The Shrine is a must-see monument in Melbourne, dedicated to those who have fought for the country. It is located next to the Royal Botanic Gardens walkable distance from Flinders Street Station or the Tourist Information Center at the corner of St. Kilda Road and Flinders Street, just across the river and straight ahead on southbound St Kilda Road.
The Shrine of Remembrance
The monument was created to meet a grieving community’s needs after the extensive loss of lives in the First World War (1914 – 18). 114,000 Victorians enlisted in the First World War. Of the 89,000 of them who served abroad, 19,000 were killed. They were buried in distant graves far from home when most Australians did not travel abroad. The shrine provided a place where Victorians could grieve as individuals, as families or as a community, and honor and preserve the memories of those they had lost.
Anzac Legend – Story of Simpson & His Donkey
John Kirkpatrick, also is known as John Simpson, was a stretcher-carrier with the 3rd Australian Field Ambulance brigade during the Gallipoli campaign. When the allied attempt to capture Constantinople, capital of the Ottoman Empire during the 1st World War, Simpson used donkeys to provide first aid and carry wounded soldiers to the beach, from where they could be evacuated. He continued this work for 24 days, often under fire until he was killed by machine-gun fire before saving almost 300 soldiers under impossible conditions. Simpson and his donkey have become part of the Anzac legend. Now, his statue can be seen right next to the Melbourne Shrine.
The Centerpiece of the Shrine
The centerpiece of the vast chamber inside the Shrine is the solder’s statue and his son back to back in the center. These two figures represent the two generations that have fought in the two great wars.
The shrine was not only built to commemorate those who had served in the First World War. It also honored the courage of the men, women, and children who remained at home.
Speach of Prince Henry Duke of Gloucester
“This noble Shrine has been erected as a symbol of gratitude to those who fought for us…They fought the secure to the world the blessings of peace. It is for us to seek to repay their devotion by striving to preserve that peace, and by caring for those who have been bereaved or afflicted by the war.”
- Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester
Dedication speech, Shrine of Remembrance, 11 November 1934
Where Did I Stay in Melbourne, Australia
Arrived at Melbourne airport very Early in the morning, took a bus to the Central Business District, the bus dropped me off right in front of this centrally located hotel opposite to the Flinders Street Railway Station.
DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne, 270 Flinders Street, Melbourne
DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne, 270 Flinders Street, Melbourne
Located in Melbourne CBD, about 656 foot walk from Federation Square and is opposite the free City Circle Tram stop. Some rooms feature lovely views of the city or the Yarra River.
The Lobby Restaurant specializes in modern Australian cuisine, and The Lobby Bar is the perfect place for a relaxing drink.
Travelodge Hotel Melbourne Southbank, Melbourne
This hotel is centrally located just 1,950 feet from Southbank Promenade on the Yarra River, Travelodge Southbank, offers rooms with private bathroom, kitchenette and cable TV. The popular Bourke Street Mall shopping area is 10 minutes’ walk away.
Have Local Food in Melbourne
Pure South Dining, Southgate Building, 3 Southgate Ave, Southbank
Pure South Dining is a modern, exclusive occasion restaurant in central Melbourne with beautiful scenes down on the Yarra river with a stunning CBD skyline in the background. The food draws influence from growers, fishermen, and artisan farmers of King Island, Flinders Island & Tasmania.
My Opinion and Last Word
Have you been to Melbourne, Australia? Any cool tips to share?
I loved being to this country down under and want to go back again. Hope my story has motivated you to visit Australia.
Please leave a comment below! I’d love to hear from you to improve my knowledge.
Was this travel guide helpful for you?
If you’d like to help me continue making free guides, here is one way you can help:
- Share This Guide – If you have a friend that would benefit from this guide, share it with them. Or post this guide on Facebook, Twitter or Google+
Your Support would definitely help me making more free guides like this. Thank you in advance!
Affiliate Link – This post in Dizzy Traveler contains affiliate links, which means I receive a referral commission if you purchase after clicking at no additional cost to you. These funds go to maintain the site. Thank you for your support.
Planning a Trip?
Here is a few affiliate links that may help plan a perfect trip while staying within budget.
Book Your Sightseeing Trip
With a multitude of beautiful places to visit and a range of exciting sightseeing activities, you are sure to create unforgettable memories. To explore your options, simply click on the affiliate link below.
