A Guide to the Australian War Memorial That Proves Why It’s the Most Visited Attraction in Canberra
Whenever a friend of mine from out of town asks what they should see while in Canberra, I always tell them to add the Australian War Memorial to their itinerary. A few of them are always hesitant because they expect a less popular suggestion.
But I tell them that I’ve personally been there multiple times and each trip has been fantastic. You get to be surrounded by beautiful architecture, exquisite memorabilia, and rich stories that may have moved me to tears from time to time.
If you’re interested in what you might encounter during a visit there, then this guide is for you. I’ve listed down the different things you can see and do at Canberra’s Australian War Memorial.
Where is the Australian War Memorial?
The Australian War Memorial is located at Treloar Crescent in the suburb of Campbell. It is one of the buildings at the end of the Anzac Parade, across the Parliament House.
How to Get to the Australian War Memorial
Via Bus: There are bus stops along Fairbairn Avenue and Limestone Avenue, which are only a short walking distance from the Australian War Memorial. To get there, you can take the City Interchange’s Transport Route 54.
Via Taxi or Ride-Sharing Service: Call a taxi or contact one through your preferred ride-sharing app (ex. Uber). Tell the driver that you want to go to the Australian War Memorial and they’ll drive you straight there.
Via Private Car: Use your GPS to find the best route going to the Australian War Memorial. The AWM provides free parking for its visitors and has accessible parking spaces available for those who have permits.
What to See in the Australian War Memorial
The Roll of Honour
– Media credit: awmemorialshop
One of the most striking areas of the Australian War Memorial is the Roll of Honour. It’s hard not to be overwhelmed seeing all the names of those who died while serving the country.
You could try and spend your entire time at the museum reading their names one by one. But with hundreds of thousands of people listed, you probably wouldn’t even reach the middle by the time the memorial closes.
Thankfully, the museum has its own special and touching way of remembering them. Every night, before the sun rises, the memorial takes 1,200 names from this roll and projects them on the exterior of the Hall of Memory.
The Hall of Memory and the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier
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After walking past all the names of the people who offered their lives for Australia, you’ll reach the Hall of Memory. Here, you’ll come face to face with magnificent stained glass windows depicting the different people who served in the war.
I wasn’t familiar with all of them, but I did recognize a few that I could name: a naval captain, a nurse, a wounded soldier, and more. Regardless, I was still awestruck with the whole place.
It’s even more moving when you see the tomb of an unknown Australian soldier right below them. With the inscription: “He is all of them and he is one of us”, it’s enough to make a grown man cry.
The Last Post Ceremony
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If there’s anything I tell people not to miss while here, it’s definitely the Last Post Ceremony. Officials hold it every day at 4:30 PM in the courtyard, right before the AWM closes.
Officials pick a name from the Roll of Honour and narrate their life story to visitors. Starting with who they were before they served up to their accomplishments, it’s clear how much research goes into this.
Even without any connection to these people, it’s likely that you’ll be feeling thankful and proud of them once the ceremony’s done.
But if you do have a family member who’s included in the Roll of Honour, you can request for their story to be told during the Last Post. It’ll be a nice way to honor their memory and their efforts.
Where to Eat near the Australian War Memorial
Poppy’s Cafe
– Media credit: 3h5t0m5
Address: 15 Treloar Crescent, Campbell
Phone: +61 2 6263 6600
Pricing: $
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Poppy’s Cafe is a charming, little place right on the grounds of the Australian War Memorial. Its convenient location allows memorial visitors to drop by and grab a quick bite.
I was truly shocked at how fresh the ingredients were, considering the place’s pricing was quite affordable. Knowing that just made me even more excited to come back, because I need a round 2 of their amazing Eggs Benedict.
Like me, you can enjoy your meal at their outdoor seating on the terrace, which overlooks parts of the AWM. It’s got a nice, serene atmosphere that helped me reflect and further appreciate everything that I saw inside the memorial.
Raku
– Media credit: rakudining
Address: Shop DG36C/148 Bunda Street
Phone: +61 2 6248 6869
Pricing: $$$
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Raku brings the traditional masterful craft of Japanese cuisine to modern-day Canberra. Trust me, after you’ve dined here, you’re never going to want sushi from anywhere else again.
Even if you’re not that familiar with the food, you’ll instantly know that they only use high-quality ingredients. They managed to create such exceptional flavors from them that I didn’t even know were possible.
I had to resist the urge to take a picture each time a new plate came out because of how beautifully presented they were.
And based on everything I ate, first-time diners would highly benefit from getting their tasting menu. This includes highlights, such as the gyoza and the scallops, and fantastic wine pairings.
Where to Stay near the Australian War Memorial
Mercure Canberra
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Address: Corner of Ainslie and Limestone Avenue, Braddon
Phone: +61 2 6243 0000
Pricing: $
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
For over a century, Mercure Canberra has stood tall throughout all of Canberra’s changes. It even played a part in the capital’s history, serving the important purpose of housing government workers when the Parliament House was relocated.
Today, the hotel retains its original character and charm, while having added modern amenities for its guests. You’ll get to enjoy a well-equipped fitness center and a variety of entertainment options throughout your stay.
The rooms are spacious and pristine, and they come with convenient kitchenette facilities complete with a fridge. All of their accommodations also have a great view of the grand fountain in the hotel’s beautiful central courtyard.
Ovolo Nishi
– Media credit: ovolohotels
Address: NewActon Precinct, 25 Edinburgh Avenue
Phone: +6 2 6287 6287
Pricing: $
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Ovolo Nishi provides a cozy escape right next to Canberra’s most famous attractions. It’s less than a 10-minute distance from popular destinations including the Australian War Memorial, the Parliament House, and the National Museum.
Mundanity has no place in this hotel, especially when it comes to decor. There are vibrant artworks and restored vintage furniture in all the rooms that make each one feel unique and full of character.
The convenience of guests is a priority. They provide a gym, self-service laundry facilities, and an option for flexible check-in and check-out.
What’s even better is that you can tailor your stay according to the kind of trip you want. For example, they have an amazing Summer Package that includes discounts to several popular restaurants and tourist activities in the area.