Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne
A solemn memorial honoring Australian wartime service, featuring impressive architecture, moving exhibits, and panoramic city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A solemn memorial honoring Australian wartime service, featuring impressive architecture, moving exhibits, and panoramic city views.
"A beautifully designed and deeply moving memorial that honours those who served."
🎯 Free City Views
Head to the upper balcony for stunning, free panoramic views of Melbourne. Great for photos! :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Easy Tram Access
Take tram routes 3, 5, 6, 16, or 64 to the Shrine of Remembrance stop. Google Maps is helpful. :bus:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Upper Terrace Views
Upper Balcony
Soak in breathtaking panoramic views of the Melbourne skyline and surrounding gardens. A perfect free photo spot.
+1
The Hall of Remembrance
Central Chamber
Experience the solemnity of the Eternal Flame and the symbolic Ray of Light ceremony.
Wartime Exhibitions
Galleries
Discover moving stories and artifacts detailing Australia's wartime contributions and sacrifices.
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Profound Experience
+1Timing Your Visit for Reflection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free City Views
Head to the upper balcony for stunning, free panoramic views of Melbourne. Great for photos!
🚶♀️ Easy Tram Access
Take tram routes 3, 5, 6, 16, or 64 to the Shrine of Remembrance stop. Google Maps is helpful. :bus:
☀️ Ray of Light Ceremony
Witness the symbolic Ray of Light illuminate the Stone of Remembrance at 11 am daily. :sunrise:
📸 Photography Etiquette
While general photos are allowed, check photography rules for specific areas or events. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free City Views
Head to the upper balcony for stunning, free panoramic views of Melbourne. Great for photos!
🚶♀️ Easy Tram Access
Take tram routes 3, 5, 6, 16, or 64 to the Shrine of Remembrance stop. Google Maps is helpful. :bus:
☀️ Ray of Light Ceremony
Witness the symbolic Ray of Light illuminate the Stone of Remembrance at 11 am daily. :sunrise:
📸 Photography Etiquette
While general photos are allowed, check photography rules for specific areas or events. :camerawithflash:
🙏 Respectful Visit
Remember this is a place of solemn remembrance. Dress and behave respectfully.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Shrine of Remembrance for its profound emotional impact, stunning architecture, and breathtaking city views. It's lauded as a beautifully designed, deeply moving memorial that honors Australian wartime service with dignity. While the exhibits are informative and touching, some find the solemn atmosphere best suited for quiet contemplation.
"A beautifully designed and deeply moving memorial that honours those who served. The architecture is striking, with panoramic views of Melbourne from the upper balcony. Inside, the exhibits are thoughtfully curated, offering both history and reflection. The Eternal Flame and the Ray of Light ceremony add a solemn touch. Peaceful gardens surround the shrine, making it a place of both remembrance and quiet contemplation. A must-visit for anyone in Melbourne."
Proride Motorsport
"I were surprised there is no charge for visiting Shrine of Remembrance. Donations are accepted. Great place to visit and learn about Australian military involvement around the world 🌎
The architecture is impressive and the view of the city is breathtaking. Thank you all who sacrifice to keep us safe. Peace be on earth 🌎 🙏"
Long Pham
"The Shrine of Remembrance is a truly beautiful monument, both architecturally and emotionally. Its peaceful inner gardens are perfect for photos 👑, and the interior offers rich insights and stories that invite you to pause and reflect.
It has that sacred, temple-like vibe that evokes a deep sense of remembrance and contemplation of history.
🌟 Pro tip: don’t miss the rooftop terrace —you’ll get a stunning 360° view of the city. The skyline and the sky become the main characters. It’s a perfect spot to just sit, breathe, and take it all in."
Tomas Orrego
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take a tram. From Flinders Street Station, catch any tram (except route #1) down St Kilda Road and alight at the Shrine of Remembrance stop. Google Maps can provide real-time directions. +1
Yes, there is parking available nearby, making it convenient for those driving.
Yes, it's approximately a 1.5km walk down St Kilda Road from Flinders Street Station, which can be a pleasant stroll through the gardens.
The Shrine of Remembrance is located at St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia.
