Australian War Memorial

I cannot give a higher ranking than a 5/5. Our war memorial is simply a must see. So must history and gallantry we need to know. Beautifully exhibited. Staff are amazing. We took the free tour through the WW11 section with an amazing tour guide called Bill Arthur. He was a wealth of knowledge and simply loved the exhibits and it showed. We had such an incredible time and plan to go back soon as you simply cannot see and read everything in one visit. Simply amazing. Proud to be an Aussie.

This is an informative, peaceful, and contemplative place. You can learn more about the two world wars, view actual equipment used during the wars, and read about the bravery of the soldiers. Most of the areas are low-sensory, and ample seating is available in the main hall. You'll have to go through a simple bag check before entering—no full body scanners are used here. Will try to visit again when the rest of the galleries are completed.

You’ll need a full day to explore and appreciate this beautiful place. There is so much to see, read, watch and learn, many of the displays are interactive and immersive. Apparently there will be more in 2028 when they have added another display. Down side - lots of tourists that have no idea about showing respect, but the people working at the memorial quickly pull them into line.

Very engaging, moving and informative. Very well set up. It's huge and full of many different interesting things to see and do. Raced through 2 levels of 3 with 2 kids in only 1 hour because of time constraints. We missed a lot but it was still very engaging. Easy to spend 3+, 5+ hours there or do it over 2 days. Highly recommend. Google Maps look up the 'Australian War Memorial carpark' to find parking, or park on the road that goes around the back.

This memorial is a must for all ages but especially for our children. The displays are well thought out in order of history and there are staff placed in all the right areas to guide you. Very overwhelming if you choose to really read and digest the enormity of all on display. We didn't take the guided tour that is available but enjoyed walking at our own pace and experiencing some of the immersive displays that had audio playing. We felt proud to be Australian when we left. Very memorable.

A wonderful collection and display of history. From the dioramas to the paintings and sculptures, this is a comprehensive view of history from all perspectives. I highly recommend a visit.

War memorial closing time 4pm but museum close at 4 pm. If you reach there at 4 pm, you can visit in this area. It’s beautiful structure & well mentioned…

If you are visiting this place with luggages, there’s garage room for your big luggage, you can just bring it to information desk, they are kind to help you store your bags and luggages. It’s very easy and convenient for you to look around and enjoy all the Australia war memorial! Just bring your phone and ticket with you! There are lots of historic sites, which is plane, cars tank! If you interested must visit this place! Hope there no war again for the world! Harms people

Beautiful Memorial and so well kept! Unfortunately we were pressed for time and was not able to take advantage of their free tours. Im sure there was lots to learn and so much more to see! Despite our short visit, we had a great time. The reflection pool was serene and the Commemorative Area was beautiful with red poppies. i enjoyed their interactive screens, miniature depictions of the "battlefield" and was amazed at how HUGE the anzac landing boat actually is! Definitely a must visit! wish we could have stayed a bit longer!

#83 for 2021 I had never been there but my cousins have and were my guides. Even with that I do regret not visiting the website before hand. You can become familiar with the different halls are there, what the touring collections are, the customs and ceremonies, and other useful information. I found the projects that extend beyond the memorial interesting with their continued research. Important lessons we as humanity need so desperately to learn. What is good to know there is no admission fee. To access certain areas you will need to register on line for time slots available. It's still free but I think they want to control how many people get in because of the limited space and there are a ton of people that show up every day. The only day the memorial is closed is Christmas. Open every day 10am to 5pm. Rain or shine. It rained and shined the day of my visit. It is a great tribute to the Australians who participated in their wars. Like the Arizona Memorial it is serene and humbling. Many stories behind the pictures, the artifacts, the people, the countries and the ultimate sacrifices. And every day they pay tribute to one of their fallen with a military ceremony complete with guards and bugel. Plus, they bring in the family members. It was impressive to behold this ceremony with all its honor and respect to the surviving family members. Definitely the highlight of the day. During my visit I made a donation. It wasn't much but I know it will still help. If I lived there I would volunteer to work here for a day. Please visit the memorial when you can and their website. Never forget. Respect & Honor. Then be humble for what you have and what these people have done.

Look there's no fee to get in. They have outstanding displays of Aircraft(WW2 mostly) inside and display of cannons outside. Not to mention several dioramas of WW1 and WW2. This museum also has a way of personalizing the wars by highlighting peoples stories. Those who don't study history are doomed to repeat it. So please take your self and your children to this museum. Who knows one day they may be in a position to make a difference and won't treat Wars as a casual affair.

