The Australian War Memorial

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The Australian War Memorial is located in Canberra, Australia’s capital.

Canberra is a beautifully laid-out city with about 350,000 people making it the 8th largest in the country. A stop in Canberra is something you should consider for your Australia itinerary, and the Australian War Memorial is a must-visit.

I was fortunate to visit this fine city in October of 2011 as part of a Southern Capitals Tour offered by AATKings. Our tour took us from Sydney to Melbourne with an overnight in Canberra. The coolest thing about our arrival that day was that we had just missed the Queen of England who was in town to pay her respects at the Memorial. We got to see the wreath she left behind during our tour.

The Australians use the red poppy flower as a symbol of remembrance for the fallen soldiers. The walls are lined with poppies stuck amongst the names. We were actually given poppies to show our respect at the tomb of the unknown soldier. That is where the wreath above was laid by the Queen.

A visit to this place will show you just how similar the histories of Australia and the United States are. It also gives history and insight into our alliance during the war. The Australian War Memorial has three parts. The first is the Commemorative Area (shrine), including the Hall of Memory with the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier. The second is the museum. The third part is the Research Centre. The Memorial also has an outdoor Sculpture Garden. The Memorial is currently open daily from 10 am until 5 pm, except on Christmas Day. A unique thing about this place is you have a direct view of the Parliament House despite no roads that provide a direct link. Each year on April 25, they celebrate ANZAC Day. Anzac day is a day to remember the Australian who served and died in all war, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. Not unlike our own Memorial Day.

Be sure to consider a visit to one of the world’s greatest museums. It will be a moving and unforgettable experience you are not to forget!

 


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslThe Australian War Memorial
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