This Canberra monument honors the courage of Australian nurses who served in conflicts from the Boer War onward.
Standing in the heart of Canberra’s parliamentary triangle, the Australian Service Nurses National Memorial offers visitors a quiet space to reflect on the often-overlooked contributions of military nurses. Its curved bronze panels depict nurses at work across decades of service, making it a powerful stop for anyone interested in Australia’s military and medical history.
Designed by sculptor Robin Gibson and dedicated in 1999, the memorial commemorates nurses who cared for Australian troops in the Boer War, both world wars, Korea, Vietnam and later peacekeeping missions. The structure features a central fountain and inscribed names, symbolising the continuity of care from battlefield to home. Its location near Lake Burley Griffin and the Australian War Memorial creates a natural circuit for visitors exploring national remembrance sites.
Walk the circular path around the memorial to view the detailed relief panels showing nurses treating wounded soldiers, evacuating patients and working in field hospitals. The surrounding garden beds contain native plants, providing a peaceful setting for photographs or quiet contemplation. Many visitors combine the site with a visit to the nearby Australian War Memorial, where additional exhibits on nursing service are displayed.
The memorial sits within easy walking distance of the Australian War Memorial and the Parliamentary Triangle. Public buses stop at the War Memorial interchange, and dedicated pedestrian paths link it to the National Gallery and High Court. Cyclists can use the lakeside paths, while drivers will find parking along Anzac Parade and nearby streets.
Canberra’s spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) offer mild weather ideal for outdoor exploration. Early morning or late afternoon light enhances the bronze sculptures, and the site is especially moving on ANZAC Day when official commemorations take place nearby. Summer visits require sun protection, while winter days can be crisp but rarely crowded.
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It stands on Anzac Parade in Canberrau2019s parliamentary triangle, directly opposite the Australian War Memorial and beside Lake Burley Griffin.
Yes. The open design and garden setting make it family-friendly, though parents should supervise near the water feature.
Photography is welcomed for personal use; the curved bronze panels and fountain provide striking backdrops.
The site is self-guided, but the adjacent Australian War Memorial offers regular tours that often reference the nursesu2019 memorial.
Public toilets, cafes and visitor information are available at the Australian War Memorial, a short walk away.
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