Puckapunyal, Victoria: Travel guide and things to do

Puckapunyal is known throughout Australia for its military connections - it is, in fact, the largest military training centre in Victoria. It is located 100 km north of Melbourne via the Hume Highway and 11 km west of Seymour.

The association of the area with army training camps really began in 1904 with the establishment of a troop of Light Horse at Seymour. 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. Thus when Lord Kitchener came to Australia in 1910 to advise the government on military matters he inspected a major encampment at the racecourse and recommended it as a permanent military training area. When World War I broke out a camp was set up and, in 1920, Seymour shire became the major military area in the state. This led to the establishment of the Puckapunyal camp in World War II.

Things to see

Army Tank Museum
Established to celebrate the achievements of the Australian Light Horse and the Royal Australian Armoured Corps, the museum features Australia's largest display of vintage tanks. It has over 70 armoured fighting vehicles, the Small-Arms and Anti-Tank Weapons display, the Australian Light Horse exhibit (1880s-1945), the Australian Armour During World War II and Vietnam display, and the Weapons Against Armour Lethality exhibit.

Apparently an engineer from Adelaide, by the name of Lance de Mole, submitted a proposal, to the British War Office, for a 'chain-rail vehicle which could be easily steered and carry heavy loads over rough ground and trenches'. This was in 1912 and the War Office rejected the idea, only to find it necessary to develop just such a vehicle in the new style of warfare which unfolded in World War I. However, by then, de Mole's design was forgotten and others were turned to for the design.

The museum has car and coach parking, a barbecue area, a gift shop with a large selection of military models and souvenirs, group rates and wheelchair access. It is located in Heralkbion St and the route is clearly signposted all the way from the Hume Freeway near Seymour. It is open from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. daily (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day), tel: (03) 5793 7285.