Australian Army Flying Museum: A Tribute to Military Aviation

The Australian Army Flying Museum, located in Oakey, Queensland, is a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Established in 1982, the museum boasts a vast collection of aircraft and related memorabilia from all eras of Australian military flying. Visitors can witness the innovations required to survive in the theater of war and the advancements in aviation technology across time. The museum's aircraft displays include full-scale replicas of pre-World War I aircraft, such as the Bleriot, Deperdussin, and Box Kite. First World War replicas of the Sopwith Camel and Handley Page bomber are also on display. The collection extends to World War II and Korean War-era aircraft like the Auster Mk 3, and Vietnam War to present-day aircraft such as the Bell 47 - Sioux, Cessna Birddog, and Black Hawk. The museum's memorabilia room houses an array of smaller aircraft used by Army soldiers and airmen throughout their service in numerous conflicts around the globe. Photographs from all eras, including that of the Royal Australian Air Force No. 6 Aircraft Depot, which occupied Oakey Airfield during the Second World War, are also on display. The museum had humble beginnings in a single room at the Army Aviation Base in the mid-1980s, with Terry Egan as the curator. Today, the museum has expanded to include four hangars and a memorabilia room. Visitors can explore the museum's exhibits, which feature significant artifacts that provide insight into Australia's involvement in various conflicts. The museum also offers interactive exhibits and a designated play area for children. Knowledgeable and passionate volunteers, many of whom are ex-army personnel, enhance the visitor experience.