See army vehicles, weapons and displays by soldiers at 2019 Explore the Barracks open day

The army will open one of its bases to the public on Saturday to show off the capabilities of its people and some of its hardware including tanks and an attack helicopter.

A heavy weapons crew from 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment demonstrates the firepower of the MAG 58 machine gun during a previous 7th Brigade Open Day. Picture: Department of Defence

The army will open Gallipoli Barracks at Enoggera to the public on Saturday to show off its hardware and people.

Deputy Commander 7th Brigade Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Birch said Explore the Barracks would be a rare chance to see equipment, meet troops and watch military demonstrations on an army base.

“Those who come will be able to get up close to Army vehicles, see our equipment, our weapon systems and speak to the soldiers who work with this gear every day,” Lt Col Birch said.

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There will be military demonstrations such as attack dogs in action, soldiers conducting section attacks with blank ammunition, and soldiers battling it out in a fitness challenge.

Equipment on show will include an ARH Tiger helicopter, M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks, Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles, Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAV), HX77 trucks, M777 Howitzers plus small arms.

There will also be many rides and activities, including an inflatable obstacle course.

“A highlight of the day will be a synchronised musical performance of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture to the firing of M2A2 105mm Howitzer ceremonial artillery guns,” Lt Col Birch said.

“This will be a truly spectacular visual and audio sensation in celebration of the 1st Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery’s 70th Birthday.

Private Hayley Shiahan from 1 Military Police Battalion demonstrates the skill and power of her military police dog at a previous 7th Brigade Open Day. Picture: Department of Defence

“Soldiers will also be marching on parade in a traditional Beating Retreat ceremonial parade and we’ll round out the evening with fireworks.

“Explore the Barracks is our ‘End of Ready’ celebration, an opportunity for us to say thank you to our soldiers and their families for their dedication and sacrifice during an extremely busy Ready period.

“The 7th Brigade has been the Australian Army’s Ready Brigade since 2018 and in that time we have deployed over 2000 people on five different operations as well as having a dedicated Ready Battle Group on call to respond to short notice contingencies.”

■ Entry is free, but registration is essential as the base is a secure military facility. Go to rslqld.org/explorethebarracks

■ Gates open at 1pm. The event finishes at 6.30pm.

■ The main entry will be off Samford Rd, with a secondary entrance on Lloyd St.

■ There will be food trucks and coffee vans.

■ The action will be outdoors and there is limited shade available, so bring a hat and sunscreen.