Fighter World Williamtown Aviation Heritage
Getting to Fighter World
Fighter World located adjacent to the Williamtown RAAF base has an excellent display of jet fighters operated by the RAAF. Fighter world is very easy to find due to its location and parking is easy, because the museum has its own large car park.
The Collection
Main Hanger
Housed in an old hanger the collection illustrates the evolution of the jet fighter in Australian service from its beginnings with the Meteor to high tech aircraft like the F-111 and Mirage III. Also displayed are Winjeel and PC-9 forward air control aircraft because they marked targets for the fast jets.
All aircraft can be approached closely so it is possible to get a great close-up view. Many also have stairs to enable a view of the cockpit and top of the aircraft, which also gives you great views around the display hall.
If you have kids or like the interactive side of museums there is a Mirage cockpit that you can sit in, which gives you a hands-on feel for the aircraft.
Aircraft armaments are displayed around the hanger ranging from Matra R.530 missiles for the Mirage to Bomb ejector racks for the F111.
Second Hanger
Containing the first RAAF jets, a small hanger houses a Vampire, Meteor and CAC Sabre. Also housed here are two replica Spitfires, one only consists of the fuselage, but the other is full size. Several early jet engines, the Ghost, Goblin and Nene, show how they worked, with cut-away sections revealing their interiors.
In addition to the aircraft displays is the Norm Forrester Collection. Displayed in cabinets this large collection of model aircraft covers most RAAF, British and US subjects.
Outside Displays
Located between the two hangers is a Pilatus PC-9 used until recently by the RAAF for Forward Air Control.
In front of the museum a CAC Sabre stands as a gate guardian along with a radar dish and a Jindivk target drone.
Viewing Platform
A stairway leads to a viewing platform where the active Williamtown RAAF base and its aircraft movements can be observed. The Williamtown base is currently home to F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters (operated by No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit, No. 3 Squadron and No. 77 Squadron), BAE Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighters (operated by No. 76 Squadron), E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft (operated by No. 2 Squadron) and Pilatus PC-21 forward air control aircraft (operated by No. 4 Squadron).
Because the base also has the Newcastle Airport located opposite, you can see commercial planes coming and going as well.
What Did We Think?
A great museum showcasing Australia’s jet fighter aircraft from the 1940s to the present. Located close to Newcastle NSW, this is a fantastic place to visit if you have an interest in aircraft.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.