Canberra's most rewarding museum experience includes halls dedicated to WWI, WWII and conflicts from 1945 to the present day. A spectacular aircraft hall segues to sound-and-light shows staged in the massive Anzac Hall. Most exciting are Striking by Night, recreating a WWII night operation over Berlin (staged on the hour), and Over the Front: the Great War in the Air (at a quarter past the hour).
Entry to the museum is via a Commemorative Courtyard with a roll of honour of the nation's war dead. Family members have attached bright-red paper poppies to the names of their fallen relatives. These poppies of remembrance reflect those that flowered on the battlegrounds of Belgium, France and Gallipoli in the spring of 1915.
Behind the courtyard is the mosaic-encrusted Hall of Memory. This is home to the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier, representing all Australians who have given their lives during wartime.
Free guided tours leave from the main entrance's Orientation Gallery regularly. Alternatively, purchase the Self-Guided Tour leaflet with map ($5).
