The Sir John Monash Centre tells Australia’s story of the Western Front in the words of those who served. Set on the grounds of the Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery in northern France, and adjacent to the Australian National Memorial, the Sir John Monash Centre is the hub of the Australian Remembrance Trail along the Western Front,
This cutting-edge multimedia centre reveals the Australian Western Front experience through a series of interactive media installations and immersive experiences. The SJMC App, downloaded on each visitor’s personal mobile device, acts as a ‘virtual tour guide’ over the Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery, the Australian National Memorial and the Sir John Monash Centre. The experience is designed so visitors gain a better understanding of the journey of ordinary Australians — told in their own voices through letters, diaries and life-size images — and connect with the places they fought and died. A visit to the Sir John Monash Centre will be a moving experience that leaves a lasting impression.
A visit to the Centre will vary in length, based on your interests, but we recommend allowing approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. To gain the full experience of the Centre, visitors need to use their own mobile devices, headphones or ear buds, combined with the SJMC App. Free Wi-Fi access is available across the site.
The Sir John Monash Centre is located just behind the Australian National Memorial. Follow signage from the information building next to the car park and walk up the Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery to the Memorial. Once you are in front of the Memorial, signage indicates access to the Centre through the pavilions on each side of the Memorial and down the ramps.
he Australian National Memorial, located behind the Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery honours the Australian soldiers who fought in France and Belgium, and who lie under the battlefields. The Memorial consists of a central tower, with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, flanked by wing walls commemorating the 10,719 Australian casualties who died in France and who have no known grave. During the Second World War the Memorial was used as an observation post by the French and was extensively damaged by German aircraft and ground fire. Although repairs were carried out, some scarring was retained and can still be seen on parts of the Memorial.
Open every day from 10am to 5pm - free
There is a cafe. The SJMC café offers a comfortable and relaxing space to take a break during your visit of the Sir John Monash Centre. Under new management, it provides visitors with a variety of homemade food, cakes, coffee and souvenirs.