But it promises to be more much more than an walk-through exhibition; rather, it is an immersive experience.

The Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience will showcase more than 200 artefacts and one of the first to be rolled out was an artillery piece, complete with material cushion seats and leather hand straps, that saw conflict 100 years ago. 

Former deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer, who served in Vietnam, urged people not just from Bendigo, but also from Serpentine and Elmore and beyond, to delve into the military showcase. 

“This is the crown jewels of the Australian War Memorial on display in Bendigo,” he said. 

“It examines Australia immediately before World War I, before Gallipoli, to the last shell fired, arguably, the casing of that shell is there. It’s very moving.”

He said his own fight would not remembered on the same scale. 

“It was the transfixing of a globe … it was a push back against military totalitarianism,” he said. 

Bendigo RSL president Cliff Richards said the exhibit was a fitting way to remember those who had made sacrifices a hundred years ago and who were no longer with us. 

“Sadly no men or women who served in World War I are left with us,” he said. 

“This gives us a reflection of that time.”

He said the exhibit not only took the participants to the trenches of the Somme, but also to the battles of the home front where families were left behind. 

Mr Richards said he was excited about the local community section of the exhibit, which features photographs, artefacts and war stories from the region’s own. 

City of Greater Bendigo community events officer Jacqueline Murphy echoed his sentiment, pointing to the photographs of Bendigo brothers Jack and Bert Grinton. She there had been extraordinary attention to detail in the preserved pieces from a bygone era. 

The Spirit of Anzac Centenary Experience will be held at the Prince of Wales Showgrounds from November 26 until December 2. 

Entry is free but tickets should be booked at www.spiritofanzac.gov.au. 

November 25 to December 2 at Bendigo 

January 11-20 at Wollongong 

February 8-25 at Melbourne

More venues to be announced at a later date ​

Take a brief journey back in time to what life was like in Australia before the outbreak of the First World War.

Take a look at what the people of the time were like and how they lived – their interests, fashions, entertainment and emerging technologies.

From rural regions to the rapidly growing cities and suburbs, Australians believed that a better life was achievable, free from old world class and repressive traditions.

The outbreak of war in Europe leads enthusiastic Australians into the unknown – a war many thought would be over swiftly.

Young Australian men enlist with excitement and go off to fight for the mother country – Britain.

Take a look at the typical cross-section of those signing up and why they decided to fight.

Travel with the young recruits as they head off overseas.

Find out more about the Royal Australian Navy’s initial involvement, including the sinking of Emden and the loss of HMAS AE1.

Peer through the portholes of the ship for a glimpse of the crowds as they wave you goodbye from the shores of Western Australia.

Disembark the ship, but not in Europe as first intended.

Step onto the sand and explore Egypt as the Australian and New Zealand troops undertake the first part of what they thought would be a great adventure.

See the men training in the desert and find out more about their experiences.

Around 4am on 25 April 1915 the Anzacs rowed from ships towards shore under the cover of darkness.

Step onto the shores of Gallipoli with the Anzacs; discover the key facts of the campaign from the dawn landings to the evacuation.

Watch footage on the confronting terrain of the Gallipoli ridges, then explore more of the story and artefacts hidden throughout the valleys and gullies.

Prepare yourself for a truly immersive experience with a taste of what life was like for those that lived and died in the fields of Belgium and France: the constant shelling that caused some to suffer ‘shell-shock’, the destruction, gas attacks, night raids and the weather to name but a few.

Take an in-depth look at the key battles that Australian troops were involved in, along with the variety of weapons that were being used.

Read about the brave nurses who put their own lives on the line to treat the wounded coming from the frontline and the kinds of wounds that they were confronted with.

A glimpse at Australia’s home front addresses the national conscription debate.

Step into the open fields, demolished towns, and rubble and destruction that were the battlefields of 1918.

As General Sir John Monash takes command of the Australian men, explore the battles leading up to the end of the war, including the first tank versus tank battle outside Villers-Bretonneux.

See the story of the Australian Flying Corps on the frontline.

Discover the often-overlooked Australian battles of Sinai and Palestine in 1916, 1917 and 1918.

Find out more about the important role the Australian Flying Corps, the Camel Corps and The Light Horse played on this very different battleground, and the rough terrain they had to face.

The end of the war was sudden and with it came a sense of shock and disbelief for troops at the frontline and people back home in Australia.

Aftermath touches on the huge task of an orderly repatriation of Australian forces along with the cha

llenges faced by returning soldiers.

It highlights the massive contributions of organisations such as Legacy, the RSL and Red Cross along with the work of Charles Bean and his personal legacy to the nation.

The Lest We Forget gallery is a place for reflection, contemplation and commemoration.

For more than 100 years, Australia’s armed forces have been involved in conflict, peacekeeping, peacemaking, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief around the world.

Explore the bravery, commitment and sacrifice of ordinary Australian men and women placed in extraordinary circumstances around the globe.