Planning to visit the War Memorial in Canberra? These are the COVID rules you need to know

The Australian War Memorial Canberra is open to tourists but you will need to book, register and use a stylus pen on the touch-screen displays. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the War Memorial has reduced visitor capacity. You must book online if you want to visit the museum or attend the daily Last Post Ceremony. This process is actually great for families as it means the little ones don’t get squashed or crowded and they can see the displays clearly.

Entry is free. However, you will need to choose how long you want to stay and which parts of the museum you would like to see.

Watch the video below to see inside the galleries and commemorative area with COVID restrictions in place. 

Booking tickets to the War Memorial

Head to the Australian War Memorial website to book your tickets and register.

You can book tickets for the Anzac Hall galleries, the Galleries and Commemorative Area or both.

The Anzac Hall galleries contain the War Memorial’s larger exhibits, such as the famous Lancaster bomber “G for George” and a midget submarine. 

The Commemorative Area houses the Commemorative Roll (wall of poppies) and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The Galleries cover the First World War, the Second World War and conflicts from 1945 to today.

Guests can view the current exhibitions, Ink in the Lines and the Napier Waller Art Prize with a Galleries and Commemorative area ticket.

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Check-in

To enter the memorial, you will need to register at the outdoor tables under the gazebo and show your pre-booked tickets.

Make sure you arrive 10 minutes before your allotted time, otherwise you may be denied access.

Staff will then take you through a quick safety briefing.

Your visit

Visitors to the Australian War memorial will need to maintain 1.5m from other guests at all times.

You will only be allowed to flow through the memorial one way and you must use the stylus pens provided at the front desk on the touch-screens. No fingers.

The galleries can be a little long for kids under eight, so consider which exhibits you really want to see.

The COVID restrictions do mean that you don’t feel rushed or crowded. But remember, the tickets are timed for entry, so you need to keep moving.

Don’t forget to drop your stylus pen into the recycling bin at the end. The War Memorial will disinfect it and reuse it for later guests.

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