Australian War Memorial
A visit to the national capital often includes exploring Australia’s shared heritage, and few places facilitate family connection quite like the Australian War Memorial. Located on Fairbairn Avenue in Campbell, this world-class museum, shrine, and archive serves to tell the country’s continuing story of service and sacrifice. It is a deeply moving space where parents, grandparents, and children can discover history together in a warm, welcoming environment.
The main galleries are open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, though displays progressively close from 4:00 pm. To make a family day out as convenient as possible, the museum offers free entry and complimentary parking. Visitors can use the P1 underground car park, which features a 2.3-metre clearance, accessible spaces, and electric vehicle charging stations, or the P2 outdoor car park off Treloar Crescent, which leads along a pram-friendly path through the beautiful Sculpture Garden.
Australian War Memorial Tickets
When organising a family itinerary, flexibility is key, and visiting this iconic landmark is incredibly straightforward. The Australian War Memorial is open for visitors while it undergoes an extensive gallery expansion, and regular entry is completely free with no tickets required.
To help break up your walk through the extensive collection, the site features two excellent on-site dining options. Poppy’s Café, open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, offers relaxed indoor seating and a lovely outdoor terrace overlooking the grounds. If you are already deep inside the museum, you can pause at The Cove Café. Located in the light-filled Anzac Atrium and open daily from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, it allows families to grab breakfast, lunch, or a quick coffee while surrounded by large technology objects from Australia’s military history.
War Memorial Canberra
The permanent galleries house more than 7,000 fascinating objects from the National Collection, exploring major conflicts from the First and Second World Wars through to modern peacekeeping operations. To keep children engaged, the museum features historical dioramas originally constructed in the 1920s, alongside impressive aircraft and technology displays, including the famous “G for George” bomber in the new Anzac Hall.
Families should note that the galleries utilise low lighting and immersive soundscapes—such as voices, music, and battle sounds—to build a realistic atmosphere. For example, the Vietnam War exhibit inside the Cold War Galleries features an Iroquois helicopter sound and light show at 15 minutes past and 15 minutes to the hour, which is helpful to keep in mind if travelling with children who have sensory sensitivities.
To guide your family through the exhibits, you can join a free 90-minute daily guided tour led by knowledgeable voluntary guides, starting from 10:00 am. Alternatively, self-guided highlights audio tours are available at the Commemorative Desk for $10 AUD per person, with family discounts available. Lasting up to 90 minutes, these portable devices provide engaging commentary in English, Mandarin, and Hindi, and include a free Auslan version with captions for deaf or hearing-impaired visitors. Before heading back to your car, ensure you visit the heart of the memorial: the peaceful Commemorative Courtyard, the Roll of Honour, and the moving Last Post Ceremony, which takes place every afternoon at 4:30 pm.
