Royal Australian Air Force Archives - Destination's Journey

22 November 202322 November 2023

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.

RAAF Roulettes aerobatic team over Nobbys Beach

Lockheed Martin F-35A and CAC CA-18 Mustang over Nobbys Beach Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023 — Lockheed Martin F-35A and CAC CA-18 Mustang over Nobbys Beach

Boeing E-7A Wedgetail Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023 — Boeing E-7A Wedgetail

Boeing P-8A Poseidon flying over the Nobbys Beach Surf Club Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023 — Boeing P-8A Poseidon flying over the Nobbys Beach Surf Club

Airbus KC-30A MRTT of 33 Squadron RAAF over Nobbys Beach Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023 — Airbus KC-30A MRTT of 33 Squadron RAAF over Nobbys Beach

Lockheed P-3C Orion during the flying display over Nobbys Beach Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023 — Lockheed P-3C Orion during the flying display over Nobbys Beach

The crowd on the beach while a Lockheed P-3C Orion flies over Nobbys Headland

Lockheed P-3C Orion during the flying display over Nobbys Beach — Part of the crowd with a Lockheed P-3C Orion flying over Nobbys Beach

Boeing FA-18F Super Hornet Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023 — Boeing FA-18F Super Hornet

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.

Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II A35-37 of 3 Squadron RAAF

Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet A44-218 of 1 Squadron RAAF Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023 — Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet A44-218 of 1 Squadron RAAF

Boeing EA-18G Growler A46-313 of 6 Squadron RAAF

Pilatus PC-21 A54-038 of the RAAF Roulettes aerobatic team

Boeing E-7A Wedgetail A30-001 of RAAF 2 Squadron

Close up of the radar housing of the Boeing E-7A Wedgetail A30-001 of 2 Squadron RAAF

Boeing P-8A Poseidon of 11 Squadron RAAF Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023 — Boeing P-8A Poseidon of 11 Squadron RAAF

Airbus KC-30A MRTT of 33 Squadron RAAF Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023 — Airbus KC-30A MRTT of 33 Squadron RAAF

Weapons bay of an Boeing P-8A Poseidon Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023 — Weapons bay of an Boeing P-8A Poseidon

CAC CA-18 Mustang Mk. 23, A68-170 AM-G Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023 — CAC CA-18 Mustang Mk. 23, A68-170 AM-G

Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XVI TB863 FU-P of No. 453 Squadron (R.A.A.F). In its original markings

CAC Wirraway A20-653 BF-F of the Air Force Heritage Squadron. Painted in 5 Squadron colours. Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023 — CAC Wirraway A20-653 BF-F of the Air Force Heritage Squadron. Painted in 5 Squadron colours.

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.

Gloster Meteor F.8 in the markings of A77-851, 77 Squadron during the Korean War Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023 — Gloster Meteor F.8 in the markings of A77-851, 77 Squadron during the Korean War

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20 July 202319 September 2023

Manly to North Head Walk

The walk from Manly to North Head takes you past some beautiful beaches with views over the coast, through coastal scrub and passes old fortifications. Finally ending at the entrance to Sydney Harbour, it has spectacular views of the city.

Getting There

The easiest way to get to Manly is to take the Manly ferry from Circular Quay. If you’re new to Sydney, this is an attraction in itself, because the Sydney Harbour ferries form an important part of the local public transport. During the ferry ride, you get some brilliant views of the Opera House and Harbor Bridge as well as all the other boat traffic on the water.

Sydney Ferry Collaroy — Manly Ferry Collaroy

Opera House From the Manly Ferry Sydney Australia — Manly Ferry Collaroy

Start of the Walk

Catching the Manly Ferry from Circular Quay, we arrived at Manly Wharf at 9:30 am. We planned our walk to take us along the shore to Shelly Beach where we would follow a track to the Barracks Precinct. Not only would this give us views over the coast but take us past some old fortifications and gun emplacements.

From the Manly wharf, we walked down The Corso, which is a pedestrian mall leading to the beach.

