Guide to the Australian War Memorial

Set at the top of Anzac Parade with sightlines to Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial is widely regarded as a moving place to visit. Part museum, part national shrine and archive, it is free to enter and rich in stories, objects and quiet moments of reflection. It is an easy, rewarding stop for most visitors, with clear parking options for standard vehicles and plenty to fill a morning or afternoon. If you are touring in an Apollo campervan, plan parking in advance and enjoy the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Why do people go to the Australian War Memorial?

Travellers come for the powerful blend of history, architecture and remembrance. The Memorial honours more than 103,000 Australians who have died in service, and the significance is clear as you enter the Commemorative Area. The cloisters hold the Roll of Honour, bronze panels inscribed with names that invite visitors to pause and reflect. At the heart sits the Hall of Memory beneath a striking copper-clad dome and stained glass, housing the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier. Outside, the Pool of Reflection and the Eternal Flame create a still, contemplative place to gather your thoughts.

Inside, galleries share the human experience of conflict from the First World War to the present. Immersive displays, evocative lighting and soundscapes bring to life the stories behind uniforms, letters, artwork and large objects. Many visitors time their day to include the Last Post Ceremony, held each afternoon in the Commemorative Courtyard, where a short tribute focuses on an individual named on the Roll of Honour.

What to see at the Australian War Memorial

Start in the permanent galleries to trace Australia’s wartime journey across the First and Second World Wars, and through Korea and Vietnam, with evolving displays that address more recent operations. Highlights for many include large-scale centrepieces such as the Avro Lancaster G for George from the collection and a Vietnam era Iroquois helicopter. Note that G for George is currently displayed off the main site during gallery works, so check what is on view when you visit.

Do not miss the Commemorative Area. Walk the cloisters to read the names on the Roll of Honour, then step inside the Hall of Memory to see its mosaics and stained glass glinting in the filtered light. Outside, the Pool of Reflection and Eternal Flame are ideal for a quiet pause before you explore further. When you need a break, Poppy’s Café offers refreshments, and the Memorial Shop is a good stop for books and thoughtful souvenirs. If the weather is fine, take a few minutes on the forecourt to admire the sightline down Anzac Parade to the lake and across to Parliament House.

How long should I spend at the Australian War Memorial?

Plan for 2-3 hours to see the key galleries and spend time in the Commemorative Area. If you can, add an extra 30 minutes so you are not rushed at the end of the day and can attend the Last Post Ceremony. With young families or a tighter schedule, a focused 60 to 90 minute visit can still cover the main highlights. Dedicated history fans could easily spend a half or full day exploring in greater depth and still have more to return to on a future trip.

How to get to the Australian War Memorial

The Memorial sits at the northern end of Anzac Parade in Campbell. Free visitor parking is available in P1 and P2. These are convenient for vehicles and are a short, signed walk from the entrance. If you feel like stretching your legs, the route along Anzac Parade is a pleasant walk or cycle. There are bike racks behind Poppy’s Café for those arriving on two wheels.

Arriving on foot, you can enter via paved external paths on both sides of the building. The east side includes steps, while the west side has a gentle incline that is suitable for prams and wheelchairs. Inside, lifts connect all public areas, and there are step-free routes and covered ramps at entrances. Allow a little extra time for bag checks at the entrance. Small daypacks and camera bags are fine to carry, while larger items are cloaked for safekeeping during your visit.

Best time to visit the Australian War Memorial

The Memorial is open daily from mid-morning to late afternoon, and closed on Christmas Day. To enjoy the galleries at a relaxed pace, aim to arrive close to opening or during midweek outside school holidays. If you want to experience the Last Post Ceremony, plan your day so you are in the Commemorative Courtyard around 4.30 pm. Expect larger crowds on ANZAC Day on 25 April, when dawn services and commemorations draw many people, and on Remembrance Day on 11 November.

