The tour has been designed to give tour guests some semblance of an idea of what it was like to be on the front lines during The First World War when they visit the exhibition which is on display at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre until September 11.

The exhibition allows visitors to journey through the nation’s footsteps from 1901 through to the First World War and beyond, via interactive environments and special effects to tell Australia’s story in a compelling and at times scarily realistic way while offering access to more than 200 historical artifacts from the Australian War Memorial, such as the last shell fired by the Anzacs at Gallipoli.

Local historical and community groups have also contributed artifacts to the exhibition while its in Townsville which take pride of place at the entrance.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Dan Tehan, officially launched the Townsville leg of the tour, and said their was no way he was going to miss this particular opening.

“This was the one I wanted to come to, Townsville has a long and proud association with the Australian Defence Force as home to Lavarack Barracks, RAAF Base Townsville and Ross Island Barracks,” Mr Tehan said.

“It’s fitting that with its military presence and history, the exhibit has come to Townsville to increase our understanding of Australia’s wartime experience and to carry forward the Anzac spirit and values,” he said.

“Every Australian should visit this exhibit to give them an insight into what Australians experienced more than a century ago.

“Its a fitting legacy for those who have defended and continue to protect our country from The First World War up too and including conflicts taking place now.”

Townsville mayor Jenny Hill said the city is proud and honoured to host the exhibit.

“Its important to continuously rediscover our Anzac past so the community doesn’t forget about what they did,” Cr Hill said.

“The exhibit is platform for all of our community to share stories and be a part of a magnificent experience that they won’t forget,” she said.

Executive manager of the Australian War Memorial Major General Brian Dawson, AM, CSC (Retd) said since the tour kicked off close to 206,000 guests have passed through it.

Townsville is the 14th destination on the exhibitions national tour which began in September 2015 and will conclude in Sydney after Anzac Day in April 2017.

“Our biggest single day so far saw 2900 people in Mackay come to investigate it,” Mr Dawson said.

He said space for the Townsville tour leg is already filling up fast with 15,000 tickets secured so far and suggested making a booking as soon as possible so as not to miss out.

To book for the free Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience exhibition visit www.spiritofanzac.gov.au