Manly Beach

One of the most popular Sydney beaches, Manly Beach is a great place for a swim or relaxing on the sand. We bought a coffee at a kiosk near the south end of the beach before starting the walk.

Manly to Shelly Beach

Starting at the south end of Manly Beach, the path follows the coastline, which is rocky until you reach Shelly Beach. There are plenty of places with places to look up and down the coast and back to Manly, giving you some amazing views.

Along the way look out for small metal sculptures of local wildlife. These have been placed on the rocks next to the path.

About halfway to Shelly Beach, Fairy Bower Pool is a protected ocean pool where you can swim. The pool is also decorated with a sculpture of two fairies.

Fairy Bower Sea Pool Marine Parade Manly Sydney Australia — Fairy Bower Sea Pool

Fairy Statues Fairy Bower Sea Pool Manly Sydney Australia Manly to North Head Walk — Fairy Bower Sea Pool

Shelly Beach

Shelly Beach is a secluded and serene crescent-shaped beach surrounded by nice shady trees. As well as a grassed area to relax on it has a kiosk where you can buy refreshments before continuing the walk.

From Shelly Beach, the track goes uphill to head along the cliffs to the south.

Shelly Beach Manly Sydney Australia — Shelly Beach

Shelly Headland Lookout

Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the ocean, this Shelly Headland Lookout provides an ideal spot for photographers because of the wonderful views along the coast. During the whale migration season, it’s also an ideal point to watch them swimming past.

Coastal view looking north back to Manly Manly to North Head Walk — Coastal view looking north back to Manly

Shelly Beach to the Barracks Precinct

After the flat walk from Manly the track becomes rougher and steeper. From here the track climbs uphill to reach the cliff tops. Winding through the coastal vegetation, it is not as busy as the first section because it is a more difficult walk. We loved this section, as the walk through the bush was much more peaceful.

At the top of the cliffs, old fortifications dating from the Second World War and earlier can be seen. The track even goes through one of the old walls built to defend the area.

The track south of Shelly Beach Manly to North Head Walk — The track south of Shelly Beach

Old fortification wall at North Head — The track south of Shelly Beach

Barracks Precinct

The Barracks Precinct at North Head is a historically significant site that served as a military base from the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century. It played a crucial role in the defence of Sydney Harbor and housed various military units over the years.

The Barracks Precinct has well-preserved sandstone buildings, which showcase the architectural style of the time. It includes several barracks, officers’ quarters, mess halls, and maintenance buildings. These structures provide a glimpse into the daily lives of soldiers stationed at North Head.

Today, the Barracks Precinct has been repurposed as a heritage site and is open to the public for exploration. Visitors can wander through the historic buildings, learn about the site’s military history through information boards which are dotted around the area.

In this area and continuing to North Head, the walking tracks are generally well paved and often consists of boardwalks or paved roads. When we visited, the banksias were in flower adding a touch of colour to the walk.

Main barracks building and parade ground

Banksia in flower — Main barracks building and parade ground

Fortifications

Many of the original fortifications were dismantled and the guns sold for scrap when they were no longer needed. Fortunately, some are still in place so that visitors can see them. Several large gun emplacements are open to the public, but when we visited others were being repaired.

A great way to get a feel for the area’s past is to take the underground tunnels tour. We did this several years ago and highly recommend it. You walk through the tunnels and underground sections of the fortifications as well as getting into areas the general public cannot access.

Old Fortifications Manly to North Head Walk — Old Fortifications

Old Fortification undergoing restoration — Old Fortifications

Memorial Walk

Winding through the coastal vegetation, the Memorial Walk commemorates Australia’s military heritage. Not only are there great sandstone memorials but the path is inlaid with bricks commemorating individuals or military units.

Memorial for Australian Peacekeeping Operations — Memorial Walk

Fairfax Lookout

The end of our walk took us to Fairfax Lookout with its stunning views of Sydney and Sydney Harbour. The site was named after Sir James Fairfax, a prominent Australian businessman and philanthropist.

