Calendar of Events

MMHN Director, Michael O’Brien, is presenting at the Naval Historical Society of Australia. The visit of the Great White Fleet, as it came to be known, was the start of Australia’s defence relationship with the US. Commencing with the visit of a smaller Great White Fleet to Sydney in 1908, Melbourne (as the official capital […]

Uncovering Australia’s forgotten WWI role alongside Serbian forces, By Far Kaymakchalan follows historian Bojan Pajić’s journey to reveal the stories of 1,500 ANZAC volunteers. Filmed in Australia, Serbia, Greece and North Macedonia over a period of eighteen months, By Far Kaymakchalan is based on historian Bojan Pajić’s discovery of one of the never told stories […]

Step back into history and witness a lively debate of the 1920s come to life. Our latest exhibition commemorates the 90th anniversary of the Shrine of Remembrance, offering a nostalgic experience that, for the first time, delves into the forgotten designs for Victoria's War Memorial. Explore the entries of the 1921 War Memorial design competition, […]

As the saying goes, “An army marches on its stomach.” Yet the essential contributions of those who cook, research, and serve food to hundreds of hungry troops often go unrecognised. Taste of Combat honours the vital work of the Catering Corps and unveils the fascinating science and innovation behind military meals. Step into the world […]

James May will premiere a landmark live theatre show in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, bringing to life the stories of the extraordinary explorers who traversed the deserts, scaled the mountains, sailed into the unknown. The live show combines theatrical techniques and James’ charismatic storytelling to create an evening of compelling intellectual entertainment. From Ice […]

Step into the world of camouflage and uncover its surprising history. See how nature has inspired military disguise—from animal patterns to clever tricks of deception. Explore real camouflage uniforms, historical objects, and rotating artworks by well-known artists. Follow the evolution of camouflage from the First World War to today and learn how it reflects changing […]

2025 marks 80 years since the end of World War II in the Pacific—a defining moment in global history and in Brisbane’s legacy as a key Allied command centre. To commemorate this milestone, the Camp Columbia Heritage Association and the support over 20 national and international organisations, will host a major international symposium and guided tour from 30–31 August. This two-day hybrid […]

The American Civil War (1861-1865) is sometimes described as the last “old” war, or the first “modern” war. It was really a transition between the “old” way of fighting and modern industrial “total” war. It has been said that armies seldom learn from the mistakes of other armies but rather must learn from their own […]

The World War II German Enigma Cipher Machine - Live Demonstration and Explanation by Mike Pritchard of the Australian Spy Museum For The Military History Society of New South Wales, 11:30am, Saturday, 6 September 2025, The Auditorium, Anzac Memorial Hyde Park, Sydney CBD. The German Enigma machine is one of the most powerful and mysterious […]