Welcome to the Shrine of Remembrance
The Shrine of Remembrance is Victoria's principal memorial honouring the service and sacrifice of Australians in war and peacekeeping.
This iconic Melbourne landmark serves as a unique blend of museum, gardens, and memorial, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Beyond its stunning architecture, it houses real-life stories of Australians in wartime. It is a space for peaceful reflection and curiosity, offering moving commemorative areas, captivating exhibitions, and panoramic views of the surrounding gardens and Melbourne skyline.
Open daily 10am–5pm (last entry 4:30pm). Closed: Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Admission to the Shrine is free and no tickets or bookings are required. Donations are appropriate and appreciated.
Getting here
We are located on Birdwood Avenue and St Kilda Road, 1.3km from Flinders Street Railway Station. You can walk or catch a tram from the city.
Public transport
Take any southbound tram from Federation Square (except route number 1) to Stop 19 Shrine of Remembrance.
Parking
- The nearest car parking is on Birdwood Avenue and St Kilda Road (ticketing available at parking meters)
- Designated coach parking bays are located on the Shrine side of Birdwood Avenue
- Disabled Access bays are opposite the Shrine on both sides of Birdwood Avenue
Highlights
Crypt
Situated in the centre of the memorial, the Crypt commemorates the fighting units of the First World War and houses the Father and Son sculpture, depicting two generations who served in the World Wars (1914-18 and 1939-45).
Galleries
The Galleries offer insights into stories spanning over 100 years of Australian wartime experiences. Featuring both permanent and special exhibits, they depict Australian service and sacrifice on the frontlines and at home. You'll find over 800 artworks, historical items, interactive multimedia, rare pictures, and films on display. See current exhibitions.
Sanctuary
The Sanctuary is the most sacred part of the Shrine, a place of quiet reflection and ceremonial activities. The Stone of Remembrance is in the centre of the Sanctuary. It is symbolic of a gravestone for Victorian servicepeople buried overseas and in unmarked graves. A ray of light illuminates the word LOVE on the stone every half hour, as it does naturally at 11am on the 11th November (Remembrance Day).
Balcony
The Balcony provides unique perspectives of the Shrine and the more than 250 memorial trees and features of the 13-hectare Shrine Reserve. Unmatched panoramic views of Melbourne highlight the Shrine’s prominent position and significance.
Second World War Memorial Forecourt
The forecourt is a memorial to the Second World War. It is in the shape of a cross and includes flagpoles, the Cenotaph, and the Eternal Flame, which has burned since 1954. This is the site of all major remembrance services. On Anzac Day (25 April), up to 85,000 people gather here to observe the Dawn Service.
Guided tours
Daily 45-minute walking tours (English) depart from the Visitor Centre hourly (except midday). Book a tour online(opens in a new window) or from the information desk on the day.
Visitor centre and shop
The Visitor Centre is the starting point for entering the Shrine and commencing tours. Our shop offers gifts, books and souvenirs, as well as coffee and light refreshments.
Visitor map
Visitor maps are available upon arrival at the Shrine, or view a digital version(opens in a new window).
Accessibility
- The Visitor Centre and the Education Centre are step-free.
- The Galleries, Crypt and Sanctuary are accessible by lift. The lift does not extend to the Balcony.
- Wheelchairs are available for loan during your visit (subject to availability).
Updated