Living stories on one of Australia ’s truly historic aerodromes

Visit Narromine Aviation Museum – a captivating exhibition of artifacts, documents and photographs which tell the story of aviation as it unfolded on one of Australia ’s most historic aerodromes.

Where, when and how much?

Narromine (population 3,500) is 40 kilometres west of Dubbo, NSW on the Mitchell Highway . The museum is located at Narromine Aerodrome on Trangie Road , just two kilometres northwest of town.

Opening times: Wednesday to Monday, 10.00am – 5.00pm .
Visits at other times by arrangement – phone (02) 6889 7131 (Museum),
(02) 6889 1001 (Chairman, Bob Ballhausen)

Cost: $7 adult, $5 child / pensioner
$5 per person for groups of 15 or more.

Why an aviation museum at Narromine?

Many people are surprised to learn that flying at Narromine started as early as 1919. Australia ’s first regional aero club, which is still active, was formed there ten years later. A host of famous aviators made regular visits during the 1920s and 30s, and were enthusiastically hosted by the townspeople (see Timeline).

During the Second World War, the aerodrome was upgraded to host firstly a large RAAF flying school, and in 1945 a unique RAF Mosquito bomber squadron. The post-war years saw Qantas conduct much of its pilot training there, as well as using the aerodrome as an alternative to Sydney ’s Mascot for international flights.

The sport of gliding, too, has roots at Narromine which go back to the 1940s. Today, the region is considered to be among the world’s best soaring sites.

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