Anzac Square in Brisbane is Queensland’s main war memorial: a landscaped square on Ann Street with the Shrine of Remembrance and the Eternal Flame at its centre, and three free Memorial Galleries underneath. It sits directly across from Central station, so it is one of the easiest memorials in the state to reach.
Most people come to walk through the parkland, see the Shrine and spend time in the galleries. It is a quiet place to sit in the middle of the CBD, and it is free.
The Shrine of Remembrance and Eternal Flame
The Shrine is a circular memorial of stone columns, reached by twin staircases beside shallow reflecting pools. The Eternal Flame burns in a bronze urn at its centre. The Shrine and square were dedicated on 11 November 1930, and Anzac Square was the first state Anzac memorial in Australia, honouring those who died in the First World War.
Three paths, one each for the Army, Navy and Air Force, run through the parkland and meet at the Shrine. Over the years the square has gained further memorials, including the Queensland Women’s War Memorial (1932), Korean and Vietnam War memorials, and a bronze memorial to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service men and women (2022).
The square is on the Queensland Heritage Register, and Brisbane City Council has cared for it since 1933.
Anzac Square Memorial Galleries
Beneath the Shrine, the three Memorial Galleries tell the Queensland war story. The World War I Memorial Crypt is the starting point, with ornate plaques honouring the service and sacrifice of Queenslanders. The World War II Gallery follows, lined with memorial plaques. The Post World War II Gallery covers Queensland’s role in war and peacekeeping, and you can leave a message for the fallen.
The galleries are managed and curated by the State Library of Queensland. Entry is free, photography is allowed, and free guided tours in English are offered.
Anzac Square opening hours
The Memorial Galleries are open Sunday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm. They are closed on Saturdays and on public holidays, except Anzac Day, when they open from 5:30 am to 3 pm. Check the Anzac Square visitor page before you go.
Anzac Day at Anzac Square
Anzac Square is the main site for Queensland’s Anzac Day and Remembrance Day commemorations. On 25 April the galleries open early, at 5:30 am, and close at 3 pm. For service times and any access changes, check the Anzac Square website and Brisbane City Council closer to the day.
Visiting etiquette
- Please do not touch the memorial plaques.
- Do not ride electric scooters in the parklands.
- Certified guide, hearing and assistance dogs are welcome in the galleries if they wear their identity card.
Planning your visit
- Cost: Free, for both the parkland and the galleries.
- Best day: The galleries are closed on Saturdays, so plan a weekday or a Sunday if you want to go inside.
- Tours: Free guided tours cover the people, places and stories of the Queensland war experience. School tours are also offered.
- Maps: A gallery map and a parkland map are available as PDFs on the visitor page.
- Online: The Anzac Square site also has a free virtual poppy placement and a directory of Queensland war memorials.
Getting to Anzac Square and parking
The address is 285 Ann Street, Brisbane City. From the Brisbane CBD (Queen Street) it is about 1 km, and about 5 minutes by car without traffic.
The easiest way in is by train. Central station is directly across from the Ann Street entrance. The free City Loop and Spring Hill Loop buses also stop at Central station, and ferry riders can use the Riverside and Eagle Street Pier terminals. The City Loop runs Monday to Friday only, while the Spring Hill Loop also runs on weekends (7 am to 7 pm). Check Translink for train services. You can enter the galleries through the double brass doors beneath the Shrine or by the pedestrian rail tunnel from Central station.
There is no parking at the square itself. The official visitor page lists paid car parks at Post Office Square, Wickham Terrace, QueensPlaza and King George Square. Passenger drop-off and pick-up is on Adelaide Street, just past Anzac Square.
Nearby
- Queen Street Mall – Brisbane’s main shopping strip, for lunch after the galleries.
- Brisbane City Hall – the clock tower is visible from the square.
- Museum of Brisbane – the city’s history museum, inside City Hall.
- Roma Street Parkland – more green space in the city.
- Brisbane City Botanic Gardens – gardens also in the CBD.
- More like this: history and landmarks across South East Queensland, or everything in Brisbane.
Quick answers
Is Anzac Square free to visit?
Yes. Entry to the parklands and the Memorial Galleries is free.
What are the Anzac Square opening hours?
The Memorial Galleries are open Sunday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, and closed Saturdays and public holidays except Anzac Day, when they are open 5:30 am to 3 pm.
Where is Anzac Square and how do I get there by public transport?
It is at 285 Ann Street, Brisbane City, directly across from Central station. The free City Loop and Spring Hill Loop buses stop at Central station.
Is there parking at Anzac Square?
Not at the square. Paid car parks are at Post Office Square, Wickham Terrace, QueensPlaza and King George Square.
Is Anzac Square wheelchair accessible?
All entrances and areas in the Memorial Galleries are wheelchair accessible. Drop-off and pick-up is on Adelaide Street.
Can I take photos in the galleries?
Yes, photography is allowed. Please do not touch the memorial plaques.
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