Queensland Transport Museum unveils military marvels
The last World War II vehicle of its type headlines the list of attractions at this Lockyer Valley display.
In the quiet, rolling hills of Queensland Country, sits a little Lockyer Valley gem that’s making a very big noise.
The Queensland Transport Museum in Gatton has turned the key and opened its doors to its biggest-ever exhibition, and it’s got some seriously heavy-duty metal on display.
Launched on 13 April, ‘Step Inside Military Transport History’ is a year-long showcase of iconic military vehicles and war-time memorabilia.
The centrepiece is the world’s last surviving 1942 Desert Raider.
Originally built in Canada for the British Army’s desert operations during World War II, the Desert Raider is a rugged relic of ingenuity and resilience.
A 1941 GMC 6x6 with M36 gun ring.
Clive Barton, owner of the vehicle and private lender, welcomed the opportunity to deploy his treasure to the exhibition.
“There’s a lot of history here”, Mr Barton said.
“There were only 200 (of these vehicles) made and this is said to be the only real Desert Raider left in the world, which makes it a wonderful acquisition. For it to be in the (Queensland Transport) museum is a dream come true”.
Purpose-built for battle in brutal environments, this machine is equal parts engineering marvel and wartime survivor.
Today it stands proudly in the Lockyer Valley as a powerful tribute to the machines and the people that shaped our past, but the Raider isn’t riding solo.
1956 Saracen Armoured-Personnel Carrier.
This one-of-a-kind exhibition rolls out a fleet of meticulously restored military giants, including the legendary 1941 GMC 6x6 Prime Mover, dubbed ‘the truck that won the war’, and the only manual 1969 Diamond Rio Prime Mover in Australia.
You’ll also come face to face with tanks, scout cars, haulers and even wartime field gear, as well as powerful stories from local families woven throughout.
Just a 90-minute drive from Brisbane, the Lockyer Valley is a slice of Queensland Country that knows how to deliver an unforgettable experience with military precision.
Whether you're a history buff, a family on the lookout for a weekend adventure or a road tripper with a soft spot for vintage horsepower, the Queensland Transport Museum in Gatton is a must-do.
The exhibition runs daily from 9am to 4pm with admission $10 for adults and $27 for families.
Visit Queensland Country Tourism for more information.
By Felicite Cootes, Queensland Country Tourism
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