RAAF Museum Point Cook
The RAAF Museum Point Cook houses the excellent RAAF collection. It hosts aircraft from World War One to the present. The latest example being an F-111 and the earliest a Maurice Farman Shorthorn biplane.
Heritage Gallery
This area has a comprehensive history of the RAAF and the Australian aircraft industry. The development of the RAAF from its birth to its present state is presented in great detail.
Main Exhibition Hall
Aircraft in the main exhibition halls are exceptionally well presented. Fully enclosed and air-conditioned hangers allow you can walk around the aircraft for some brilliant views. Some elevated walkways give you some views of the aircraft from above as well. Aircraft here cover the range from World War One through to modern times.
Modern Exhibits
The modern hanger hosts the F-4, F-111 and a Canberra. A perspex barrier encloses all of the displays. There are viewing portals in the Perspex so that un-obscured photos can be taken, but you are unable to get close to the aircraft.
Storage Display Hanger 180
The fourth hanger is more of a storage facility, with the displays held behind a wire mesh. Many of the aircraft on the far side of the hanger are obscured, despite the elevated viewing platform. This is a real pity as many of the aircraft here are very interesting, but unfortunately with space limitations, not everything can be in the main display hall.
Restoration Workshop
The final hanger is where restoration is taking place. This area also has an elevated platform, but the whole area looks a bit of a mess, as it is a workshop, with partially restored aircraft and parts lying around. The conservation work was very interesting to see. This will add more important aircraft to the collection.
Outside Displays
Outside, the museum has several large aircraft on display. Several Hercules, a Bristol Freighter and a Caribou. At the front of the museum there is a Bristol Bloodhound missile mounted as if ready to launch.
Surface to Air Missile
Accommodation
The visit here was part of a road trip from the Hunter Valley. Accommodation for the night was at nearby Quality Suites d’Olive. These semi-detached units consist of a bedroom with king size double bed, lounge, kitchen and spa-bathroom. All very nicely appointed and good value at $190 a night. They had turned the air conditioner on before we arrived, so the whole unit was nice and cool. We had dinner in their restaurant; also very nice, with excellent wait staff.