The Adelaide River War Cemetery is formal in design and is based on the design concepts developed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for lawn cemeteries. The cemetery is enclosed within the boundary fence by a screen of trees and shrubs and garden beds.

Adjacent to the War Cemetery is the Adelaide River Wartime Civilian Cemetery. Here 63 civilians are buried, including nine Post Office workers who were killed on 19 February 1942 as a result of a direct hit on the Post Office by Japanese bombs. A stone tablet memorial has also been erected in their memory.

Cemeteries record significant events or periods in the history of a region, district or country. Unlike most other histories, cemeteries record the lives of all, whether rich or poor, famous or infamous.

The Adelaide River War Cemetery is the fourth largest war cemetery in Australia. As one of the many war cemeteries managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission it reflects the scale, intensity and human sacrifice that is recognised and associated with the Second World War. As part of a worldwide group of War Cemeteries it contributes to the continuity with which military personnel are mourned. It contributes to the sense of enormity of the loss of life resulting from WWII.

The adjacent Adelaide River Civilian Wartime Cemetery is of particular interest as the resting-place for some of the few civilians killed as a result of enemy attacks on Australia.

Both cemeteries are significant to the Territory as reminders of the important role that the top end played in the defence of Australia during World War II.