About

Welcome to the Simpson Barracks Expo 2026!

Join us for a day filled with interesting and engaging military displays and demonstrations. Explore the displays, interact with soldiers, and learn about their daily lives. Witness thrilling demonstrations and enjoy this fantastic opportunity to experience military life up close and personal.

Courtesy shuttle buses will be the primary mode of access and will be available to and from Watsonia Train Station.

Access is via Blamey Road off Greensborough Highway, Macleod - with no parking on site available.

Walking access is available from Yallambie Road. Please be mindful of residents in your parking choice location.

OPEN DAY TICKETING (FREE EVENT)

Ticketing is required for entry onto Simpson Barracks.
Tickets are valid for an allocated two-hour time slot only.
Each time slot will be allocated a coloured wrist band. It is a requirement that these be worn by all attendees during your time slot.

Conditions of Entry:

1.    Ticket and identification (school ID accepted for U18) must be presented upon entry to Simpson Barracks for the selected time.
2.    Individual Entry Tickets are required to be ordered for all attendees over the age of 2 years old.
3.    Entry to the base is limited to pedestrian access only - no bicycles or vehicles will be permitted to enter the establishment.
4.    No alcohol is permitted at the event.
5.    Bag searches will be conducted on entry or on request.
6.    Prohibited or dangerous items will not be allowed to enter the premises. These items include but are not limited to weapons, surveillance equipment, items that may cause a disturbance etc.

Dates

Location

Get directions

Simpson Barracks
200 Greensborough Road, Macleod VIC 3085

Contact Event Organiser

History

Simpson Barracks, formerly known as Watsonia Army Camp, is a 55 acre military base located in the suburb of Yallambie, approximately 18 km northeast of the Melbourne CBD. The site includes training facilities, accommodation, administrative buildings, workshops, and service areas. It is also home to the Defence Force School of Signals and the Defence Force School of Music.

The barracks are named in honour of Major General Colin Hall Simpson, who served as Signals Officer in Charge of Allied Land Forces during the Second World War.

Simpson Barracks also hosts the Royal Australian Army Corps of Signals Museum and the Royal Australian Army Pay Corps Museum, both of which preserve and showcase the history and heritage of their respective Corps.