Boer War Memorial, Canberra

The Boer War Memorial features four bronze mounted figures navigating a stone field, framed by blue-green copper walls that enclose the central installation along Anzac Parade. The composition merges figurative sculpture with abstract architectural elements into a unified whole.

The memorial honors between 16,000 and 21,000 Australian volunteers who fought in the Boer War from 1899 to 1902, marking Australia's first international military engagement. This experience shaped the nation during its early years of independence.

Bronze plaques display soldiers' handwritten reflections and verses from Banjo Paterson's 1902 poem, connecting visitors directly to personal wartime experiences. These inscriptions convey the immediate thoughts and feelings of those who fought.

The memorial sits openly along Anzac Parade with designated spaces for commemoration ceremonies that facilitate public gatherings. Visitors should be aware that formal ceremonies may temporarily affect access to certain areas during these events.

The four bronze figures employ specific coloring techniques to depict khaki uniforms, tan horses, and black manes, creating a lifelike representation of mounted troops. This attention to metalwork detail gives the memorial a weathered quality that suggests the age and wear of combat.

GPS coordinates: -35.28830,149.14142

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:44