Holidaymakers and visitors reach record number this Christmas period

Holidaymakers and visitors have descended on Canberra and the Australian War Memorial in record numbers this Christmas holiday period.

Last week the Memorial had 30,378 visitors – an increase of 17% on the previous year, which was in itself a record with the opening of the new First World War galleries to the public.

Large numbers visited the Memorial’s exhibitions and galleries, as well as attending the Last Post Ceremony and staying for the Commemorative Area late night openings throughout January.

In addition, there are a range of activities for young and old as part of the Memorial’s summer program, which also includes:

• Free tours
• Children’s holiday programs
• Film screenings
• Viewing of Mephisto (the world’s rarest tank)
• Public talks

While the late night openings will run through to the end of January, the bulk of the Memorial’s summer program will run through to the end of February.

For more information, go to www.awm.gov.au/visit