Eumundi Voice - Issue 104, 17 October 2024

DAY TRIPS FOR FAMILIES

Qld Air Museum

In a recent visit to the Qld Air Museum in Caloundra, I took the grandson of a friend who is hoping to join the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) but unsure in what capacity. The visit was eye opening as he was able to ask questions and get a feel for what it would be like to have a career around aircraft. I have not visited the museum for many years and it was impressive to see how professionally managed it was, increasing in size and catering for all kinds of visitors.

Another friend visiting for a 50yr reunion of his RAAF pilot’s course, expressed that the highlight of his 3-day reunion was the trip to the museum where one of the reunion members was a volunteer. He organised a personalised tour, going over the two-trainer aircraft they learnt to fly in before finishing the tour at Australia’s oldest DC-3 with champagne, seafood and a lot of old tales told.

The Qld Air Museum is Australia’s largest and most diverse historic aviation display. Located in Caloundra, it began life in 1974 in Brisbane with one Canberra Bomber. The display was then moved to the Sunshine Coast due to its proximity to the new Brisbane airport expansion. The current museum was officially opened in 1987 by Mrs Ly Bennett – wife of Air Vice Marshall Don Bennett – the Qld born founder of the WWII Pathfinder Bomber Force.

It was established with a view to preserving Australia’s Aviation heritage and now has almost 100 historically significant aircraft and many other aviation-related displays. Aircraft were acquired from all over, including Britain and Singapore.

The museum opens to the public every day of the year except for Christmas Day and visitors can roam around the facility by themselves, however I would strongly advise to book a guide – usually an experienced aviator or someone who has a lot of experience around aircraft. They can give you a good overview of what

the aircraft were used for, what they were like to fly, along with some good old “war stories”. Group tours can be booked via the website and the facility is an ideal destination for car clubs, aviation groups and other interested parties to learn about Australia’s aviation history.

There is a large range of aviation models and other aviation-related treasures for sale at the shop. The museum is run entirely by volunteers. So, if you think you could contribute as a volunteer get in touch. Visit: qldair.museum.