Memorials and Commemorative Works

Canberra is the symbolic heart of Australia. It reflects and symbolises Australian society, Australian culture and Australian diversity. Many memorials and commemorative works are located in Commonwealth Park and Kings Park on the northern shore of Lake Burley Griffin and the Parliamentary Zonesouth of the lake. Key points of interest are:

    1. The R G Menzies Walk follows the northern shoreline of Lake Burley Griffin from Commonwealth Avenue Bridge to Kings Avenue Bridge. It commemorates Sir Robert Gordon Menzies, Prime Minister of Australia from 1939 to 1941 and 1949 to 1966.
    2. The Captain Cook Memorial Globe and Water Jet commemorate Captain James Cook's landing on the east coast of Australia in 1770.
    3. Anzac Parade is the national capital’s major ceremonial avenue with various military memorials lining the length of the parade.
    4. The Australians of the Year Walk on the southern foreshore has a plaque recognising the achievements of each award recipient.
    5. The International Flag Display on the southern shore of Lake Burley Griffin has over 80 flags dedicated to the United Nations and those nations that maintain a diplomatic presence in the national capital.
    6. Reconciliation Place, located in the democratic and cultural heart of our nation, is a prominent symbol of reconciliation and its national significance. A pathway of artworks link the High Court of Australia and the National Library of Australia.

A good way to explore these and many other commemorative works is to take a self guided tour. A range of tour brochures can be downloaded from the National Capital Authority website or collected from the National Capital Exhibition, Barrine Drive, Commonwealth Park.

Anzac Parade Walking Tour Podcast

Experience the national capital's major ceremonial way with the Anzac Parade Walking Tour Podcast.

Choose between the full tour or http://www.nationalcapital.gov.au/downloads of individual memorials. Create your own tour of memorials of personal interest.

Discover the symbolism and stories behind the memorials that line Anzac Parade, including information provided by veterans involved in selected conflicts.
The full takes approximately one hour including walking time.

Available downloads