The Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

Australian Defences

AUSTRALIAN. DEFENCE. FORCE.

The Australian Defence Force maintains 60 major bases and many other facilities across all the states and territories of Australia.

The Australian Defence Force consists of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Australian Army, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and a number of 'tri-service' units. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is responsible for the defence of Australia and is supported by the Department of Defence and several other civilian agencies.

The ADF is technologically sophisticated but relatively small, however, it is supported by a significant budget by worldwide standards and is able to deploy forces in multiple locations outside Australia. Australian soldiers have fought in both World Wars and numerous allied conflicts, including being involved in many peacekeeping exercises, one of the more noteworthy being the aid they provided in the independence of East Timor. Australians took part in many of the major battles fought on the Western Front. Of about 416,000 who served, about 60,000 were killed and another 152,000 were wounded. The defeat of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs) at Gallipoli was its first major military action. The Kokoda Track campaign is regarded by many as an analogous nation-defining event during World War II.

Australian Hornet fighter jets in formation at Australian Airshow
Australian Hornet fighter jets in formation at Australian Airshow
Battleship HMAS Vampire at the Maritime museum in Darling Harbour Sydney
Battleship HMAS Vampire at the Maritime museum in Darling Harbour Sydney

Since the late 1980s, the Government has increasingly called upon the ADF to contribute forces to peacekeeping missions around the world. The ADF is highly capable of defeating direct attacks on Australia by conventional forces, though such attacks are highly improbable at present.

Women first served in the Australian military during World War II. Since 1992 Australia has allowed gay men and lesbians to serve openly.

Australian Defence Force Emblems

All Australian troops are remembered each year on Anzac Day, 25 April, the anniversary of the first landing of Australian 'Diggers' at Gallipoli during the First World War.



Meat pies & tomato sauce
The Story of the Meat Pie

Pies have been popular in Australia since 1788, becoming a beloved part of Australian culture and providing an Aussie take on takeaways.

Margaret River Pro
Margaret River Pro

Margaret River Pro, a jewel in the crown of the World Surf League's Championship Tour and one of only two prestigious Australian events that draw the globe's surfing elite.

The Story of Vegemite
The Story of Vegemite

In 1919, amidst the turmoil of disrupted British Marmite imports post-World War I, an Australian company Fred Walker & Co. tasked Cyril Callister with a mission - to craft a tasty spread from yeast discarded by breweries.

WA Surfing Spots
WA Surfing Spots

In Western Australia & want to find out the best surfing spots? We have them for you.

Woolamai Beach, Phillip Island
Phillip Island Surf

From ultra-blue waves to bright turquoise tides, Woolamai Beach on Phillip Island is the dream destination for beachgoers and surfers alike.

NT Indigenous Artists
NT Indigenous Artists

Indigenous art is a big part of the Northern Territory life. No matter where you roam you'll find it in it's natural habitat or on display in art galleries.

The Future of Women's Football in Australia: AFLW Junior Development
The Future of Women's Football in Australia: AFLW Junior Development

At the moment there is an exciting future in women's football in Australia, and how it is being fostered among juniors through the AFLW (Australian Football League Women's) Junior Development program.

Aussie Snow Sports
Aussie Snow Sports

It is estimated that over 500,000 winter sports enthusiasts head for the Australian ski fields each winter. There are resorts scattered all over the Alps in Victoria & New South Wales.

Tracks, trails and reserves
Tracks, trails and reserves

When trekking through the Victorian High Country make sure to hit the tracks and trails of national parks and reserves across the High Country.

Port Macquarie - Beaches or Hinterland
Port Macquarie - 17 Beaches +

Port Macquarie is known for its 17 uncrowded beautiful beaches, lush hinterland, abundant wildlife and a diverse variety of attractions.



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