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Tobruk War Cemetery

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

The Tobruk War Cemetery is a significant memorial site for Commonwealth servicemen who fell during the Siege of Tobruk in World War II. Located in the middle of the barren desert landscape, the cemetery holds the graves of over 2,200 soldiers from Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and South Africa who gave their lives defending this strategically important port city. The site is characterized by its simple architecture, with uniform headstones made of light sandstone arranged in orderly rows. A central Cross of Sacrifice commemorates the bravery of the soldiers who became known as the 'Rats of Tobruk.' The siege, which lasted 242 days, is considered one of the turning points in the North Africa campaign, proving that the Axis powers were not invincible. The cemetery is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and is a place of silence and respect, attracting visitors from all over the world to honor the victims of the conflict.

Location: Libya
Nearby: Madinat Ras Bayad (9 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	12	12	15	18	21	25	27	27	26	22	18	14
Rain mm	43	29	12	5	7	1	0	0	5	21	24	55

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Tobruk War Cemetery is open to the public; the cemetery and memorial can be visited. A respectful and quiet visit is expected.

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Typical hours

The cemetery is usually open during daylight hours. There are no strict closing times - visitors come and go as they please.

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Photography

Photography is allowed but respectful; avoid flash near the headstones. The grounds are well-kept and photogenic.

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Time needed

A visit takes about 30-45 minutes. Combine with other war sites in Tobruk for a half-day tour.

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Combine with

Combine the cemetery with Tobruk's harbor and other Commonwealth cemeteries. The war museum in town is also worth a visit.

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Getting there

The cemetery is in Tobruk city and easily reachable by taxi or car. It is signposted and easy to find.

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Insider tip

Visit the cemetery early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. Bring water and pay your respects to the fallen.

Geography

Coordinates

32.07200, 23.97800

Facts

A total of 2,282 soldiers are buried here by name.
The Siege of Tobruk lasted from April to December 1941.
Over 170 graves belong to unidentified soldiers.
A memorial honors soldiers with no known grave.
Australian troops formed the core of the city's defense.
The cemetery is located about 5 kilometers south of Tobruk harbor.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Port of Tobruk<1 km · SEExplore →

Tobruk1 km · NExplore →

Madinat Ras Bayad9 km · SExplore →

Qaryat al `Imamah9 km · WExplore →

Tobruk City Garden11 km · SWExplore →

Qaryat Maqrun14 km · WExplore →

Al Marsas31 km · WExplore →

Kambut36 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Tobruk War Cemetery (1)

Tobruk’s Bay🌿 nature

This viewpoint overlooks the deep natural harbor of Tobruk's Bay, which was a vital strategic prize during World War II.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Tobruk War Cemetery?

A Commonwealth cemetery for soldiers who died in World War II.

How many soldiers are buried there?

Over 2,200 soldiers from countries including the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

Are there cemeteries of other nations in Tobruk?

Yes, there is also a German memorial and a French military cemetery nearby.

Who manages the cemetery?

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) maintains the site.

Can the cemetery be visited?

Yes, it is open to the public and is a place of remembrance and silence.

Tobruk War Cemetery: where is it located?

Tobruk War Cemetery is located in Libya.

Tobruk War Cemetery: when is the best time to visit?