The Australian War Memorial in Canberra is opening its doors for its annual Big Things in Store open day this weekend.
The Australian War Memorial AWM in Canberra only opens its Mitchell Annex storage area of large technology objects once a year to the general public – for its Big Things in Store open day, which this year is being held this coming Sunday September 18 from 1000-1500.
The biggest attraction for aviation enthusiasts will be the AWM’s newly acquired Sabre, which has been assembled especially for the event, which will act as its public unveiling.
Visitors will also be able to see a range of other objects that are not currently on display in the Memorial including the:
- Hudson conservation project
- DHC-4 Caribou A4-140 (outer wings have been removed for storage)
- De Havilland Tiger Moth
- Lockheed Hudson Mark IV Bomber undergoing conservation
- Second World War DAP Beaufort bomber
- V2 rocket on its original trailer
- Centurion tanks
- Ha-Go tank
- Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicle
- Mk IV “Female” tank, the only one in Australia, whose sponson has been removed for conservation and research, giving visitors a rare chance to look inside.
In addition to these exciting large technology objects, there will be ADFA Precision Drill Team demonstrations, children’s activities and craft, and scheduled talks by Memorial conservators, historians and curators. Refreshments including sausage sandwiches and coffee will be available.
Entry to the open day is by gold coin donation and closed, flat footwear is recommended. No large bags allowed, cameras are welcome, but tripods and monopods permitted only after 1430.
You’ll find it all at the AWM Treloar Conservation and Storage Annex, 8 Callan Street, Mitchell.
This former RAAF Sabre fighter jet is one of the new key attractions of the Australian War Memorial. (AAP)
