Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023
Held over the weekend of 18-19 November 2023, the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023 featured both air and static ground displays. The first days was a free community events with flying displays over Nobbys Beach and the Newcastle Harbour. Day Two had a nominal $10 entry fee to the RAAF Williamtown Air Force base where most of the aircraft flying on day one were on display. The Royal Australian Air Force and Newcastle Council did an amazing job of organising this event.
Getting There
Parking in the inner city was limited because of road closures. However, the council provided a park and ride from McDonald Jones Stadium, while additional ferries brought people from Stockton where large carparks had been set up.
Day One
Commencing at 10:00 AM, the air display was continuous until 12:30. At 2:00 PM it started again and ran through until 4:00PM. By start time, the foreshore and Nobbys Beach were packed. Additional premium viewing was available at Fort Scratchley, providing the highest vantage point on the day.
Sitting near the surf club we had an excellent view of the displays as they performed just off shore, or flew down the harbour.
Warbirds
Flying started with old warbirds and training aircraft, such as the CAC Winjeel, CAC Mustang (a licence built North American P-51 Mustang) and Supermarine Spitfire. Operated by 100 Squadron RAAF, these old planes preserve the history of military flying in Australia.
Current RAAF Aircraft
Following the warbirds, the RAAF aerobatic team the Roulettes put on a skillful flying display. They were followed by the current combat aircraft operated by the RAAF. Fortunately we brought ear plugs, because we knew the F-35 and F/A-18F would be noisy. They certainly didn’t disappoint and put on an amazing display of their flying capabilities.
Closing out the air display were the RAAF’s larger aircraft, the P-8 Poseidon used maritime surveillance, the E-7 Wedgetail AEW&C and the KC-30 MRTT multi role transport and tanker.
Day Two of the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show
Held at the Royal Australian Air Force Base at Williamtown just north of Newcastle, Day 2 was a non-flying day, although most of the aeroplanes from Day 1 were on display.
The RAAF provided parking on base, with busses taking people onto the base. This was an excellent idea because the base also hosts Newcastle Airport which provides domestic civilian air services. The buses allowed the airport to keep the runway operating while people were transported to an from the display area.
Each of the aircraft on display were attended by RAAF personnel who were happy to discus what they do and the jet’s capabilities. We had a great time walking around them all, including the warbirds.
The Airbus KC-30 MRRT was available for a walk-through but the queue was too long so we just looked at it from outside.
Fighter World
Fighter World the RAAF’s museum of fighters aircraft was open on Sunday and free to enter. Several of the fighters were outside the hanger which was great because the displays inside are usually close together. This allowed us to get close to some interesting planes. Most RAAF operated jets were on display from early Gloster Meteors to F/A-18s and an F-111. See out blog on Fighter World for more information and photos.
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To see what else there is to do in the Hunter Valley, please see some of our other stories.
