Australian War Memorial: What to See and How to Plan Your Visit

TL;DR: The Australian War Memorial is on Fairbairn Avenue in Campbell, about 2 km from central Canberra. General entry is free and you don’t need a ticket. Don’t miss the Commemorative Area, the Hall of Memory with the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier, and the Roll of Honour. The Last Post Ceremony runs every day at 4.30pm. Allow at least two hours, or half a day to see the main galleries properly.

There’s a moment that stays with almost everyone who visits the Australian War Memorial. You’re walking slowly along the cloisters, reading the long bronze panels of names, and you notice the poppies. Hundreds of little red flowers, tucked into the gaps beside the names by visitors who came before you.

Many visitors find it among the most moving places in Australia, and it’s well worth the trip. Here’s how to plan your time, what to see and how to get there from Sydney.

Do You Need Tickets?

No. General entry to the Australian War Memorial is free, and you don’t need a ticket or a booking to walk in.

The memorial is open every day except Christmas Day, from 10am to 5pm. Some areas start closing from 4pm, so give yourself a little time to spare.

You’ll only need to book for some special exhibitions and events, and for the free guided tours, which have limited places. Large groups should get in touch with the memorial ahead of time.

Driving? Parking’s free, in the underground P1 car park and the outdoor P2 car park off Treloar Crescent.

How Do You See It in a Short Visit?

Start with the commemorative spaces, then add a gallery if time allows. If you’ve only got an hour or so, here’s a gentle route that covers the heart of the memorial.

1. Start in the Commemorative Area, by the Pool of Reflection. It’s the centre of the building, and it’s quietest when you first arrive.
2. Walk the cloisters to the Roll of Honour, and take your time. Find a name if you’re looking for one, or place a poppy.
3. Head up to the Hall of Memory and the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier, right at the top of the Commemorative Area.
4. Spend whatever time is left in the First World War Gallery, which tells the story of Gallipoli and the Western Front.
5. If you’ve still got time, step into the new Anzac Hall to see G for George, the Lancaster bomber.

What Should You See?

The memorial is a shrine, a museum and an archive all in one building. You won’t see everything in a day, and that’s okay. Here’s where to focus.

The Commemorative Area

This courtyard sits at the very centre of the building, with the Pool of Reflection running down the middle and the eternal flame at one end. It’s a calm, reflective space, and visitors are asked to treat it that way. Take a quiet moment by the water before you move on.

The Hall of Memory and the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier

The domed Hall of Memory rises above the Commemorative Area, glowing with mosaics and stained glass. The Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier sits at its centre. An unidentified Australian soldier from the First World War was brought home from France and laid to rest here on 11 November 1993.

The Roll of Honour

Bronze panels along the cloisters list the names of more than 103,000 Australians who died in war and in peacekeeping and other operations. Visitors tuck red poppies into the gaps beside the names, for family members or for people they never met. If you’d like to leave one, you’ll find poppies available at the memorial.  

The galleries

The First World War Gallery covers Gallipoli, the Western Front and the Middle East. The Second World War Gallery takes in Europe, North Africa and the Pacific. There are also galleries on Korea, Vietnam and the Cold War, plus the Hall of Valour, where you’ll find the Victoria Crosses awarded to Australians. Some of the stories are hard to take in, so it’s okay to step outside for a breather.

Anzac Hall

The new Anzac Hall opened in late June 2026 as part of the memorial’s redevelopment. It covers more recent conflicts, peacekeeping and Afghanistan, and it’s now home to G for George, the Lancaster bomber that flew 90 operations over Europe in the Second World War. The new Aircraft Hall and Anzac Atrium are open too.

When Is the Last Post Ceremony?

Every day at 4.30pm, in the Commemorative Area. It’s free and you don’t need to book.

Each ceremony tells the story of one person on the Roll of Honour. It includes the national anthem, a lament played by a piper, the reading of the Ode and the sounding of the Last Post. Families and visitors can lay wreaths. Many visitors find it a gentle, moving way to end their day here.

Arrive about 15 minutes early if you’d like a good spot.

How Long Do You Need?

Two hours is enough for the commemorative spaces and a gallery or two. Half a day lets you explore the main galleries without rushing, and history lovers could happily spend a full day here.

Want some context as you go? The memorial runs free guided tours of about 80 minutes, led by knowledgeable guides. Places are limited, so book online or ask when you arrive.

Is Anything Closed for the Redevelopment?

A little. The memorial is part way through a big building program. The new Anzac Hall, Aircraft Hall and Anzac Atrium are now open, but the pre-1914 galleries are closed and due to reopen in 2028.

Happily, all of the commemorative spaces are open, including the Roll of Honour, the Hall of Memory and the Tomb.

How Do You Get There From Sydney?

Canberra is about three hours from Sydney by road, mostly along the Hume Highway through the pretty Southern Highlands. Coaches and trains also run between the two cities, and flights take under an hour.

Once you’re in Canberra, the memorial is easy to find. It sits at the northern end of Anzac Parade, looking straight across the lake to Parliament House. It’s a lovely view, and worth a photo on your way in.

If you’re visiting as a day trip from Sydney, plan your day so you reach the memorial with at least two hours to spare before it closes at 5pm.

While You’re in Canberra

Canberra packs a lot into a small city. Parliament House runs guided tours and has a fascinating view over the capital. The National Museum of Australia, on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, is full of stories from all over the country. And a drive through Yarralumla takes you past the embassies, each built in its own country’s style. The lake’s a lovely spot for a quiet time afterwards.

Before You Go

The Australian War Memorial deserves your time, so go gently, start at the Commemorative Area and leave room for the Roll of Honour. If you’d like to see Canberra in a day without the drive, our Sydney to Canberra Day Tour includes the memorial along with Parliament House and the National Museum. Take care, and travel well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Australian War Memorial free?

Yes. General entry is free and you don’t need a ticket. Some special exhibitions and events have a charge.

Do you need to book the Australian War Memorial?

Not for general entry. You’ll only need to book for some events, special exhibitions and the free guided tours.

How long do you need at the Australian War Memorial?

At least two hours for the commemorative spaces and a gallery or two. Allow half a day to see the main galleries.

What time is the Last Post Ceremony?

Every day at 4.30pm, according to the memorial’s visitor information page.

Can you visit the Australian War Memorial on a day trip from Sydney?

Yes. Canberra is about three hours from Sydney by road, so a day trip works well. Aim to arrive at least two hours before closing.

What are the must-see exhibits at the Australian War Memorial?

The Commemorative Area, the Hall of Memory with the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier, the Roll of Honour, the First World War Gallery and Anzac Hall, home of the Lancaster bomber G for George.