air and sea, with aircraft, artifacts, vehicles, weapons, medals, and more. Very great to see all of this up close and in person.

What a fantastic collection of all sorts of military paraphernalia they have here! Simply wonderful! You could spend a full day in here quite easily.
Even if you’re not interested in war or battle it is captivating. Not only Australians would enjoy a visit here. People of all races would find out something they did not know of before and also find a lot of interesting displays, aircraft, submarines, models and history before their eyes. A must-​do when coming to Canberra. Probably at the top of the list of «must do’s» to be honest.

During my entire trip around Australia people would make faces when I told them that I was going to Canberra. I would usually retort — Parliament, the War Memorial, the Museums? «Oh yeah, mate, definitely, I see what you’re saying… but Canberra sucks otherwise.»
Lol, okay, so other than one of the most amazing things you’ll see in Australia, don’t bother with it. I think the War Memorial is worth the price of admission alone. I drove to Canberra from Sydney a couple days after New Year’s and had a really great time.
The War Memorial was designed in such a way that it could be seen, if a certain number of doors were opened, directly from the Prime Minister’s office. Australia — a country that has actually experienced war in recent times on its own soil — really knows the true cost of war — which America (always at war) usually recognizes in dollars, not in bodies. As such, the way the Memorial is designed — partly as a tomb, partly as a museum, and partly as a classroom, is absolutely brilliant and perfect. As are many museums in Oz, this one is free but please think about dropping a coin or two on your way in or out to support them.
And do take a tour. It’s the best way to get a «taste» of the place without feeling absolutely overwhelmed with the sheer amount there is to see here.

Beautiful memorial and museum. And quite huge! Lots of neat exhibits inside about the various wars Australia has been involved in. Plus the memorial in the inner courtyard honoring all the Australians who have died in service of their country. They offer 90 minute tours as well so just check on their website when those are. They are very worth it because the museum is so huge!

This is one of the most aesthetically beautiful, compelling and comprehensive war memorials I have been to.
My partner and I had no idea what to expect when visiting, and I think, like many others, we were misled by the world «memorial.» The stunning entrance, which constitutes the «memorial,» is home to the gripping roll of honour lined with poppies and the humbling reflection pool.
Inside of the memorial is the three-​floored «museum» that is full of exhibits, interactive areas, video screenings and more. While it would take an entire day to cover everything that’s generously offered, the exhibits are presented in such an interesting way that you don’t find yourself feeling like you’re «in a museum.»
If you have the time, I would recommend two separate visits in order to take everything in, but at the very least, give yourself at least a whole day to explore the museum and pay tribute to those honoured.
An absolute must for any foreigner in Australia.

This was an amazing place, with poppies lining the walls and the names of heroes beside them, countries that have been fought beside and with, lined the walls with a gargoyle head above them.
We were given a tour of the museum and had many things explained from the war time periods, there was a showing of a film about aviation warfare directed by Peter Jackson and then drinks and nibbles were served in the main hall, all in all a fantastic start to the trip.
This really helps you understand how much people loose.
Lest we forget.

One of the best tourist attractions anywhere. Get a free tour if you can.

I could have spent many more hours here. It was absolutely wonderful.
I was humbled by the loss of so many and moved by the beautifully reverent way they are honored and remembered. The poppies are both touching and heartbreaking.
During my hours-​long visit, I learned much about Australia’s involvement in wars and more importantly, the human impact of each one. Going from display to display, I felt a little more connected these people I’d never met before.
They have exhibits with tons of items– small and large (including a few planes!).
You could easily spend an entire day here and love every minute of it.

Normally I’m not interested in war-​related stuff at all. But this place was simply amazing, and I would highly, highly recommend it (even if you, too, are ‘not a war person’).
Got the guided tour (about an hour and half?) and had to go back to do the full loop a second time since there was just so much stuff. I think we ended up spending nearly six hours there in total — there was just so much to see! As a side note, the tour was excellent (and free).
I feel like this place is really two experiences: the war memorial, and the rest of the museum. Both are impressive in their own way, but it’s the museum that really got me — it is definitely one of the best museums I have been to in my life. Wonderful artwork, dioramas, interactive exhibits, films and full-​scale aircraft.
I can’t recommend this place highly enough. Definitely a must visit in Canberra.