Weather in Canberra

Canberra’s seasons are distinct. Summer is warm and dry, with daytime highs often in the high twenties. Winter is crisp, with chilly mornings and cool, sunny afternoons. Spring and autumn bring mild days that are ideal for walking Anzac Parade and spending time in the Commemorative Area. Whatever the season, dress in layers and carry water, sunscreen and a hat for time outdoors, then a light layer for the cooler, low-lit gallery spaces.

Best place to park your campervan at the Australian War Memorial

Standard vehicles can use the free P1 and P2 visitor car parks. P1 is underground via Fairbairn Avenue with a height clearance of about 2.3 metres, which suits cars and many smaller campers. P2 is accessed from Treloar Crescent.

Taller campervans and motorhomes that exceed the underground clearance may be able to use the signed coach and large vehicle laybys along Treloar Crescent when available, noting that availability can change with works and events. Arriving early in the day helps secure a spot, especially during school holidays and on major commemorative dates. The car parks are for daytime visits, so plan to move on to a designated camping area at the end of your visit. Alternatively, base your campervan at a nearby caravan park and use public transport to get the the Australian War Memorial.

For overnight stays, several caravan parks sit within a short drive. Alivio Tourist Park in O’Connor offers powered sites in a leafy setting close to the city. Discovery Parks Canberra in Gungahlin (formerly Canberra Park) provides modern amenities and easy access from main roads. Canberra Holiday Village in Symonston is a practical budget option on the southern side of town. A little further out, Capital Country Holiday Park near Sutton combines space with full facilities. If you prefer a nature base, look to campgrounds in the nearby ranges for a bush setting before or after your city highlights. Most of these options are within a short drive, making it easy to return early the next morning.

Visitor tips for a smooth visit

Behave and dress respectfully throughout your time at the Memorial, especially in the Commemorative Area.
Photography is welcome in most spaces, but be mindful of signage and other visitors.
Food and drink are not permitted in the galleries, so plan to refuel at Poppy’s Café or outdoors.
Families are well catered for with pram-friendly routes and lifts. Children should stay close to their accompanying adults, particularly during ceremonies and in low-lit displays.
If you’re travelling with sensitive listeners, note that some exhibits use realistic soundscapes.
Outside, Anzac Parade and the forecourt are exposed to the elements, so sun protection in summer and warm layers in winter make a big difference to comfort.
The east approach includes steps, while the west approach is a gradual incline.
If you are attending the Last Post Ceremony, arrive early for a good vantage point and allow time to exit the site afterwards with the flow of the crowd.
On commemorative days, public transport is recommended, and rideshare options may be affected by road closures.

Whether you are tracing family history, introducing kids to Australia’s story or seeking a reflective hour on a road trip, many visitors find the Australian War Memorial deeply rewarding. It is free to enter, generally easy to navigate and rich in memorable moments, from the hush of the Hall of Memory to the daily Last Post. With an Apollo campervan you can plan your day with flexibility, then roll out to a nearby holiday park or a nature stay to watch the stars. Vehicles are typically collected in major cities such as Sydney, and it pays to check parking rules and campsite bookings ahead of time.

FAQs and quick answers

How long does it take to go through the Australian War Memorial?
Many first-time visitors allow 2–3 hours; history buffs can easily spend half a day or more. Factor in time for the 4:30 pm ceremony if you’d like to attend.
Why is the Australian War Memorial famous?
It’s Australia’s national place of remembrance and understanding of wartime service — a shrine, museum and archive of international standing, aligned on Canberra’s ceremonial axis.
Is the Australian War Memorial free?
Yes. Entry is free and tickets are not required for general admission or the Last Post Ceremony (4:30 pm daily).
What time is the Last Post Ceremony?
4:30 pm daily, with galleries starting to close from 3:40 pm to prepare.
Can I just walk in?
Yes. Public areas and galleries are open 10 am–4 pm; you can walk in during opening hours. Tours and events may require bookings.