Charleville’s World War II Secret Base is, once again, nominated for an RACQ People’s Choice Award in this year’s Queensland Tourism Awards, shining a spotlight on one of Outback Queensland’s most compelling heritage experiences.
The WWII Secret Base offers visitors a rare glimpse into Australia’s covert military past. Once a top-secret USAAF base during the Second World War, the site has been meticulously preserved and transformed into an immersive cultural attraction, complete with interactive exhibits, wartime memorabilia, and guided tours that delve into the region’s strategic role in the Pacific theatre.
Located 750km west of Brisbane along the Warrego Highway, Charleville served as home to a crucial United States Army Air Force base that played a vital but long-hidden role in the Pacific Theatre. During WWII, this outback community welcomed 3,500 American servicemen who operated across a variety of different military units, conducting classified operations that would significantly impact the war effort. The entire township was sworn to secrecy about the top-secret military operations taking place in what is now our infamous “vault“ – a building that still stands today. For years, the full scope and importance of this base remained unknown to many, even those who call Charleville home.
What began in 2012 as a modest tag-along tour has flourished into today’s WWII Secret Base.
“It’s such an honour to be nominated for People’s Choice”, WWII Secret Base Coordinator said Abigail Farrawell. “This means so much to our team, and it strengthens our passion for sharing Charleville’s military history with everyone who travels through.”
RACQ People’s choice winner will be announced at the 2025 Queensland Tourism Awards Gala being held in Brisbane this November.
For more information head to www.wwiisecretbase.com.au.
