Army Museum North Queensland

The Army Museum Location

The Army Museum North Queensland is found at the northern end of the Strand and is located in a newly refurbished building within the Jezzine Barracks complex. The museum contains excellent exhibits on the history of the Australian Army in North Queensland and related military conflicts.Included in this is the Boer War, WWI, WWII, the Vietnam War, and the Korean War.

The museum contains an extensive collection of the history of the Army in North Queensland. The establishment of the first defences at Townsville and Thursday Island until the present day are all included.

The Army Museum history

The earliest history of the Army in North Queensland can be traced back to the early 1880’s when Volunteer Independent Rifle Companies were formed at many towns throughout the northern region.

On October 30 1886, the 3rd Queensland (or Kennedy Regiment) was gazetted and based at Kissing Point, Townsville. Major William Slade Vincent was the first commanding officer.

The history of the Museum dates back to 1979. Later, the North Queensland Military Museum committee of management requested that Kissing Point be allowed to open as a Military Museum.

The Fort operated as a museum until August 2008 when it was closed for further restoration. The North Queensland Military museum was renamed the Army Museum of North Queensland and then relocated to its current premises in 2009.

The army Museum Galleries

The Museum consists of three galleries, as follows:

Gallery One focuses on the history of the Australian Army in North Queensland  from the late 1800’s till the end of the Boer War.  Displays include a Colonial Officers tent and stories about the defence of North Queensland during the Shearer’s Strike.

Gallery Two focuses on World Wars I and II, showcasing the fabulous Honour Boards from both conflicts. Stories of North Queensland soldiers during the Great War are enhanced by interactive displays and the effects of the  World War Two on the Townsville region. Displays include interactive World War One trench and western front tunnels and gun emplacements used in Townsville during World War Two .

Gallery Three focuses on more recent and contemporary conflicts including Korea, Vietnam, East Timor, Solomon Islands and the Middle East. Displays include a Korean War command bunker, a gun position from South-East Asian conflicts and a kids play area.

The Museum is staffed by part-time Australian Army personnel, and a team of dedicated volunteers who lead informative tours throughout the three galleries.

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