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Australian War Memorial Review

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Australian War Memorial

Address: Anzac Parade at Limestone Ave., Campbell, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory | Map It
Phone: 02/6243-4211
www.awm.gov.au

Category: Museums/Galleries, Memorials/Monuments
Location: Central Canberra

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Fodor's Review:

Both as a memorial to Australians who served their country in wartime and as a military museum, this is a shrine of great national importance and the most popular attraction in the capital. The museum, built roughly in the shape of a Byzantine church, explores Australian military involvement from the Sudan campaign of the late 19th century through the 1970s and the Vietnam War. Displays include a Lancaster bomber, a Spitfire, tanks, landing barges, the giant German Amiens gun, and sections of two of the Japanese midget submarines that infiltrated Sydney Harbour during World War II. Each April 25 the memorial is the focus of Canberra's powerful Anzac Day ceremony, which honors fallen members of Australia's armed forces. Free guided tours take place daily at 10, 10:30, 11, 1:30, and 2.

You can best appreciate the impressive facade of the War Memorial from the broad avenue of Anzac Parade. Anzac is an acronym for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, formed during World War I. The avenue is flanked by several memorials commemorating the army, navy, air force, and nursing corps, as well as some of the campaigns in which Australian troops have fought, including the Vietnam War. The red gravel used on Anzac Parade symbolizes the blood of Australians spilled in war.

Cost: Free
Open: Daily 10-5

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