ARMY MUSEUM OF NORTH QUEENSLAND

If you are into military history and live in North Queensland, or just traveling through, a visit to the Army Museum of North Queensland is a must. The Museum is located in Jezzine Barracks which for over 120 years was home to many famous Australian Army units. In recent years the Barracks has opened to the public and today the Museum sits within attractive parklands and picnic areas. It is a short drive from Townsville’s City centre and the place to learn about the military legacy of North Queensland. The Museum has big plans for the 100th anniversary of the First World War. Right now staff are finalising a special display on the Great War which includes the story of Australian Tunnelers who served in France.

Many Tunnelers came from Ingham in North Queensland and originally worked in the mining industry. They were a tough bunch and when they arrived in France were put to work mining and digging tunnels to support Allied advances and building dugouts for large units like battalions. You may have seen the movie Beneath Hill 60 which came out a few years ago and tells their story. The Museum is popular with locals and hundreds of people visit each week.

At one point the Museum hosted over 1000 visitors in just four hours. It is definitely worth a detour, be sure to add it to the family’s to do list for the ANZAC Centenary! Information on must see museums, galleries collections and related sites across Australia. The Great War centenary is a perfect time to support smaller and regional institutions. Whether you’re a local or just travelling through virtually every town, city and region in Australia has an upcoming exhibition commemorating the centenary.

Soldier’s Quick Five

• Mitchell Street, North Ward

• 07 4721 1495 (leave a message if office unattended)

• Wednesday & Friday 9am to 1pm; Sunday 10am to 2pm

• Donations greatly appreciated

• armymuseumnorthqueensland.webs.com