The Austinmer War Memorial consists of a polished granite obelisk, about 2 metres high, placed on a stone base. Inscribed on the obelisk are the names of local residents who fought in the First World War, including four that were killed.
Originally dedicated on 26 January 1922, inscriptions and names for the Second World War and other conflicts have been added to the sides of the obelisk at a later date. All the names and text on the memorial is in gilt lettering.
Wollongong City Council undertook works to upgrade the memorial in 2019, to address the uneven and sloping surfaces and provide access for all. Council liaised with members of the Austinmer RSL sub-Branch and the Austinmer Surf Life Saving Club (S.L.S.C.) on these improvements. The works included a new level area of paving around the memorial, a stone-clad precinct wall, and a new accessible pathway linking the grassed footway area along Lawrence Hargrave Drive and the beach promenade. The wall bears the words 'Lest we forget' in gold and incorporates a matching plinth, with two plaques explaining the history of Anzac.
The monument is set in the public park adjoining Austinmer Beach and the Austinmer S.L.S.C. It is accompanied by a flagpole.
Statement of significance provided by Wollongong City Council, April 2022:
Austinmer War Memorial is of significance for the Wollongong area for historical reasons due to its ability to interpret the history of the area, for associations with the commemorated persons and events, for social reasons due to the importance that the monument has in the wider community, for aesthetic reasons as a local landmark, and as a representative example of monuments that make a major contribution to Austinmer's townscape character. The monument is of major importance for the local community's sense of place.