The Shrine is generally accessible, with ramps and lifts available to help navigate different levels. It's advisable to check their official website for specific accessibility details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Shrine of Remembrance is completely free. Donations are gratefully accepted to support its upkeep and educational programs.
The Shrine is typically open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. However, it's always a good idea to check their official website for any changes or special event hours.
Yes, the Shrine is a focal point for Anzac Day commemorations, including the dawn service. Be aware that it will be very crowded on this day.
No, tickets are not required as entry is free. You can visit anytime during opening hours.
Yes, donations are encouraged and help maintain the Shrine and its important work.
📸 📸 Photography
General photography for personal use is permitted in most areas. However, professional photography, including engagement and wedding photos, may require permission and adherence to specific guidelines.
While general visitor photos are usually fine, some visitors have reported being asked to move on when taking photos on the steps, especially during busy periods or for posed shoots. It's best to be mindful of others and the solemn nature of the site.
The upper terrace offers spectacular panoramic views of the Melbourne skyline, making it a prime spot for photos. The surrounding gardens also provide beautiful backdrops.
Yes, drone usage is generally prohibited in the vicinity of the Shrine to maintain the peace and respect of the memorial. Always check current regulations before flying drones.
Filming for commercial purposes or documentaries typically requires prior approval. For personal vlogs or social media content, be discreet and respectful.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Ray of Light ceremony occurs daily at 11 am when a beam of sunlight shines through an aperture in the ceiling to illuminate the Stone of Remembrance. It's a poignant moment symbolizing remembrance.
Inside, you'll find the Hall of Remembrance with the Eternal Flame, informative exhibitions detailing Australia's wartime history, and the Galleries of Remembrance.
Yes, guided tours are often available and provide deeper insights into the Shrine's history, architecture, and the stories of those it commemorates. Check their website for schedules.
The Shrine is surrounded by beautiful, peaceful gardens, including the Coronation Garden and the Remembrance Garden, offering serene spaces for reflection and are popular for photos.
Yes, there is a gift shop where you can purchase books, souvenirs, and other items related to military history and remembrance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Encourage children to explore the gardens and enjoy the panoramic city views from the upper terrace, which can be a highlight for younger visitors. Discussing the importance of remembrance in an age-appropriate manner can foster a sense of civic duty and historical awareness. Consider visiting during quieter weekday hours to allow for a more relaxed experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Be mindful of photography etiquette, particularly regarding posed shoots like engagement or wedding photos, as these may require prior permission and adherence to specific rules.
🚶 Budget Travelers
+1Combine your visit with a walk through the adjacent Botanic Gardens for a full day of free exploration. The stunning city views from the upper terrace are another fantastic free perk. Getting there via public transport is also cost-effective, with trams stopping right outside.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architecture and Symbolism
Visitors often remark on the striking symmetry of the Shrine's design, which contributes to its peaceful and ordered atmosphere. The surrounding gardens are equally important, providing a tranquil setting for contemplation and offering beautiful vistas of the Melbourne skyline. The interplay between the monumental architecture and the natural landscape creates a powerful and moving experience for all who visit.
Many find the Shrine's design to be sacred and temple-like, enhancing the feeling of deep remembrance and historical contemplation. The upper terrace is frequently highlighted for its stunning 360-degree views, making it a popular spot for visitors to pause and absorb the surroundings.
+1Understanding the Exhibitions
Visitors consistently praise the informative and touching nature of the exhibits. They provide context and humanize the historical events, allowing for a profound connection to the past. The displays cover a wide range of conflicts, from World War I to more recent operations, ensuring a broad understanding of Australia's involvement in global events.
Beyond the historical facts, the exhibitions often focus on the personal impact of war, featuring letters, diaries, and photographs from those who served and their families. This personal touch makes the experience particularly resonant and encourages empathy and reflection on the human cost of conflict.
Commemorative Events and Anzac Day
Attending an event like the Anzac Day dawn service is a powerful experience, connecting attendees to a shared national identity and a profound sense of respect for those who made sacrifices. The atmosphere is one of unity and solemn remembrance, often described as deeply moving.
While Anzac Day is a major event, the Shrine also hosts other ceremonies and commemorations throughout the year. These events reinforce the Shrine's role as a living memorial, ensuring that the sacrifices of past generations are never forgotten and continue to inspire present and future Australians.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit