The Australian Army is a national institution, a profession, and a fighting force, built on the foundation of service. Putting soldiers on the ground and in harm’s way, in defence of Australia and its interests, remains a profound expression of national will and resolve. For 125 years we have offered our service willingly and with humility. Our pride as Australian soldiers is built on the sacrifices of those who have gone before us. The Australian Army today stands ready to defend our nation.
In 2026, the Australian Army will celebrate 125 years of service to the nation. As part of this milestone, Army bases across the country will open their gates to the community, showcasing Army capabilities and live demonstrations. From Gallipoli Barracks to Puckapunyal, Karrakatta, Victoria Barracks, and more, these Open Days will connect Australians with their Army through interactive displays, demonstrations, and family-friendly activities.
The Open Days are a celebration of 125 years of Federation and 125 years’ service by Army to Australia.
The following bases will be open on Saturday, 14 March 2026. Times vary by location, please see the list for exact times.
Where tickets are required, a booking link is included in the applicable location's 'What's On'.
Australian Capital Territory
Royal Military College - Duntroon |
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| Where | Royal Military College, Campbell, Australian Capital Territory |
| When | 10:00 am to 2:00 pm |
| What’s on |
The Australian Army is celebrating 125 years of service, and as part of events across the nation, the Royal Military College - Duntroon will open its doors to the public for a day of community, with the event centred around Parade Square along Harrison Road. Visitors can explore military vehicle, weapons and equipment displays, visit the weapons training simulation centre, and watch the College’s annual obstacle course competition. The Army Band will provide entertainment, and external food vendors will offer a range of refreshments. Guests can also join guided behind the scenes tours led by Officer Cadets training to become Australia’s future leaders. No special access is required to enter Royal Military College - Duntroon for the open day. Parking on base is limited so visitors are encouraged to use public transport, with bus routes 55 and R3 stopping at the College (Transport Canberra Inner North Map). Soldiers and signage will direct drivers to designated parking areas, and shuttle buses will transport visitors to the parade ground. Register for tickets via Royal Military College - Duntroon Open Day 2026 Tickets | Eventbrite |
New South Wales
Victoria Barracks |
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| Where | Victoria Barracks, Sydney, New South Wales | |||
| When | 12:00 pm to 7:30 pm | |||
| What’s on | The Army Museum at Victoria Barracks will be open to the public all day, with entertainment provided by the Australian Army Band - Sydney at various times and on-site hospitality available from commercial food vans. | |||
Randwick Barracks |
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| Where | Randwick Barracks, Sydney, New South Wales | |||
| When | 10:00 am to 2:00 pm | |||
| What’s on | Randwick Barracks will be opening up to the public showing casing a range of displays highlighting the capabilities of its units. You will get a firsthand experience meeting our people and seeing some of the equipment we use every day. This includes our weapons systems, vehicles, and a range of other equipment. There will be interactive activities for all ages, food stalls, music, and entertainment. | |||
Holsworthy Barracks |
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| Where | Holsworthy Barracks, Sydney, New South Wales | |||
| When |
10:00 am to 12:00 pm 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm |
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| What’s on |
Holsworthy Barracks will open its gates to the public, offering a rare opportunity to explore a range of Army capabilities up close. Visitors will be able to view Special Forces vehicles, the Bushmaster and Hawkei protected mobility vehicles, and a variety of engineering and plant equipment, with soldiers available throughout the day to talk about their roles and experiences. Both the Australian Army Museum of Military Engineering and the Australian Army Military Police Museum will be open, giving attendees a deeper look into Army history and specialised trades. Register for tickets via Holsworthy Barracks Open Day 2026 Tickets | TryBooking Australia |
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Lone Pine Barracks |
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| Where | Lone Pine Barracks, Singleton, New South Wales | |||
| When | 9:00 am to 1:00 pm | |||
| What’s on |
The School of Infantry at Lone Pine Barracks will open its doors to the public. Visitors can explore static displays of military vehicles, weapons and equipment, and watch soldiers conduct simulated section attacks, physical training and other activities. The event offers a chance to meet the Australian Army and celebrate this important milestone. The Australian Infantry Museum, located just outside the base, will also be open, showcasing the history of the Aussie digger from WWI to the modern era. Food and drinks will be available through a Legacy sausage sizzle and the Salvation Army ‘Sally Man’, offering snacks and refreshments. Please note this is a dry event and alcohol is not permitted. No special access is required to enter Lone Pine Barracks for the open day. Extra parking will be available on the sports oval past the main gate, with signage and soldiers directing traffic. Register for tickets via Lone Pine Barracks Open Day 2026 Tickets | TryBooking Australia |
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Wagga Beach |
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| Where | Wagga Beach, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales | |||
| When | 9:00 am to 12:00 pm | |||
| What’s on |
Army’s 125 year celebrations are bringing the festivities into the heart of Wagga Wagga with a community day at Wagga Beach. The event will showcase a range of military displays, including vehicles, weapons and equipment, as well as physical training activities and military working dog displays. It is a relaxed opportunity for locals to meet their Army community and share in this important anniversary. Food and refreshments will be provided by the Wagga RSL sausage sizzle, the Salvation Army ‘Sally Man’, and a selection of local food and coffee trucks. Public parking will be available at Wagga Beach, with signage and soldiers on hand to guide traffic. |
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Victoria
Puckapunyal Military Area |
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| Where | Puckapunyal Military Area, Victoria |
| When | 10:00 am to 3:00 pm |
| What’s on |
Visitors to the Puckapunyal open day can view the Army’s latest equipment and meet the next generation of soldiers, with demonstrations including M777 Howitzer drills, Joint Assault Bridge deployment, cargo vehicle loading systems, and Uncrewed Aerial Systems. There will also be a public reopening of the Army Museum Puckapunyal; access to the Payne of Valour art exhibit highlighting the lives of Keith Payne VC AM and Florence Payne OAM; the annual march of the National Servicemen’s Association of Australia; and the unveiling of a plaque by the Victorian Branch of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia honouring national servicemen trained at 2 RTB between 1965 and 1972. |
Simpson Barracks |
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| Where | Simpson Barracks, Greensborough Road, Macleod, Victoria |
| When | 10:00 am to 4:00 pm |
| What’s on |
Simpson Barracks will host a day filled with interesting and engaging military displays and demonstrations. Explore the displays, interact with soldiers, and learn about their daily lives. Witness thrilling demonstrations and enjoy this fantastic opportunity to experience military life up close and personal. Register for tickets via Simpson Barracks Open Day 2026 Tickets | TryBooking Australia |
South Australia
Warradale Barracks |
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| Where | Warradale Barracks, Adelaide, South Australia |
| When | 8:30 am to 3:00 pm |
| What’s on | The Warradale Barracks open day will feature a range of capability displays from across the brigade alongside performances by the Australian Army Band. Visitors will be able to explore equipment, demonstrations and interactive activities throughout the day. |
Queensland
Lavarack Barracks |
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| Where | Lavarack Barracks, Townsville, Queensland | ||
| When | 9:00 am to 3:00 pm | ||
| What’s on |
Lavarack Barracks will open its doors to the public with a range of displays showcasing the people, capability, and equipment of its units. Visitors can watch the AH64E Apache and CH 47 Chinook landing, then explore static displays including the M1A2 SEP V3, Combat Engineer Vehicles, military working dogs, and more. Enjoy music from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment Band, meet unit mascots, and grab a bite from the 10th Force Support Battalion Field Kitchen, with activities and attractions for all ages throughout the day. |
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Gallipoli Barracks |
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| Where | Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, Queensland | ||
| When | 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm | ||
| What’s on |
The Gallipoli Barracks Open Day event will include a range of displays from artillery, armour, signals, transport and engineering units, as well as infantry and medical teams, along with performances by the Australian Army Band, a planned 35 Squadron flypast, military re‑enactments, community and veteran organisations, historical military vehicles and a variety of amusement activities such as rides, a rock‑climbing tower, a giant swing and a giant slide. Don’t miss the fireworks display at 6:45 pm. Register for tickets via Gallipoli Barracks Open Day 2026 Tickets | Eventbrite |
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Kokoda Barracks |
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| Where | Kokoda Barracks, Witheren, Queensland | ||
| When | 9:00 am to 12:00 pm | ||
| What’s on |
Join us for a day of community and connection as the Land Warfare Centre at Kokoda Barracks opens its doors to the public. The event will feature military vehicle, weapons and equipment displays, along with simulated section attacks, physical training stands and the jungle obstacle course. There will also be children’s activities, including face painting and the jump tower into the Coomera River. Food and drinks will be available through the Queensland RSL sausage sizzle, the Salvation Army ‘Sally Man’, and local coffee and food vans. Please note this is a dry event and alcohol is not permitted. No special access is required to enter the base. Parking is limited so please follow signage and directions from soldiers on the day. |
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Army Aviation Flying Museum |
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| Where | Army Aviation Flying Museum, Oakey, Queensland | ||
| When | 10:00 am to 2:00 pm | ||
| What’s on |
Army Aviation will be opening to the public to showcase a range of capabilities and history at the Army Aviation Flying Museum situated near Swartz Barracks. You will get a firsthand experience meeting the team behind Army Aviation. Come and hear their stories and learn how the aircraft operate. The event will also feature virtual reality displays and the opportunity to get up close to some of our equipment including a Black Hawk helicopter. External food and beverage trucks will offer a range of food and refreshments available for purchase. Register for tickets via Army Aviation Open Day 2026 Tickets | Eventbrite |
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Northern Territory
Darwin City Cenotaph |
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| Where | Darwin City Cenotaph, The Esplanade, Darwin, Northern Territory |
| When | 10:00 am to 1:00 pm |
| What’s on | Cake-cutting will take place at 12:00 pm, with large vehicles and specialised platforms unique to 1st Brigade on display, keynote remarks delivered by senior Defence leaders, and demonstrations of HMT SuperCat and small boat capabilities. |
Western Australia
Irwin Barracks |
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| Where | Irwin Barracks, Western Australia |
| When | 9:00 am to 2:00 pm |
| What’s on |
The 13th Brigade Open Day for 2026 will take place at Perth’s historic Irwin Barracks in Karrakatta. The Open Day will involve a mixture of static and dynamic displays, activities and entertainment to provide an engaging, interactive and fun event for people of all ages and backgrounds. This gives West Australians the opportunity to celebrate Army’s 125th birthday, soak up the rich history of 13th Brigade, and learn more about both the current and future direction of Army in terms of technology, innovation and capability. Food and beverage trucks will ensure nobody goes hungry and that all tastes are catered for. Live music will also be on offer from the talented Army Band – Perth, while military vehicles will be ready to take those in attendance on an exciting ride around an active military base. The event is open to all across the community and will involve serving military personnel from Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as representatives from West Australia’s thriving Defence industry, academia and other community support organisations. Register for tickets via Irwin Barracks Open Day 2026 Tickets | Eventbrite |
Tasmania
Anglesea Barracks |
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| Where | Anglesea Barracks, Hobart, Tasmania |
| When | 11:00 am to 4:30 pm |
| What’s on |
The public will have the opportunity to interact with more than 30 exhibitors from the Australian Defence Force, as well as Federal and State Government and community organisations relevant to Defence. A display program including demonstrations from local units, military bands, military historical associations, and cadets will also take place throughout the day. There will be food available for purchase from local vendors and a free shuttle bus from the Regatta Grounds (no public parking on-site). Register for tickets here: Anglesea Barracks Open Day 2026 Tickets | Eventbrite |
Details
Date
14 March 2026,8:30 am – 7:30 pm