Down Under Tours Artillery Museum Half Day Afternoon Tour

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An afternoon among more than 220 tanks, armoured vehicles and artillery pieces at the Australian Armour and Artillery Museum in Cairns, the largest collection of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Return coach transfers from your Cairns accommodation and museum entry are included.

Days

About 4 hours with transfers

Age

All ages; 3 and under travel free

Group size

Shared coach transfer, self-guided visit

Start / finish

Cairns / Smithfield / Cairns
Cairns, around 4pm

Return

Cairns, around 4pm

Transport

Air-conditioned coach, return from Cairns accommodation

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Down Under Tours Artillery Museum Half Day Afternoon Tour

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Included experiences

Armour and artillery halls — over 220 pieces from 15 countries
Tanks — look inside restored armoured vehicles up close
World war collection — captured items from North Africa and the Pacific

Down Under Tours Artillery Museum Half Day Afternoon Tour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MIDDAY: CAIRNS TO SMITHFIELD

Pick-ups from Cairns accommodation start at about 11:45am, in an air-conditioned coach, for the short drive north to Smithfield, the suburb at the foot of the range where the Skyrail cableway starts its climb to Kuranda. The museum is on Skyrail Drive, right beside it. Entry is included, so you walk straight in.

AFTERNOON: THE ARMOUR AND ARTILLERY HALLS

The Australian Armour and Artillery Museum holds the biggest display of armoured vehicles and artillery in the southern hemisphere: more than 220 pieces from 15 countries, from the 1800s to today, with the two world wars at its heart. You walk among tanks, armoured personnel carriers, armoured cars and anti-tank guns, including pieces captured in North Africa and the Pacific, and many you won't find anywhere else in Australia. A lot of them have been carefully restored. You can touch the vehicles and peer inside the tanks; climbing in is kept for the museum's supervised open hatch days.

TAKING YOUR TIME

The museum suggests at least an hour, and military enthusiasts often want two or three, so the afternoon lets you go at your own pace. It's cooled by big ceiling fans and open roller doors rather than air-conditioning, so dress light, and there are benches when you need a rest. A self-service corner has coffee and vending machines (cash only). The museum also runs an armoured personnel carrier ride and a 50 m shooting gallery, which aren't part of this trip. The coach brings you back to Cairns at about 4pm.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up from your Cairns accommodation; the museum is at 2 Skyrail Drive, Smithfield.
Departure time: Daily, with pick-ups from about 11:45am; your exact time is confirmed when you book.
Finishes: Back in Cairns at about 4pm.
Minimum age: No minimum; children 3 and under travel free. The museum advises parental discretion for children under 5, as the exhibits are large military machines.
Suits: History and military buffs, and families with children of all ages. Wheelchair access by a front ramp, with a side door for larger mobility devices and accessible toilets.
Please note: The museum is cooled by large ceiling fans and open roller doors rather than air-conditioning. The museum closes on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Good Friday and New Year's Day.

What to bring

Cash for coffee or snacks at the museum
Light, cool clothing (the museum is not air-conditioned)
Camera (personal photography is allowed)

What is included

Return coach transfers from Cairns accommodation
Entry to the Australian Armour and Artillery Museum

Not included

Food and drinks (coffee and vending machines at the museum, cash only)
Armoured personnel carrier rides and the shooting gallery, which the museum runs separately

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.