The Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne is a war memorial dedicated to the Australian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in past wars. Its neoclassical design was inspired by the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus in Athens, Greece – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, let’s step inside this iconic monument together through a series of photos I captured during my visit.
Shrine of Remembrance Address: Google Map
Opening Hours: Open daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (except on Christmas Day)
Admission: Free.
The Shrine of Remembrance is located on St Kilda Road, just a short walk from two other iconic Melbourne landmarks: the National Gallery of Victoria and St Paul's Cathedral. It's easy to visit all three in one day.
The shrine’s design was inspired by the Mausoleum of Mausolus in Athens, Greece – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
From the main hall of the Shrine, I was able to enjoy a sweeping view of the Melbourne skyline. The scenery is even more stunning in autumn, when the trees surrounding the monument turn golden.
This work was started in 1927 to commemorate the Victorians who fought and died in World War I.
Right at the entrance is a display of 4,000 medals of Victorian soldiers who served in World War I.
On the first floor of the memorial will be displayed paintings, artifacts, and documentaries related to the war.
After exploring the exhibition area on the first floor, I climbed to the second floor of the memorial, where there is a balcony with a 360-degree view of Melbourne from above.
You can also combine a visit to the Shrine of Remembrance with the nearby Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (5-minute walk away) to optimize your travel time and explore more places.
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Address: Google Map
This nearly 200-year-old garden is home to over 8,500 plant species, with highlights including tranquil lakes, a cactus garden, a fern gully, and a dedicated children’s play area.
Visitors can join free tours, Aboriginal heritage tours or picnic and take photos in the beautiful natural scenery. This is also a favorite birding location for many photographers.
You can book a guided birding tour on the Botanic Garden’s official website here: Secret Life of Birds | Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria . Tickets are only available a few days a month, so check before you go.
Whenever I need to step away from the city’s rush, this is where I come — to walk quietly under the trees, breathe deeply, and find a little peace without ever leaving Melbourne.
Recently, I searched for a keyword, which is forest bathing – Shinrin-yoku (森林浴), originating from Japan. This is a therapy that helps people connect with nature, reduce stress and improve physical and mental health through walking in the forest, feeling deeply through the senses.
And Botanic garden is a great place for me to do “forest bathing” every week, even every day, because it is located right in the city center, very convenient for traveling.
So I have just completed my journey to explore the Shrine of Remembrance and the Royal Botanic Gardens – two destinations that are iconic to Melbourne . This is truly a great itinerary, where you can both learn about the city’s cultural and historical depths, and enjoy the peace and connection with the fresh nature.
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