Gardens of Remembrance
There are Gardens of Remembrance in all Australian capital cities and also in Townsville in Queensland and Launceston in Tasmania. The next-of-kin can choose in which garden the memorial is to be. It should be noted that the ACT Garden of Remembrance is not a national memorial and is only for commemoration of those from the surrounding area.
On this page
Australian Capital Territory
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Garden of Remembrance is situated in Canberra within the Woden Public Cemetery, Justinian Street, Phillip. It was officially opened on 9 November 2005 by the Hon. Teresa Gambaro MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Defence.
The ACT Garden of Remembrance has a plaque capacity of 10,000. In addition to the bronze plaques and commemorative walls, the garden features a visitor pavilion, seating and symbolic artwork in a picturesque setting, surrounded by mature Chinese Elm trees.
Back to topNew South Wales
The New South Wales (NSW) Garden of Remembrance was constructed adjacent to the Sydney War Cemetery, within the Rookwood Necropolis, in the early 1960s. The garden was expanded several times and in the late 1980s was completely redeveloped. The new garden was opened by the then Minister for Veterans' Affairs, the Hon. Ben Humphreys MP, on 18 October 1991.
The NSW Garden of Remembrance has a plaque capacity of 100,000 and has recently undergone structural works to provide more commemorative wall space.
The central archway of the main entrance building houses the register books which list the wall and panel number of each individual plaque.
The central pathway between the walls leads to a circular lower bed which contains a red granite stone and commemorative plaque.
The path continues to a fountain which cascades into a gently flowing race of river stones which encircle a steel belvedere. To the rear of the belvedere is an arbour, in which a plaque recording the opening of the redeveloped garden is located. To the left lies the contemplation area and to the right a small summer house.
Throughout spring, summer and autumn the gardens bloom with roses and rosemary - flowers that symbolise remembrance.
Visitor information
- Open sunrise to sunset 7 days
- Office open normally 6.20am to 3pm, Monday to Friday + Anzac Day & Remembrance Day
- Tours of 20+ by arrangement only
- Shelter and seating
- Wheelchair access
- Toilets
- Water
- Plaque location register
- Normally, service on last Sunday before 11/11 — Western Sydney RSL.
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory (NT) Garden of Remembrance is situated within the Thorak Regional Cemetery, Deloraine Road, Berrimah. The garden was officially opened on 19 February 2002 by the then Minister for Veterans' Affairs, the Hon. Danna Vale MP, in the presence of His Honour Mr John Anictomatis, Administrator of the Northern Territory, as well as representatives of the Northern Territory Government, the ex-service community and the Australian Defence Force.
From the main entrance to the garden, a pathway encompasses a central water feature and leads to a visitors' shelter where seating has been placed for visitors' comfort. Within the shelter is a wall mounted display featuring the history of Darwin during the Second World War, in particular the bombing of Darwin. Commemorative plaques are mounted on walls situated both sides of the pathway.
Back to topQueensland
Brisbane
The Queensland Garden of Remembrance is situated within the Pinnaroo Lawn Cemetery at Bridgeman Downs, Brisbane. The original garden was opened in the early 1960s and was extended in 1988. The extensions were officially opened by the then Minister for Veterans' Affairs, the Hon. Ben Humphreys MP, on 21 October 1988.
The Queensland Garden of Remembrance has a plaque capacity of 45,500. The office houses the register books which list the wall and row number of each individual plaque.
A feature of the garden is a large fig tree around which the plaque walls radiate. The entry building houses the plaque recording the opening of the extended garden in 1988. To the right are columns bearing the emblems of the three services. Beyond the columns lies a lily pond.
Upon entering the garden the fig tree is to the left. A watercourse flows through the garden and leads to a cascading waterfall. The path follows the contour of the extended garden. Occasionally placed copper-clad pergolas provide shaded seating areas surrounded by water plants. The creeper which blooms with attractive yellow flowers, and which covers the pergola is the Lady Slipper vine (Thunbergia mysorensis).
The path continues into the original garden where, at the end, a large shelter is provided. This shelter also houses a large dedication plaque.
