Australian War Memorial Tours and Activities

Australian War Memorial
Australian War Memorial featuring a memorial and autumn colours
Australian War Memorial
Australian War Memorial featuring interior views
Australian War Memorial showing interior views


Wander the halls of this monument to learn about the battles fought by Australians, see military hardware and admire artworks.

The Australian War Memorial is where the country pays its respects to members of the military killed in conflicts around the world. It was completed in 1941 and is dedicated to servicemen and women from the colonial era to today. Inside the memorial complex is a museum with exhibits exploring Australia’s military history. 

Be sure to set aside at least a day to see everything. Consider taking the free guided tour, which lasts 90 minutes and covers the highlights of the memorial.
Admire the statues along ANZAC Parade as you walk up to the memorial. The Byzantine-style memorial building is in a direct line of sight with the entrance of Parliament House. Walk through to the courtyard to see the memorial pool with an eternal flame at its centre and landscaped gardens either side. 

The Role of Honour lines the cloisters above the courtyard. The series of bronze plaques bear the names of those killed serving the nation. You’ll notice poppies placed in gaps around the plaques by friends and relatives of the dead. 

Move on to the Hall of Memory to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The walls here are decorated with mosaic tiles and stained-glass windows depicting the traits of servicemen and women. The works were done by a World War I veteran who lost an arm at the Battle of Bullecourt. 

ANZAC Hall features military hardware, written accounts from soldiers and their partners, and stories about the battles fought. Head upstairs to see artifacts from both World Wars. Read about soldiers awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for members of Commonwealth armed forces, in the Hall of Valour. You’ll find exhibits about colonial and post-WWII conflicts on the ground floor.

The Australian War Memorial lies on the opposite side of Lake Burley Griffin from Parliament House, at the top of ANZAC Parade. It’s open every day except Christmas Day, and admission is free. On-site parking is available and ACTION buses from Canberra’s central business district stop here as well as other major attractions.

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Top Australian War Memorial Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Deco Hotel

Deco Hotel

4 out of 5
214 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon, Braddon, ACT
Deco Hotel
The Sebel Canberra Civic

The Sebel Canberra Civic

4.5 out of 5
197 LONDON CIRCUIT, Canberra, ACT
The Sebel Canberra Civic
Crowne Plaza Canberra by IHG

Crowne Plaza Canberra by IHG

4 out of 5
1 Binara Street, Canberra, ACT
Crowne Plaza Canberra by IHG
Avenue Hotel Canberra

Avenue Hotel Canberra

5 out of 5
80 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon, ACT
Avenue Hotel Canberra
QT Canberra

QT Canberra

4 out of 5
1 London Circuit, Canberra, ACT
QT Canberra
Novotel Canberra

Novotel Canberra

4.5 out of 5
65 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra, ACT
Novotel Canberra
Mercure Canberra

Mercure Canberra

3.5 out of 5
39 Limestone Avenue, Braddon, ACT
Mercure Canberra
Meriton Suites Canberra

Meriton Suites Canberra

5 out of 5
40 Allara Street, Canberra, ACT
Meriton Suites Canberra
Hyatt Hotel Canberra - a Park Hyatt

Hyatt Hotel Canberra - a Park Hyatt

5 out of 5
Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla, ACT
Hyatt Hotel Canberra - a Park Hyatt
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Australian War Memorial

At the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as engaging art exhibits, informative free guided tours, and pleasant walking paths around the memorial grounds. Additionally, there are shopping opportunities nearby, allowing tourists to pick up souvenirs and unique memorabilia to remember their visit.

Shopping

For souvenirs, visit Canberra Centre, a vibrant shopping hub only 1.4km from the Memorial. Manuka Shopping Centre, 4.8km away, offers a mix of family-friendly shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, check out Capital Region Farmers Market, located 6.4km away, for local produce and crafts.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Manuka Oval, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Enjoy a round at Federal Golf Club, surrounded by beautiful landscapes. For wellness and relaxation, visit Stromlo Forest Park, where you can unwind amidst nature and partake in leisurely recreational activities.

Adventure

At the Australian War Memorial, you can splash around at Big Splash Waterpark, located 8.0km away, perfect for family fun. For a thrilling experience, try Delta Force Paintball Canberra, 16.1km away. Alternatively, enjoy the RG Menzies Walk Trailhead, only 1.6km away, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Nightlife

Near the Australian War Memorial, the Canberra Theatre Centre showcases captivating performances, perfect for a cultural night out. For a whimsical experience, the Canberra Merry-Go-Round offers delightful rides. If you're looking for a stargazing adventure, Mount Stromlo Observatory provides family-friendly entertainment under the stars.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Australian War Memorial

When visiting the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, you'll find a range of attractions including art museums, urban parks, and modern universities. This destination offers cultural experiences, outdoor activities, and family-friendly options. Consider exploring nearby hotels for convenient accommodation, and don’t miss the chance to delve into the rich history of war memorials while you’re in the area.

  • Australian National University: This modern university offers a vibrant atmosphere with striking architecture and beautiful gardens. Explore the campus, soak in the city vibes, and perhaps attend an intriguing seminar or exhibition.
  • National Gallery of Australia: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Australia and beyond. The gallery houses an impressive collection of artworks, from Indigenous pieces to contemporary masterpieces, making it a haven for art lovers.
  • Questacon: Perfect for families, this interactive science museum promises a fun and educational experience. With hands-on exhibits and engaging demonstrations, Questacon sparks curiosity and inspires a love for science and innovation.

Best time to go to Australian War Memorial

The best time to visit Australian War Memorial is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. January is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January69.3°F (20.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
February66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
March62.4°F (16.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April55.6°F (13.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May47.8°F (8.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
June43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July42.1°F (5.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September48.9°F (9.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November60.4°F (15.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Australian War Memorial

For a budget-friendly visit to the Australian War Memorial, consider travelling in May, August, or December when accommodation prices are lower. Sundays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to find great deals by filtering for your budget and eco-certified hotels. Additionally, save money by booking a package deal that combines your hotel, flights, and activities. Take advantage of any available rewards programs to earn discounts on future travels. Public transport is also a cost-effective way to explore Canberra.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Australian War Memorial are May, August and December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April, July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Australian War Memorial is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Australian War Memorial is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your hotel stay near the Australian War Memorial with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.