Other Places to See in North Head

If you have time, Q Station, the old Sydney Quarantine Station is worth a visit. We did a guided tour here some time ago, which took us through the history of the site and most of its buildings. The old quarantine station cemetery is also a great place to see.

Getting Back

After finishing our walk, we decided to catch the bus back to the wharf as it stops right outside. Alternatively, you could walk back via Q Station. We had an excellent tour there a few years ago and highly recommend a visit.

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15 March 202315 March 2023

Australian War Memorial 1945 to Today

Long Range Patrol Vehicle MC2-Land Rover 110 6x6 used by the SAS in Iraq and Afghanistan Australian War Memorial

Australian War Memorial 1945 to Today

During our previous trip to Canberra, the gallery “Conflicts 1945” to Today in the Australian War Memorial was closed because of the renovations. This time however, it was open, so we took the opportunity to look around.

This gallery commemorates all the conflicts involving Australians from 1945 to today. This includes Korea, Malaya, Vietnam, East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan as well as numerous peace-keeping operations.

Korean War

This section commemorates Australia’s participation in the Korean War, particularly the army’s 3RAR, the RAAF’s 77 Squadron and the Royal Australian Navy.

Of the 17,000 Australians who served in Korea, casualties numbered more than 1,500, of whom 339 were killed. The majority served with the Australian Army.

The RAAF’s 77 Squadron was initially equipped with North American P-51 Mustangs, but these were later replaced with Gloster Meteor jet fighters. These, however, were outclassed as a fighter by the faster and more manoeuvrable MiG-15 operated by the Chinese and North Korean’s. As a result, they undertook ground attack missions in support of UN forces.

The RAN stationed HMS Sydney in Korean waters equipped with Firefly and Sea Fury aircraft. These made over 2,700 sorties, losing 9 aircraft with three aircrew killed.

Gloster Meteor F.8 fighter of 77 Squadron RAAF

Vietnam War

Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War lasted from 1962 until 1973. Over 60,000 Australians participated, the majority being from the army. Of these 523 were killed and nearly 2,400 wounded.

Long Tan Cross

One of the most interesting displays in the Long Tan Cross, erected after the Battle of Long Tan, to commemorate those who died.

In August 1966 a company of 6RAR was engaged in one of Australia’s heaviest actions of the war, in a rubber plantation near Long Tan. The 108 soldiers of D Coy held off an enemy force, estimated at over 2000, for four hours in the middle of a tropical downpour. They were greatly assisted by a timely ammunition resupply by RAAF helicopters, close fire support from Australian artillery, and the arrival of reinforcements in APCs as night fell. When the Viet Cong withdrew at night fall, they left behind 245 dead, but carried away many more casualties. Seventeen Australians were killed and 25 wounded, with one dying of wounds several days later.

Displayed in the Dong Nai Museum in Bien Hoa after the war, the Government gifted it to Australia in 2017.

Other Vietnam War Displays

Representing the Royal Australian Navy’s contribution to the war is a model of the aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney. Other Australian ships provided escort, or fire-support duties, while aircrew served with US forces.

The Australian Army has displays covering the major equipment used, including artillery, an armoured personnel carrier and an Iroquois helicopter in the act of inserting troops.

Iraq and Afghanistan

This section covers Australia’s more recent involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Camp Russell Special Operations base and The Ghan Chapel where ADF chaplains ministered to everyone regardless of belief

Peace Keeping

Some of Australia’s more important and long-term engagements have been peacekeeping deployments. These have been important because they assist in stabilizing areas of unrest while helping the local people recover from or avoid conflict. A map illustrating where deployments are or have been was very interesting. Many of these have not been well represented in the press, despite their contribution to world peace.

Land Rover Series 2A as used in Namibia 1989-90 Australian War Memorial — Land Rover Series 2A as used in Namibia 1989-90

Locations of Australian peacekeepers — Land Rover Series 2A as used in Namibia 1989-90

What Did We Think?

As the War Memorial continues its redevelopment, older areas such as this will be modernised. It is still an amazing pace to visit because of what it represents and has many great displays.

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Category: Royal Australian Air Force

Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023

Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023

Getting There