Visitor information
- Within Pinaroo Lawn Cemetery, Graham Rd, Bridgeman Downs — Open 24/7
- Office open normally 7am to 4pm, Monday to Friday + Anzac Day and Remembrance Day
- Assistance or tour on request
- Shelter and seating
- Wheelchair access
- Toilets
- Water
- Plaque location register at entrance 24/7
- Normally, Anzac Day Dawn Service — Geebung Zillmere RSL
- Occasional 2/26 Inf Bn ceremonies.
Townsville
The North Queensland Garden of Remembrance is situated within Anzac Park, The Strand, Townsville. The Garden was officially opened on 23 March 2005 by the then Minister for Veterans' Affairs Hon. De-Anne Kelly MP.
The North Queensland Garden of Remembrance has a plaque capacity of 5,000.
At the garden entrance, by the entry plinth, a register of plaque locations is provided to help visitors locate plaques. A plan of the garden is also provided.
The central path curves around large trees leading to a visitors' shelter with a water feature and small pool of reflection. Seating is provided in the shelter and at one side of the garden.
Visitor information
- Within Anzac Park, The Strand, Townsville
- Open 24/7
- Wheelchair Access
- Plaque location register
- Office located at the Townsville War Cemetery, Sir Leslie Theiss Drive, Belgian Gardens
- Office open normally 7.20am to 4pm, Monday to Friday + Anzac day, Remembrance Day, Father's and Mother's Day.
South Australia
The South Australian Garden of Remembrance is situated within the Centennial Park Cemetery in Adelaide. The original garden was constructed in the early 1960s. In the late 1980s it was decided to re-locate the garden and the present site was officially opened by the then Minister for Veterans' Affairs, the Hon. Ben Humphreys MP, on 18 March 1988.
The South Australian Garden of Remembrance has a plaque capacity of 30,000.
On the approach road to the garden and adjacent to the car park, there are replicas of an aeroplane propeller, a ship's wheel and a gun carriage wheel. These represent the three services — Air Force, Navy and Army.
Upon entering the garden through the entrance building, an opening plaque may be seen on the left hand wall. The entry building also houses the register books which list the wall and row number of each individual plaque.
Upon passing through the entry building, the reflection pool and a large dedication plaque can be seen. From here a pathway leads into the garden itself. Running through the centre of the pathway is a water course which extends the length of the garden. The water feature passes through a central gazebo and culminates in a fountain. On each side of the main walkway are the commemorative walls. The perimeter of the garden is flanked by trees.
In the centre of the garden is a large contemplation area where visitors can rest.
Visitor information
- Within Centennial Park Cemetery, Goodwood Rd, Pasadena
- Open 6.30am to 7pm, 7 days
- Office open normally 7.21am to 4pm, Monday to Friday + Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and Fathers Day
- Assistance or tour on request
- Shelter and seating
- Wheelchair access + wheelchair available
- Toilets
- Water
- Plaque location register.
Tasmania
There are two OAWG Gardens of Remembrance in Tasmania: at Hobart, situated within the Cornelian Bay Cemetery, Queen's Walk, Hobart; and at Launceston within the Carr Villa Cemetery, Quarantine Road, King's Meadow. These gardens were constructed in the early 1960s and together have a total plaque capacity of 8,700.
Hobart
The Hobart Garden of Remembrance
Structural issues have required the closure and fencing off of parts of the Hobart Garden of Remembrance for safety reasons.
The Office of Australian War Graves recognises that the Garden is a special place for many families and apologises for any inconvenience caused by these necessary precautions.
Work is is underway to address the structural issues.
The Hobart War Cemetery remains open to visitors and can be accessed by the Kingborough Drive entrance. Access to the Garden of Remembrance is available through the Visitor's Room and the War Cemetery.
You can download photos of individual commemorative plaques online at https://www.dva.gov.au/commemoration
Visitor information
- Within Cornelian Bay Cemetery, Queen's Walk, Hobart
- Open 8am to 6 pm, 7 days during winter and 8am to 9pm, 7 days during summer
- Office open normally Monday to Friday, 8am to 4.3opm during winter, 7.30am to 4.30pm spring and summer + Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and Fathers Day
- Assistance on request
- Shelter & seating
- Wheelchair access
- Toilets
- Water
- Plaque location register.
