Aviation Heritage Museum of Western Australia

Lest we forget 🌹

Reflecting on the solemn significance of ANZAC Day, today we honour the courage and dedication of our veterans. Their sacrifices resonate deeply within our community, shaping our collective identity.

Today, we open our doors for a respectful journey through aviation history.

To all we remember today, we thank you for your service. 🙏

Did you know that on this day in 1935, Qantas made its first ever international passenger flight! ✈️

Taking flight from Brisbane to Singapore, the airplane carried only two paying customers on a DH86 aircraft, which may sound like an empty plane — but it had capacity for five passengers only!

The ticket cost 117 pounds — roughly $3200 in today’s terms — per passenger and took three and a half days to complete, with overnight stops at Cloncurry, Darwin and Rambang.

Picture Credit: Aviation History Australia and Qantas Founders Museum

Meet the Bell UH-1H Iroquois (Huey)! 🚁

Delivered to the RAAF in '73, Huey danced through Townsville and Canberra skies before joining the Army Aviation Corps.

Fast forward to 2012, and it found its way to our Aviation Heritage Museum in Bull Creek!

Interested in learning more about the Bell UH-1H Iroquois (Huey)? Visit our museum in Bull Creek today, we're open everyday from 10am - 4pm.

Top Secret: Bell UH-1H Iroquois (Huey) is located in our Southern Hanger 👀

Have you got a young aviator in the making? 🛩️

It's time to test their skills with the ultimate front-seat experience at our museum! From flight training sessions tailored for kids to immersive flight simulations for the adults, our museum is packed with activites for the whole family these school holidays.

We're open from 10am to 4pm every day. Book your ticket today! 🛩️

SCHOOL HOLIDAY COMPETITION TIME!

We're giving away 2 x Lancaster Tour Tickets worth $250, to one keen eyed aviation aficionado!

All you have to do is head to our museum this month, take a picture in front of the incredible Lancaster and share it on your Instagram or Facebook story tagging us!

The most creative image will win — but make sure your profile is on public so that we can see your entry! 🎟️

Don't wait, get snapping, competition ends 30th April 2024, 11.59pm AWST. Visit here for terms and conditions: https://tr.ee/5Sm91TAjkj

Hoppy Easter! 🐰

It's time for some Easter aviation adventures to kick start the school holidays! 🛩️

We are open today and tomorrow, so hop on in and continue the festivities with us! 🐣

🚀 JOIN US ON A TOP SECRET MISSION! 🔐

We're calling on aviators young and old to join us at the museum for a top secret mission this Easter school holidays. There are two tasks for those up for the challenge:

✏️ MISSION 1. Put your colouring in skills to work and complete the colouring in activity, available to download and print, Here: https://tr.ee/58M6q3j1vg

All who bring their work of art to the museum these school holidays will be granted free entry!*

🛫 MISSION 2. Adventure through our museum's two hangars to complete our Easter school holiday quiz and crack the secret code word to receive a special prize from our team.

Bring your A-team with you to the museum these school holidays and enjoy the range of activities we have for the whole family!

*Free entry only available until 2 April 2024 and only available to children under 16 years.

In observance of Good Friday on 29 March, we'll be taking a brief pause in our airborne adventures.

Fear not! Our doors will swing wide open again on Saturday, 30 March, ready to welcome you back for more high-flying experiences through aviation history.

Wishing you a peaceful and reflective Good Friday, and we look forward to seeing you on Saturday! 🛩️🌟

Ever dreamed of taking to the skies like a true Top Gun? ✈️

Well, we might not be able to send you up into the skies but our aircraft and cockpit tours are the next best thing. Learn about aviation history and experience firsthand the thrill of sitting in the pilot's seat of some of the most iconic aircraft ever to grace the skies.

Led by our knowledgeable guides, you'll embark on a journey that brings the courageous stories of aviators and their legendary aircraft to life.

Book your slot through our website and get ready to channel your inner maverick!

https://aviationmuseumwa.org.au/

Have you met the Vampire? 🧛‍♂️ And no, we're not talking about Dracula! 🦇

The Vampire was the second jet aircraft to enter RAF service, just one month before the end of WWII in Europe, and as a result did not see active service at the time. Despite this, the Vampire did have its moment in the spotlight, becoming the first jet aircraft to make a landing on and take-off from an aircraft carrier. ✈️🚢

The Vampire in our museum is an Australian-built T35A trainer version, and you can find it in the North Hangar. All you need to do is book your ticket. 🎟️

| COMPETITION CLOSED |

🍀 Saint Patrick's Day Giveaway! 🍀🛩️

Embrace the luck of the Irish and answer the below question for your chance to win two tickets to the Aviation Heritage Museum.

