State War Memorial

Welcome to the State War Memorial, a renowned establishment and popular tourist attraction located on Kings Park's Fraser Avenue in Australia. This iconic memorial is a significant site that attracts over 40,000 visitors each year for the Anzac Day Dawn Service, along with numerous wreath-laying ceremonies.

Situated on Mount Eliza, overlooking Perth Water, the State War Memorial Precinct encompasses various features such as the Cenotaph, Court of Contemplation, Flame of Remembrance, and Pool of Reflection. Throughout the parklands, you will find memorials dedicated to different battles, military units, prisoners of war, and other groups.

If you are interested in hosting a memorial service or booking the precinct for film and photography purposes, please note that joint approval is required from the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority and the Returned and Services League (RSLWA).

The centerpiece of the memorial is an impressive 18-meter granite obelisk, paying tribute to all Western Australians who sacrificed their lives in service to their country. The design closely resembles the Australian Imperial Force Memorials in France and Belgium. The sturdy concrete foundations are accompanied by robust brick walls, enclosing an inner crypt. The undercroft's internal walls proudly display the names of over 7,000 servicemen who lost their lives in World War I due to combat or illness. Construction of the Cenotaph began in 1928 under the guidance of honorary architect General Sir J. Talbot Hobbs and was officially unveiled in 1929 by the State Governor Sir William Campion, coinciding with the Centenary of Western Australia.

Bronze plaques adorning the exterior walls of the undercroft bear the names of nearly 4,000 Australians who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. The names of fallen heroes from subsequent conflicts are also included. Below the Cenotaph, you will find the Roll of Honour, consisting of marble tablets commemorating all servicemen and women from Western Australia who passed away in the Boer War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. Additionally, glass cases enclose the colors of esteemed military units such as the 1st, 2nd, 11th, 16th, 28th Infantry Battalions, and the 10th Light Horse Regiment.

Honoring the 2,500 brave soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who lost their lives during the Gallipoli campaign of 1915, a dedicated plaque stands in their memory. This area beneath the Cenotaph was aptly renamed Anzac Bluff in 1974, resembling the site where these soldiers first landed at Gallipoli.

The Court of Contemplation, located on the western side of the precinct, was unveiled on 6 November 1955 by Sir Charles Gairdner. This solemn space commemorates fallen Western Australians and features walls adorned with the names of significant battlefields.

The Pool of Reflection houses the everlasting Flame of Remembrance, which was inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II on 1 April 2000. This eternal flame symbolizes the unwavering promise of all Western Australians to remember and honor the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women.

Please note that parking within Kings Park is restricted to visitors only.

In addition to its historical significance, the State War Memorial offers unique opportunities for creative expression. We invite crochet and knitting enthusiasts to join us in creating the most Instagrammable arch of the year.

Thanks to the overwhelming support from the Perth community, Kings Park's vital conservation efforts have a bright future, especially through the Lightscape initiative.

To coincide with the 70th anniversary of the armistice, a new memorial honoring Australian servicemen and women who fought in the Korean War has been unveiled in Kings Park.

We welcome you to visit the State War Memorial and pay tribute to the brave individuals who have served our country. Entry is free, and the memorial is open daily. For more information, please contact us at ( 61 8) 9480 3600 or email enquiries@bgpa.wa.gov.au.