Launceston
The Launceston Garden of Remembrance is accessed through a formal entrance at the western end of the garden. Plaque walls surround the lawn and flower beds and at the rear of the garden is a feature wall displaying the navy, army and air force badges.
The Launceston Garden of Remembrance has recently undergone a major structural renovation in order to provide more commemorative wall space. The work also included the construction of a formal entrance, a visitor shelter and seating.
Visitor information
- Within Carr Villa Cemetery, Quarantine Rd, King's Meadow
- Open to pedestrians 24/7, to vehicles 8am to 5.50pm, 7 days
- Office open normally 7.30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday+ Anzac Day and Remembrance Day
- Assistance on request
- Shelter & seating
- Wheelchair access
- Toilet at office
- Water
- Plaque location register.
Victoria
The Victorian Garden of Remembrance is situated within the Springvale Botanical Cemetery in Melbourne. The original garden was opened in the early 1960s and was extended in 1988. The extensions were officially opened by the then Minister for Veterans' Affairs, the Hon. Ben Humphreys MP, on 3 March 1989.
The Victorian Garden of Remembrance has a plaque capacity of 70,000.
The entry building houses the register books which list the wall and row number of each plaque.
When first entering the garden, the visitor will see, towards the rear, the large granite stone which bears a commemorative plaque collectively honouring all those whose names are inscribed in the garden. On each side of the pathways are walls bearing plaques commemorating individual veterans.
Midway, between the entrance and the commemorative stone, a path leads into the extended Garden of Remembrance. A little way along is the plaque marking the dedication of the extended garden.
The visitor proceeding through the garden will walk through the European Sunken Garden, which is bounded by a covered pergola, then on to an Australian Dry Creek Bed and the Asian Garden. The European and Asian gardens symbolise the main theatres of war in which Australians served during the First and Second World Wars and subsequent conflicts.
The Victorian Garden of Remembrance earned a nomination in the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects award programme.
Visitor information
- Within Springvale Botanical Cemetery , Princes Hwy, Springvale
- Open 7.15am to 5pm, 7 days during winter and 7.15am to 6pm, 7 days during summer
- Office open normally 7.15am to 4pm, Monday to Friday + Anzac Day and Remembrance Day
- Assistance available, tours with notice
- Shelter & seating
- Wheelchair access
- Toilets
- Water
- Plaque location register
- Normally, service on last Sunday before 11/11.
Western Australia
The Western Australian Garden of Remembrance is situated adjacent to the Perth War Cemetery at Smyth Road, Nedlands. The garden was officially opened on 23 October 1966 in the presence of His Excellency the Governor of West Australia, Major General Sir Douglas Kendrew KCMG CB DSO, and Minister of the Interior, the Hon. J.D. Anthony MP.
In 1997 the garden was extended and extensively renovated. It was reopened by the Attorney-General, the Hon. Daryl Williams AM QC MP, on 14 November 1997.
The Western Australian Garden of Remembrance has a plaque capacity of 33,000.
From the main entrance, a central pathway leads to a gazebo where seats have been placed for visitors' comfort. A dedication plaque is located within the gazebo. Mounted below that plaque is a reopening plaque placed in 1997. From the gazebo a feature wall may be seen upon which a plaque has been placed with the inscription 'Their Name Liveth For Evermore'. Internal paths lead to all sections of the garden, including another feature wall displaying the three service emblems. A path also continues around the perimeter of the garden where commemorative plaques have been placed.
Throughout spring, summer and autumn the gardens bloom with lavender and rosemary — flowers that symbolise remembrance.
Visitor information
- Adjacent to Perth War Cemetery, Smyth Rd, Nedlands
- Open to pedestrians 24/7
- Office open normally 7am to 2pm, Monday to Friday + Anzac Day & Remembrance Day
- Assistance available
- Shelter & seating
- Wheelchair access
- Toilets at office
- Water
- Plaque location register at office.