Anzac Memorial

Anzac Memorial is a place of commemoration, interpretation and quiet reflection in Hyde Park South, Sydney, listed here in Surry Hills. Opened in 1934 with funds raised by the people of New South Wales, it honours Australians who served and those who lost their lives, directly or indirectly, as a result of the Great War. Its purpose also extends to recognising service personnel and their families across later conflicts and peacekeeping missions.

The building is a major draw in its own right. Designed through the collaboration of sculptor George Rayner Hoff and architect Charles Bruce Dellit, it is recognised by the Memorial as one of Australia’s finest surviving examples of Art Deco. Inside, the heritage building provides a setting for contemplation, while the surrounding precinct includes forecourts, a pool of reflection, a cascading water feature and connecting pathways. Visitors are asked to treat the site respectfully, and food and drinks are not permitted inside.

There is more to explore than the architecture and commemorative spaces. The Memorial hosts public programs including exhibitions, talks and education programs, and its learning work is designed to inform visitors and engage future generations. Its broader activities include a Veteran Artist in Residence program, the Anzac Memorial Trustees Military History Prize and the Ursula Davidson Library. These give the venue relevance for people interested in Australian military history, public art, architecture and the personal stories connected with service and sacrifice.

The Memorial can suit a solo visit, a thoughtful stop during a walk through Hyde Park, or an educational outing for schools and groups. Museum Station is a short walk away, with bus services stopping on Elizabeth Street and Liverpool Street. Wheelchair access is available via the ground floor and Liverpool Street entrance, with lift access to the Hall of Memory on the first floor. Personal photography is permitted in public areas, subject to the site’s guidelines, but the atmosphere should remain considerate of other visitors and the Memorial’s commemorative purpose.