Bendigo Military Museum

19/06/2026

These postcards are just some of those sent by Private John Stanley Howlett to his sweetheart, Rena Fergus, while he served overseas during the First World War.

"My Dear Rena. Just a few lines hoping that they find you well and happy as it leaves myself at the present."

Personal correspondence such as these postcards offered an important connection to loved ones, sharing affection, reassurance, and glimpses of daily life far from home.

12/06/2026

You may have noticed that our Rats of Tobruk showcase looks a little different.

That's because some of our collection has gone on tour to Tobruk House in Albert Park, where the Rats of Tobruk Association's new anniversary exhibition - 85 for 85 - was launched on 24 May. Featuring what is arguably one of the most comprehensive collections of Tobruk-related memorabilia ever assembled, the display offers fascinating insights into the story of Tobruk and those who served there.

Your next opportunity to visit is this Sunday 14 June, from 11.00am–3.00pm at Tobruk House, 44 Victoria Avenue, Albert Park. Spend a winter afternoon exploring this unique collection and discovering an important chapter of Australian military history.

Following 14 June, Tobruk House will be open every second Sunday.

03/06/2026

No – it’s not your eyes. 👀

Something exciting is coming to Bendigo Military Museum on 26th June.

Step beyond the objects and into the voices, memories, and lived experiences behind them.

History is about to sound very different.

More details are coming!

29/05/2026

The Bendigo Military Museum is thrilled to announce that we've been recognised in Tripadvisor’s® Traveler's’ Choice Awards Best of the Best for 2026, ranking in the top 10% of attractions worldwide. 😍

Come discover Central Victoria's rich military history, we're open daily from 10am-4pm.🎖

22/05/2026

Bendigo is a city that runs because of the dedication and generosity of its volunteers, and Bendigo Military Museum is no exception. From our guides sharing hundreds of stories with visitors, to our award-winning cataloguing team caring for a collection of more than 30,000 items, the museum simply could not function without them.

This National Volunteer Week, we celebrate our incredible volunteers and thank them from the bottom of our hearts for the passion, time, and care they bring to the museum every day. Your contribution helps preserve and share our community’s military history for future generations. THANK YOU for everything you do!

21/05/2026

15/05/2026

Just before Anzac Day, the 4-year-old kinder class at Aspire Early Education and Kindergarten White Hills presented the museum with a collection of artworks inspired by the books Anzac Ted by Belinda Landsberry and Lest We Forget by Kerry Brown.

We were delighted to accept these thoughtful creations and the heartfelt messages the young artists shared alongside them. Their reflections on remembrance, service, and kindness were truly touching, and we are very pleased to have the artworks on display at the museum.

Thank you to the children and educators at Aspire White Hills for this wonderful contribution.

30/04/2026

Australian author Peter Mitchell returns with I’ll Walk Beside You, the powerful follow-up to his acclaimed 2025 novel Under the Same Moon.

Join the book launch on Wednesday 13 May at 6pm at the Royal Historical Society of Victoria in Melbourne for an evening exploring one of the most desperate chapters in Australia’s history. Drawing on never-before-seen letters, diaries, and oral histories, Mitchell weaves a moving account of soldiers at war alongside the parallel love story of real-life couple Jean and Cal.

Attend in person or online via Zoom (online event begins at 6:30pm).

🎟️ Secure your tickets here: https://www.historyvictoria.org.au/event/book-launch-ill-walk-beside-you-by-peter-mitchell/

25/04/2026

Bendigo ANZAC Day Morning March and Service Bendigo Military Museum

24/04/2026

2026 Bendigo Dawn Service

Bendigo Military Museum