Western Australia · Attraction
HMAS Sydney II Memorial
Australia's greatest naval tragedy
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
Perched on Mount Scott overlooking Geraldton, the HMAS Sydney II Memorial honours the 645 sailors lost when the warship was sunk on 19 November 1941, the deadliest single naval loss in Australian history. Dedicated in 2001 and declared a National Memorial in 2009, its five sculptural elements form a cohesive and profoundly moving tribute to an event that shook a nation.
The memorial was designed by sculptors Joan Walsh-Smith and Charles Smith and comprises five interconnected elements: the Dome of Souls, the Wall of Remembrance, the Waiting Woman sculpture, the Seven Pillars, and a Pool of Remembrance. Together they guide visitors through grief, memory, and respect in a sequence that rewards slow, quiet contemplation.
Volunteer guides lead free tours daily at 10:30am, weaving personal stories and historical context into a visit that lasts around an hour. Outside tour times the memorial is open around the clock, and the views across Champion Bay at dawn or dusk add an additional layer of reflection.
Entry is completely free. The memorial is widely regarded as one of Western Australia's most significant commemorative sites. Visitors are encouraged to give themselves ample time to move between elements and read the individual names engraved on the Wall of Remembrance.
Scenic views
Lookouts near HMAS Sydney II Memorial.
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