Why everyone should visit Australia’s War Memorial
More than one million people visit the Australian War Memorial in Canberra each year and in 2016 it was named the nation’s top attraction in the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards. Here’s why it’s so special.
While the War Memorial is structured around Australia’s service in wars from the colonial period to the present day, it is about much more than simply the military. The memorial paints a picture of Australia as a nation and how we have evolved over time. It is a world-class museum, a shrine and a huge archive that creates a moving and insightful experience for visitors.
The most recent addition to the memorial is the new permanent exhibition in the First World War galleries, opened in 2014 to mark the centenary of the war. It holds one of the world’s greatest collections of materials related to the First World War with uniforms, machinery and weapons, medals, art, photographs, film and personal items like letters and diaries. It covers all the theatres of operations, including Gallipoli, the Western Front, the Middle East, the war at sea and the home front.
There are extensive galleries covering the Second World War, Korean War, Vietnam War and recent conflicts such as Afghanistan. Walk through the Hall of Valour to see the inspiring and courageous Australians who have been awarded the Victoria Cross or George Cross for their extraordinary actions during the time of war.
The Hall of Memory is the most somber and moving part of the War Memorial. It can only be reached by walking past the names of more than 100,000 Australians who have given their lives in service of the country. Its centerpiece is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In 1993, to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the First World War, the body of an unidentified soldier was brought from the Adelaide Cemetery near Villiers-Bretonneaux in France and interred in the tomb. He serves as a representation of all soldiers killed in war.
Don’t miss the daily calling of the Last Post, which takes place at 4.55pm. The ceremony starts with the Australian national anthem and visitors are invited to lay floral tributes beside the Pool of Reflection. Each day, the story of one of the fallen soldiers listed on the Roll of Honour is told. The Last Post closes the ceremony. It is a powerful experience that gives visitors the chance to reflect upon the sacrifices of those who serve.
Have you ever been lucky enough to visit the War Memorial and how did you find the experience?
Let us know in the comments.
Related links:
Australia’s most spectacular hot air ballooning locations
Sydney Opera House not Australia’s favourite landmark
10 images from Canberra’s most unique hotel