HMAS Canberra Memorial

During World War II the HMAS Canberra served in both the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans. It escorted Australian troops to Singapore in 1942 and in May of that year took part in the Battle of the Coral Sea, providing support for United States Marines at Guadalcanal. On 9 August 1942, at the Battle of Savo Island, the Allied fleet was surprised by a Japanese fleet. The HMAS Canberra was hit 24 times within less than 2 minutes - 84 seamen were lost.

The order to abandon ship was given the next day and the crippled HMAS Canberra was sunk by a torpedo from a United States ship. As a mark of respect, the United States renamed one of its ships, then under construction, the USS Canberra.

The memorial is comprised of 2 components: the bow of the ship and 5 tonne anchor and chain typical of those carried on the HMAS Canberra. It is located at the edge of Lake Burley Griffin because of the association with water.

The HMAS Canberra Memorial and the Merchant Navy Memorial are located on the northern shore of Lake Burley Griffin, near Queen Elizabeth II Island (formerly known as Aspen Island). Access is from Wendouree Drive, off Constitution Avenue or from Kings Avenue (northbound).

HMAS Canberra Memorial is accessible via the pathway within Kings Park.