The Question. Drumroll please... 👉

What year did the Mk20 Canberra set a world record by becoming the first jet aircraft to make a nonstop transatlantic flight?

Share your answer in the comments and tag someone you would like to bring along to our museum for the day. ✈

Hurry, competition ends 11.59PM AWST tonight! T&Cs apply.

We love a fun historical fact! 🎉

Did you know that on this day in 1906, Rolls-Royce Limited was born? 🚗✈️

The partnership between Charles Rolls, an aviator and car enthusiast, and Henry Royce, an engineer and inventor would redefine both luxury travel and aviation forever. While initially famed for their automobiles, Rolls-Royce ventured into aviation during WWI with the Eagle engine which set a new course for the company.

Their engines, from the iconic Merlin that powered WWII Spitfires, to today's advanced jet engines, showcase a legacy of innovation and excellence. Rolls-Royce stands as a testament to the vision of its founders and their enduring impact on the aviation industry. ✈️

Meet Cliff, a true hero who served as an RAAF navigator during WWII. 🙌

Having flown over German-occupied Europe aboard Lancaster bombers, Cliff, born in Lake Macquarie, enlisted in the RAAF in 1943 at the young age of 18. Assigned to 44 (Rhodesia) Squadron stationed at RAF Spilsby, Lincolnshire, Cliff witnessed the aftermath of the ‘shock and awe’ bombing of Dresden in March 1945. ✈

Demobilised on January 18, 1946, at RAAF Bradfield Park, Cliff's journey continued with a successful career in the building industry and raising four children. 👨‍✈️

Accompanied by his grandsons, Brad and Adam, Cliff revisited our museum, where his own history is preserved. A heartfelt salute to Cliff and all those who served, turning history into stories we can all share.

It's Women in Aviation Week. 🛩

Today we celebrate the remarkable service of women who have served proudly, including Teddy, Beryl and Kate, all whom are residents of RAAFA's Gordon Lodge in our Air Force Memorial Estate.

These remarkable women all served in the Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) in the 1940s. Kate and Beryl were both trained as cipher assistants, enabling them to decode messages, and Teddy served as a clerk at Victoria Barracks and then at Mount Gambier.

A proud group of Australian women who's dedication and contributions set a formidable example for women in aviation and beyond. We acknowledge all men and women who served, and thank them for their service.

Pictured: Beryl Ganfield, Kate Quan and Teddy Dean

Long weekend fun is in full force at our museum today!

Whether you're looking to dive deep into the rich history of the first British monoplane, or experience an exhilarating virtual reality tour as a bomber commander — there's something for the whole family to enjoy.

Join us from 10am today and book your ticket 🎟️ via:
https://aviationmuseumwa.org.au/

Dive into history with the Avro 683 Lancaster B.VII at The Aviation Heritage Museum! 🛩

One of only 17 intact Lancasters globally, our iconic aircraft 'NX 622' was painted in 463 Squadron markings as JO-D (D-Dog), which completed an impressive 93 raids.

Explore this historic beauty and more aircrafts at our Bull Creek museum today! Book your ticket via: https://aviationmuseumwa.org.au/

Experience the bravery and adventure of iconic historical moments through our one-of-a-kind Macchi Experience. 👨‍✈️🛩

Not for the faint hearted, this virtual reality tour will dive into the past and soar through history discovering the world of aviation like never before!

Feeling adventurous? Book now via: https://aviationmuseumwa.org.au/tours-and-experiences/

COMPETITION TIME!

It's time to test your aviation knowledge. We're giving away 2 x General Admission Tickets to our museum to one aviation aficionado.

All you have to do is give us a follow and tell us: When did the iconic Wirraway CA-5 first soar into the skies? 🤔

Follow us and comment your best guess below for a chance to win tickets to explore this aviation legend and more at our museum! 🎟️

Need a hint? Following its service, the Wirraway was used for training and was retired in 1959.

Hurry, competition ends tomorrow, 11.59pm AWST on Sunday 25 February 2024. Competition terms and conditions:https://tr.ee/0DOuxOt2Dv

Meet the CAC CA-6 Wackett: The first aircraft type designed in-house by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation of Australia. 🛩

The CAC CA-6 Wackett is one of 4 surviving CAC Wackett Trainers, and formerly the personal aircraft of Horrie Miller, the famous Australian aviator!

