Where is puckapunyal

The museum contains over 80 tanks and armoured vehicles, as well as military weapons and an extensive uniform collection. The exhibition is divided into two sections for visitors to enjoy. The outside area of the exhibition features the armoured vehicle and anti-tank weapons, while the inner Chavual Hall, features stories of historic operations and current deployments.

It was the place where so many Vietnam War conscripts were sent for basic training in the s in fact Redgum's iconic I Was Only 19 's opening line is "Mum and Dad and Denny saw the passing out parade at Puckapunyal". Today it is the largest military training centre in Victoria now covering 39, ha. It is accepted that the word 'Puckapunyal' was used by local Aborigines the Taungurong to describe a hill which is now within the military complex.

No one knows exactly what Puckapunyal means which has resulted in such widely varying definitions as 'valley of the winds', 'death to eagles', 'place of exile' and, most likely, 'the middle hill'. The Museum's collection ranges from World War I through to today's 21st century advancements. The exhibition space is divided into two galleries.

The inside gallery - Chauvel Hall, features exhibitions focusing on the history of operations, from WWI through to current deployments such as Afghanistan as well as a small arms weapons display. The outside exhibition area features over 80 armoured vehicles and anti-tank weapons. The museum records how an engineer from Adelaide, Lance de Mole, submitted a proposal, to the British War Office, to build a "chain-rail vehicle which could be easily steered and carry heavy loads over rough ground and trenches".

The proposal was made in and the War Office rejected the idea but it became a necessity as the changing nature of warfare unfolded in World War I. Sadly de Mole's design was ignored. The museum has car and coach parking, a barbecue area, a gift shop with a large selection of military models and souvenirs and wheelchair access.

The route is clearly signposted from the Hume Freeway. The museum is open from Tuesday to Friday from Puckapunyal Birdlife The entire Army area is known for its birdlife.

It is recognised as home to the largest community of bush stone curlews in Victoria and the endangered swift parrots can often be seen in the area. A total of species have been identified in the area. The rail connection, local terrain, good water supply and agreeable property owners made the area a convenient assembly point for military trainees who met annually for field exercises and official inspection.

I was wondering if there was any chance of you forwarding this around to people that you think may be interested in purchasing a copy to help The Repat Foundation raise money for our returned Veterans. Puckapunyal remains in use by the Australian Army today and the field training area now encompasses almost 40, hectares. Since the Second World War a wide array of units, of both the regular and reserve, have been based at Puckapunyal or used it for training.

It remains best known, however, as the home of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps, the first units of which moved there in February Breadcrumb Home Collection Puckapunyal. Collection Items Related.