Planning your visit

We look forward to welcoming your group to the Memorial. First make sure you have booked your visit; bookings are essential for all visiting school groups.

The Memorial is undergoing major development changes which may affect capacity for Education bookings and school visitors. To manage this impact we have made necessary changes to school bookings, including removing teacher-guided time in the galleries and limiting the length of school visits onsite. Availability will be visible when booking online. As part of these changes, the Discovery Zone has permanently closed for future redevelopment. If you require assistance with planning your visit please contact school.bookings@awm.gov.au

Before you arrive

• You need to advise us of any cancellations or changes to student numbers at least five working days prior to visiting.
• Please note there is a maximum of one accompanying adult to 11 students.
• Accompanying adults are free of charge.
• As the Memorial’s development project continues, there may be changes onsite. Please ensure you have read any correspondence sent from the school bookings team in order to prepare for your visit.
• Requests to view National Collection items (especially if not on display) need to be received two weeks before the school’s visit. Requests are managed in collaboration with the curatorial teams, but the Memorial currently has limited capacity, and viewing may not be possible.

Please review these important documents:

Social story, A primary school visit to the Australian War Memorial

A social story is a guide for visitors with autism or sensory sensitivities. Teachers may wish to download the story below to prepare their students with what to expect when visiting the Memorial with a school group.

Safety

Public liability certificate

When you arrive

• For the safety of all visitors, entry may not be granted for unwell students or teachers.
• Remind students about appropriate behaviour at the Memorial. Teachers continue to have duty of care and responsibility for their group.
• Ensure you bring your completed PACER (Parliament and Civics Education Rebate) paperwork to be stamped.
• Parking: Bus and coach parking will be unavailable from 31 July 2023 to February 2024 due to scheduled construction works as a part of the Memorial’s Development Project. Please note the Schools’ entrance is for drop-off/pick-up only. The Memorials school booking team will provide tour operators and schools with arrival information, including a map, prior to their visit.

While you're here

• Students must leave their bags on the bus. For the safety of the Memorial’s collection, teachers will be asked to wear backpacks on their front or carry them on their side.
• Food and drink is not permitted in the galleries, but bottled water and medication may be brought in.
• No pens are allowed in the galleries. Please only use pencils if necessary.
• Please note that photographs may be taken by Memorial photographers during your visit and uploaded to Flickr.
• Teacher-guided time in the Memorial’s galleries is currently suspended. However, students are welcome to explore the Sculpture Garden in small groups with their teachers following their facilitated program. Download our special map for students and families here.
• Lunches: Schools are welcome to eat at the outdoor picnic areas in the Memorial's grounds, or on the base of Mt Ainslie. The Memorial’s hospitality partner, Trippas White Group, can also arrange lunches for your group (pick up only).

 Sculpture garden map

Attendance at the Memorial’s Last Post Ceremony must be booked in advance using school booking system. For school bookings that include the Last Post Ceremony, two students will lay a wreath on behalf of their school. More information will be provided to participants on arrival.

Don't forget that School Wreath Laying Ceremonies continue to be available and are the commemorative activity designed specifically for visiting school groups.

Still have questions?

Education staff can be reached at school.bookings@awm.gov.au. For urgent enquiries please call (02) 6243 4268 during business hours on weekdays.