The Aviation Heritage Centre originally opened in 1995 as the 'RAAF Museum - Wagga Annex' to provide a focus on the Air Force's involvement in the Riverina and access to the history and memorabilia of military aviation and training. It closed in 2005 due to structural issues and reopened after repairs in October 2010 as the RAAF Wagga Heritage Centre (later renamed the RAAF Wagga Aviation Heritage Centre). The Centre is manned by volunteers from within the Wagga Wagga community and managed by RAAF Reservists.
RAAF Base Wagga is the last remaining Riverina World War II base within a network of bases incorporating Uranquinty, Tocumwal, Deniliquin, Narrandera, Temora, Cootamundra, Parkes and Narromine. It is the only place to see regional-specific Air Force memorabilia, including photographs and documents, which show the activities of the region during World War II and after.
The Centre showcases Air Force history, and the significant involvement of the RAAF in the Riverina Region of New South Wales. Currently on display is a Mirage, a Korean War Meteor, a Vietnam War Canberra, a Macchi trainer, and an F-111C. The aircraft display represents over seventy years of RAAF flying history.
Within the Memorial Gardens at the front of the base is a mural dedicated to the Empire Air Training Scheme and a replica of a WWII Chapel built at Coomalie Creek, Darwin in 1943 by members of No 31 Squadron.
The Centre is manned by volunteers from within the Wagga Wagga community who belong to the Wagga Wagga Aviation Heritage Centre Volunteer Association and managed by RAAF Reservists.
Address and opening hours
RAAF Base Wagga
Sturt Highway
Forest Hill NSW 2651
Phone: (02) 5950 7240
Email: wag.ahc@defence.gov.au
Entry is free. The Centre is open 10am to 4pm, Saturday to Thursday inclusive. It is closed on Friday, open by appointment only.
The Centre has disabled facilities available and a small merchandise shop.
Getting there
The RAAF Wagga Aviation Heritage Centre is located in the old Guard House at the entrance to RAAF Base Wagga at Forest Hill, ten kilometres east of the CBD of Wagga Wagga, along the Sturt Highway. The entrance to the base is easily recognisable by the static aircraft on display next to the Aviation Heritage Centre. These aircraft are completely accessible for visitors to view and photograph.
Community
The Wagga Wagga community, Service clubs and local businesses have contributed significant resources to the development of the RAAF Wagga Aviation Heritage Centre and surrounds, and have donated some of the memorabilia and displays. On-going maintenance and administration of the Centre and exhibits are now the responsibility of both serving members of the RAAF and community volunteers.