Townsville's Military Past
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Port
Townsville, Australia
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$119
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Delve into the military history of Townsville, home to Australia's largest defense base. Begin your journey with a drive to the Royal Australian Air Force base, where you'll view some impressive, retired military aircraft. This fascinating glimpse into aviation history is enhanced by stories from your experienced guide, who has more than 25 years of military service.
Next, visit the 19th-century Kissing Point Fort museum to learn about the Australian Army in North Queensland. This defense force began in the early 1880s as a loose collection of volunteer rifle companies. The exhibits features colonial tents, interactive World War I and II displays, and historical photos of local soldiers fighting in Korea and Vietnam.
Explore the Kissing Point fortifications, originally constructed in the 1880s. Positioned on a rocky headland, the fort offers commanding views of the Coral Sea, Magnetic Island, and the surrounding region. During World War II, it played a pivotal role in coastal defence, as Townsville became a crucial military hub for the Allied forces in the Pacific. Today, remnants of the fort, including heavy artillery, bunkers, and observation posts, stand as powerful reminders of its wartime significance.