I try to visit this place every time I am in Canberra, though that hasn't happened for me in quite a while of late, probably because it has been quite a while since I have driven to Sydney. However, this is a very sombre place that pays tribute to Australia's war dead from all wars and deployments since before federation. There were also some relics here that I remember, particularly the midget sub that was fished out of Sydney Harbour during World War II, though I believe it has since been moved. However, it is one of those places that all Australians should try to visit at least once.

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.

The Australian War Memorial and Museum is a site not to be missed in Canberra. It's structurally located in line with the Parliament building and a building that you can't miss driving by. The Shrine memorial itself is very stunning. The gardens are well kept and filled with different statues. Heading inside, after a quick bag check, you instantly understand that this is a place to honour and somewhere you should keep your voice low. The high walls are a sandy colour and leading past the water feature is a giant dome. The Hall of Memory, or giant dome as I refer to it, has stained glass windows and the tomb of the unknown soldier. It's very architecturally beautiful and should not be missed. To the museum, where do I begin? Probably with the best advice I could give, do a tour of the place. Don't be like me, wandering through the reading's and artefacts only to realize how extensive this museum is and that one person in a single day could not possibly take it all in. How do you get through the meat of it? Go on one of their free tours. Tours are led by volunteers and can go from 30 to 60 to 90 minutes. But the beauty of the tour is that some go the entirety of the museum, highlighting different aspects so you aren't left browsing endlessly. I hands down think that this is the smartest way to spend your time. If you happen to miss a tour, then maybe just focus on specific historic times that interest you. There is no shortage of information here as the museum covers everything from the colonial conflicts to the conflicts 1945 to today. There are numerous aircrafts on display as well. The Memorial/Museum has free entry (donation coin encouraged), and is open everyday (except Christmas) from 10am-5pm. If you're in Canberra, you gotta go.

An absolute must see. Some construction still ongoing, but it doesn't diminish the experience at all.

Tremendous. An absolutely exceptional tribute to those who have served AUS as well as an awesome collection of history that is so very well organized and displayed. As an American I am embarrassed that we have nothing at all comparable to this. We have monuments and many smaller collections but nothing on a national level. Also very impressed by the research center and exceptionally knowledgeable lecturers seen throughout the museum talking to visitors and school groups. This was the most impressive site I visited in Canberra, followed by National Gallery. Good on you AUS and Canberra in remembering and documenting those who have served your country and our world. Thoroughly impressed. Freedom is not free. I read an Op/Ed today in Canberra paper complaining about whether it should be a memorial or a museum but no consideration that it could be both. Why must a museum or memorial be mutually exclusive? You learn at the museum why service members should be remembered and what they sacrificed and then respect their service and sacrifice at the memorial. A memorial has little context w/o knowing about who you are memorializing. I suspect the author of this piece is a liberal who wants to praise the dead but not respect what they died for.

Absolutely massive- could easily spend several hours here. The facilities are well-kept and the atmosphere is appropriately moody without being too sad. The staff are helpful and extremely approachable. Poppy's café has delicious food and is well priced for the area. A must see when in Canberra!

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.

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.

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.

Sure a great place and so thankful we have a place like this. To show our kids what they went though for this country. Look forward to coming back. Thanks again for a great day

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.

This is an incredible place to go to see our fallen heroes. Definitely need a full day to go through everything, 10/10 would recommend.

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.

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..

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

I visited Canberra for two weeks in September 2018, my first time in Australia. The last member of my family to visit Australia was my grandfather, who was there in 1942 with the US Army's 32nd Infantry Division. He would later fight in the "island hopping campaign" in New Guinea, Guadalcanal, and the liberation of the Philippines with his Australian allies. He always spoke highly of the Australians, so of course the War Memorial was one of my first stops. It was truly amazing. The reverence that I felt there reminded me of the way I felt at Pearl Harbor. I highly highly recommend it. Amazing place.

Doubtlessly the BEST cultural institution in our fine land. Educational, informative, exciting. It is sad and sombre in parts, but truly a first class educational experience. Must see when in Canberra!

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.

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...

I live in Canberra, and have been to the War Memorial at least once a year for the last 15 years, and it still takes my breath away. It's so comprehensive and informative, but at the same time, is so respectful and dignified. It's such a humbling experience. It definitely takes at least a day to see, because there are so many things to do and see and read. They even have a section specifically for children where they can sit in a bunker and dress up like war-time nurses or soldiers. They also gave my Grandmother a wheelchair to borrow for the day when she was too tired to walk anymore. It is a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must! Also, free, secure, undercover parking and a close bus stop make it very easy to get to.

My kids and I spent a few hours and only got through the galleries of the two World Wars. The exhibitions are very well done. My kids soaked it up and were visibly moved. I was moved to emotion so many times. If I'm ever back in the area, I will definitely return. I was impressed from top to bottom and have not one negative comment. Admission and parking free to boot.