Australian Defence Force Academy Open Day

The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) will host prospective students and members of the public at its annual Open Day in Canberra tomorrow.

Set to be the largest ADFA Open Day ever, the event will host 80 different immersive displays showcasing Defence capabilities across the maritime, land, air, space and cyber domains. 

Visitors can fly a virtual F-18 fast jet aircraft, monitor satellites in orbit or have a look through a Black Hawk helicopter; this year’s event has something for everyone.

ADFA Open Day highlights the unique partnership between the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and UNSW Canberra. Prospective trainee officers can attend information sessions on UNSW degrees including business, arts, science, engineering, computing and cyber security.

For prospective students and members of the public, it might be the first time they have seen this scale of military capability on display.

A highlight of the day will be the world-leading High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). With the first Australian HIMARS only delivered in March, and fired for the first time on home soil during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, this is a unique opportunity for visitors to learn more about this new chapter in Australia’s defence capability.

The day will conclude with a ‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony performed by Australia’s Federation Guard (AFG) to mark their 25th anniversary. 

Established in 2000, the AFG is a tri-service ceremonial unit made up of personnel from the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army, and Royal Australian Air Force. Only performed for special occasions, the ‘Beating Retreat’ Ceremony at ADFA Open Day provides the Australian public the opportunity to witness a unique show.

Quotes attributable to ADFA Commandant, Brigadier Troy Francis:

“ADFA Open Day introduces prospective students to the world-class education and military training available at the Australian Defence Force Academy. It’s also a great opportunity for the public to gain unique access and insights into the Australian Defence Force.

“ADFA is a special place, built on a longstanding partnership with UNSW. We’re proud to be opening our doors to the public so they can see for themselves what ADFA and a career in the ADF is all about.”

Media note

View the full ADFA Open Day schedule of events and interactive displays here.

Media can access imagery/vision of the 2025 ADFA Open Day at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20251985    

Imagery from the 2024 ADFA Open Day is available on the Defence Image Gallery at S20242372