When you think of Australia’s military history, your mind may automatically shift to the shores of Gallipoli or the European battlefields.

But you don’t have to travel halfway around the world to experience a piece of Australia’s involvement in World War Two.

Mat McLachlan is a Battlefield Tour operator and he tells Chris Smith Aussies can discover our history at home.

“You talk to someone about military history.. and quite naturally they think of Gallipoli, they think of the Western Front, they think of Kokoda.

“But I don’t think people realise just what incredible history we’ve got right on our doorstep.”

Mat’s tour leaves from Sydney, navigating across key sites in New South Wales before finishing up at an arms factory in Lithgow.

“Lithgow is the place where weapons have been made since the turn of last century for Australia.

“All the rifles that our soldiers have carried into battle were made in this arms factory in Lithgow.”

Click PLAY below for the full interview

You can find out more about the tour here.