Museum of the Month The Australian Armour & Artillery Museum
The Australian Armour & Artillery Museum is privately owned and is the largest museum of its kind in the southern hemisphere. It is dedicated to the preservation, restoration and display of armoured vehicles and artillery from the 1800s to the present day.
The exhibits include armoured vehicles and artillery from both world wars but there is a particular focus on World War Two. A detailed, technical and historical description, its dimensions, capabilities and theatres of deployment accompany each exhibit.
The collection currently boasts 133 armoured vehicles and artillery pieces, many of which will not be found anywhere else in Australia but it is constantly expanding to enrich both the collection and the visitor experience. Around two thirds of the vehicles are in a driveable condition but all are housed in an impressive, although not air-conditioned, building.
The museum is great for the whole family. Having finished exploring the exhibits, it is possible to add some further excitement to the day by buying a ride in the de-commissioned armoured personnel carrier or by heading downstairs to take aim and fire in the museum’s custom-built shooting gallery. Certain age restrictions and conditions apply so please check before you visit to avoid disappointment.
The museum also has a ‘Kids Corner ‘ giving them the opportunity to dress as a soldier, try on genuine army gear and play on the battle re-creation table, allowing imaginations to run wild.
It can take some time to get round all the exhibits, especially for those with a real interest in military history, but it is possible to sit, relax and take a break in the self-service café. The shop houses a diverse collection of speciality items as souvenirs.
The museum is located in Cairns, Far North Queensland, Australia, and there nowhere else in the world where it is possible to access not only interesting and unusual military vehicles but also enjoy the Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage rainforests and the Outback while visiting a city that has all the comforts expected of from an international tourist destination.
‘Around two thirds of the vehicles are in a driveable condition’
Australian Armour & Artillery Museum
Smithfield, QLD, 4878
Adults: $25.00 Children (5yrs – 16yrs)*: $15
Student/Seniors**: $18
Family (2ad – 2ch): $65
Family (1ad -3ch): $55
Address: 1145 Kamerunga Road
Smithfield, Cairns, Queensland 4878 AUSTRALIA
Phone: 07 4038 1665
Email: info@ausarmour.com www.ausarmour.com
Opening Hours
Open seven days: 9.30am – 4:30pm
Last admission 4pm each day
Closed: Christmas Day; Boxing Day; Good Friday;
New Year’s Day