Interested in learning more about the CAC CA-6 Wackett? Visit our museum in Bull Creek today, we're open everyday from 10am - 4pm.

Dive into aviation history with our Lancaster & Dakota C47 Tour!

Immerse yourself in the world of a WWII Lancaster bomber—crawl over wing spars, sit in the wireless operator’s seat and touch the navigator’s desk. 👨‍✈️

Then, step inside the Dakota C47, a true veteran of all WWII theatres.

Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! ✨

Ready for takeoff? 🛩 Book your tour now via: https://aviationmuseumwa.org.au/tours-and-experiences/

The mercury is rising once again this weekend and it's for this reason we've made the difficult decision to adjust our opening hours and close at 1pm this Sunday, 18 February. ☀️

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we navigate through these hot conditions together. Stay cool, stay hydrated, stay safe, and see you soon at the Aviation Heritage Museum. ✈

Looking for the perfect experience to gift a loved one this Valentine's Day? 💌

Give the gift of a sky-high experience at the Aviation Heritage Museum WA!

Gift vouchers are available to purchase at https://aviationmuseumwa.org.au/shop/

Grab yours and let love take flight 🛩 ✨

Andrew Russell Veteran's Living Badge Day takes place this Friday 16 February in honour of Sergeant Andrew Russell, who served in the Perth-based regiment and was the first Australian to tragically lose their life in battle since the Vietnam war.

If you missed out on purchasing an ARVL badge at Yagan Square last Friday, you can now purchase an ARVL badge at our museum for just $9.

Be inspired by the great sacrifice of our veterans and pick up a badge to wear with pride today. All proceeds go towards funding veteran homelessness in WA through RAAFA's ARVL program.

Today is the day, WA! It’s the official launch of ARVL Awareness Week. 👊

Show your support for veterans experiencing homelessness and purchase an ARVL badge for just $9.

Proceeds will go towards funding purpose-built emergency accommodation to help get Western Australian veterans back on their feet.

Seek out RAAFA volunteers to pick your badge up at our ARVL Appeal HQ in Yagan Square from 7am - 7pm, or any of the below train stations in Perth metropolitan from 7am- 9am this morning:

🚊 Mandurah, Bull Creek, Fremantle, Claremont, Airport Central, Butler, Midland, Joondalup, Perth Underground, Elizabeth Quay

If you can’t make it to purchase a badge, you can still make a difference by donating to the ARVL Appeal online: https://dpgo.io/raafawa

Attention Aviators! 🙌

In light of the sizzling weather forecast, we're putting yours and our volunteer’s safety first. Therefore, we've made the difficult decision to adjust our opening hours for the upcoming weekend. ☀️

To ensure everyone stays cool, we're adjusting our hours this weekend from Friday until Sunday, closing early at 1pm.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we navigate through these hot conditions together. Stay cool, stay hydrated, stay safe, and see you soon at the Aviation Heritage Museum. ✈

Ever wondered what it's like to be a part of a bomber crew? 🤔 Now's your chance!

From the relative calm of leaving homeland, to the noise and intensity of a bombing run through flak, searchlights, and machine-gun fire from closing fighters — experience it all in our Bomber Command Virtual Reality Experience today and then check out the Lancaster in real life!

How's that for an immersive experience. ✈️

Your flight awaits, book now via: https://aviationmuseumwa.org.au/bomber-command-virtual-reality/

Have you experienced one of our aircraft tours? 👨‍✈️

The best way to discover our breathtaking aircrafts, each tour will take you through the makeup of the aircraft, as well as provide amazing insights into the use of the aircraft during its time. You'll also get to hear some of the stories from those who bravely flew and worked on the aircraft! 🛩

With six tours to choose from, choose your adventure and book now via link in bio: https://linktr.ee/aviationheritagemuseum

The Andrew Russell Veteran Living (ARVL) program has been developed by RAAFA to help end veteran homelessness through the development of purpose-built emergency accommodation, which will also connect veteran residents with wellbeing services to help get them back on their feet.

To mark the start of ARVL Awareness Week, on 9 February a team of volunteers will be heading out to raise funds for the program through the sale of ARVL badges.

Show your support for the ARVL Appeal and purchase a $9 ARVL Badge at our Appeal HQ in Yagan Square, and select train stations.

Help RAAFA end veteran homelessness and support the ARVL Appeal by purchasing an ARVL badge. You can also donate to RAAFA's ARVL Appeal today: https://dpgo.io/raafawa