Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial

The Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial is a war memorial in Ballarat designed as a long granite wall dedicated to honoring captured soldiers. The structure displays the names of military personnel who were imprisoned during various historical conflicts throughout different eras.

The memorial opened in 2004 following discussions that began during a 1996 commemoration ceremony about the need for a national tribute. The creation aimed to recognize all Australians who suffered as prisoners of war across multiple historical periods.

The memorial draws people who wish to honor Australian soldiers captured during various conflicts and imprisoned far from home. Visitors come to acknowledge the experiences of these prisoners of war and keep their stories alive.

The memorial sits on Carlton Street and is easy to reach with good accessibility for all visitors. On-site materials help you understand the stories of the imprisoned and their experiences during wartime.

The memorial was designed by artist Peter Blizzard and uses natural materials like basalt and granite to express resilience through its architecture. The choice of these sturdy stones mirrors the strength and endurance that the imprisoned soldiers had to show while in captivity.

Location: City of Ballarat

GPS coordinates: -37.55324,143.82148

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:20