Anzac Memorial is the principal war memorial of New South Wales, standing at the southern end of Hyde Park at 126 Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW 2000. Designed by architect C. Bruce Dellit in Art Deco style and opened in 1934, it commemorates Australians who served in the First World War and later conflicts. Travelers come for its pink granite exterior, sculptor Rayner Hoff’s powerful sculptures, and a free museum telling stories of service and sacrifice.
What to Expect at Anzac Memorial
The building rises above the Pool of Reflection, its granite facade lined with buttresses topped by Hoff’s seated figures and bronze reliefs. Inside, the Hall of Memory centres on a domed ceiling studded with 120,000 gold stars, one for each man and woman from New South Wales who enlisted in the First World War. Below, visitors look down onto Hoff’s bronze sculpture Sacrifice, depicting a fallen soldier carried on a shield.
The 2018 Centenary Extension, designed by Johnson Pilton Walker, added the Hall of Service beneath the forecourt, where soil collected from more than 1,700 NSW communities linked to enlistees is displayed. The lower-level galleries hold uniforms, letters, medals and photographs covering conflicts from the Boer War to modern peacekeeping.
- Hall of Memory: The domed Art Deco sanctuary with its ceiling of golden stars.
- Sacrifice: Rayner Hoff’s bronze centrepiece, viewed from the balustrade above.
- Hall of Service: Soil samples from NSW towns and the Fountain of Tears cascade.
- Pool of Reflection: The long pool linking the memorial with Hyde Park’s avenue of figs.
- Exhibition Galleries: Rotating and permanent displays of artifacts and personal service stories.
Anzac Memorial at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 126 Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW 2000 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Hyde Park South, Sydney CBD |
| Operating Hours | Daily 9AM-5PM |
| Admission / Price Range | Free entry |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Museum Station (T2/T3/T8) across the road; St James Station nearby; paid CBD parking only |
| Official Website & Phone | anzacmemorial.nsw.gov.au, +61 2 8262 2900 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive at 9AM for the quietest Hall of Memory, and check the official website for free guided tours and commemorative events; Anzac Day (25 April) and Remembrance Day (11 November) draw large crowds. Museum Station sits directly opposite on Liverpool Street, and buses along Elizabeth Street stop at the park’s edge. Street parking is scarce, so use transit.
A lift provides step-free access between the forecourt, Hall of Memory and lower galleries, with accessible toilets on site. Afterward, walk five minutes to the Australian Museum on College Street, stroll north through Hyde Park to the Archibald Fountain and St Mary’s Cathedral, or head ten minutes south to Haymarket’s dining around Darling Square.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Anzac Memorial open?
It opens daily from 9AM to 5PM. Weekday mornings are calmest.
Does it cost anything to visit?
Entry is free and no booking is needed for general visits. Group tours should be arranged through the official website.
How long should I spend there?
Allow one to 1.5 hours for both halls and the galleries. Add time for a walk through Hyde Park.
Is it accessible and suitable for children?
Lifts serve all levels and accessible toilets are available. Children are welcome, though visitors are asked to keep voices low in the Hall of Memory.
When planning your Sydney travel guide or browsing verified museums in Sydney, pair this stop with standout local spots including Park Hyatt Sydney, The Grace Sydney, The Olive Tree, and The Big Bullets (nearby).
