Brilliant Armour and Artillery Museum outside Cairns

Hats-off to low-profile businessman Rob Lowden for collecting over 110 pieces of military equipment from around the world and putting them on display to the public just outside Cairns. The display is as shiny as a new pin and every piece of equipment is in tip top shape in the largest private collection of armoured vehicles in Australia.

Lowden collected tanks, personnel carriers, armoured cars and antitank guns for years from Australia, Britain, US, Norway, Finland, Bulgaria, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Russia, Italy, France and the former Czechoslovakia before housing them in a brand new purpose built facility. Many of them are rare and the exhibition has a particular emphasis on sought after German WWII pieces.

As a taste of what is to come, the entry is dominated by this self propelled artillery piece.
As a taste of what is to come, the entry is dominated by this self propelled artillery piece.

 

A selection of tanks in the main hall.
A selection of tanks in the main hall.

 

The day I went was a re-enactors’ day. “Soldiers” came from all parts of the country, such as this father and two sons from Sydney, to indulge their passion and help out.
The day I went was a re-enactors’ day. “Soldiers” came from all parts of the country, such as this father and two sons from Sydney, to indulge their passion and help out.

 

While this “German” infantry man guards a massive 155mm Russian self propelled gun.
While this “German” infantry man guards a massive 155mm Russian self propelled gun.

 

All manner of armoured vehicles were available for rides around the dirt track.
All manner of armoured vehicles were available for rides around the dirt track.

 

The guns may not be working but no expense has been spared to keep the engines and running gear in operation.
The guns may not be working but no expense has been spared to keep the engines and running gear in operation.

While it is not as extensive as the massive exhibition at Bovington in the UK, it certainly gives it a run for its money.

This is a must see for military enthusiasts.

Contact Brent D Taylor about this article.

Subscribe to our FREE MHHV newsletter here

We are proud to have the support of the following organisations: