Australian War Memorial

Canberra

Picture Galleries

An absolute must-see destination in Australia's capital of Canberra is the inspiring War Memorial and museum centered on the nation's military history.

The internationally recognised Australian War Memorial has a host of exhibitions, displays and dioramas covering the British Colonial Wars right through to the War Against Terror.

It is easy to get to and is one of the most splendid museums this traveller has visited anywhere in the world.

You can look at the equipment used during the Boer War (1899 to 1902), check out quaint World War One (1914-1918) tanks and ambulances, ponder on uniforms, guns and battle trophies from World War Two (1939-1945) and even listen to a light and sound display based on the captured and surprisingly large Japanese mini-sub used in the attacks on Sydney in 1942.

The much-neglected Korean War (1950-1953) is displayed, as is Vietnam and more recent military endeavours in East Timor and Afghanistan.

But the musuem is only part of any trip to the AWM. The main purpose should be to take a quiet moment and just walk around the poppy-filled Roll of Honour to remember the 102,000 Australians who have died in war.

The roll flanks both sides of the Pool of Reflection and is the perfect place to think about relatives, friends and old comrades who fell while serving Australia.

While there one should also visit the domed Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier, which lies in an impressively quiet memorial just up the steps from the Pool of Reflection. Inside, the dark resting place is dominated by statues and four giant stained-glass windows depicting the various arms of Australia's military.

It is well worth spending time in these three areas of the AWM because there is a tranquility to be savoured and a sadness to be endured.

Entry to the AWM is free, however, you can make donations to help maintain this important and wonderful icon.

And a note about security. You will be asked to check in bags when you arrive and it is all done in a friendly way by the terrific staff who work at the museum.