An obelisk made of sandstone sits atop a pillar of polished black stone. At the base of the obelisk is an engraved cross. The front, left and right sides of the pillar are engraved with names. On the rear side are two white marble plaques from the original 'Nelson Bay Memorial Steps Roll of Honor'. The pillar sits on a sandstone base. On the front, left and right sides of the base are the emblems of the three armed forces. The dedication plaques are on the rear side of the base. The memorial faces north east looking across the bay.