Where
our Where
our Melbourne is located in the state of Victoria in Australia and is the capital city of that state.
Wagga Wagga is the home to a sub-branch of the Clyde North Aeronautical Preservation Group. The city is located on the Murrimbidgee River in the Riverina region of the Australian state of New South Wales. The region has a rich aviation history and was the site of intense training and maintenance activity during World War Two. The region has kept up its close ties with military aviation ever since. It is the home to the main ground training base of the air force “RAAF Wagga) which is located at Forest Hill (An outer suburb of Wagga Wagga). This base trains the majority of ground based personnel for the RAAF and also trains maintenance personnel for the Army and Navy aviation arms. The city is surrounded by rich farmland and much of its economy is dependent on the rural sector although the RAAF Base, the Army Base (Kapooka) and the Charles Sturt University also contribute significantly to the local economy. Tourism is another important money spinner for the region and the city boasts a wide range of Hotels, Motels and Caravan Parks. However, it is a good idea to book ahead if you are planning to stay, as the city holds a number of different events at different times throughout the year and during these times it can sometimes be hard to find accommodation in the town. The only dedicated aviation museum located in the region is the Wagga Wagga Annex of the RAAF Museum, (Currently closed for refurbishment - Apr 2004) which is located at the entrance to the RAAF Base. The museum is usually open six days each week (closed Mondays, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas day). Entry to the museum is free, although it is a good idea to take some cash with you as they have a small shop which sells various books, badges and other aviation related items of interest. Whilst the museum display is not very large, it is still quite interesting and gives a good insight into the history of military aviation in the district. The museum building holds displays of photographs and memorabilia and on display outside the museum are a Canberra, Meteor, Winjeel, Sabre and Mirage. The museum building is open from 10.00am till 3.00pm (although it is usually closed for lunch between 12.00 and 1.15), but the aircraft may be viewed at any time. If planning a visit on week days it usually pays to phone first as personnel are not always available to open it every day. The number is (02)6937 5402. Located next to the museum are the Memorial Gardens. This area contains seating and free BBQ facilities for visitors to use.
There are still a number of other sites located in the region which are of interest to aviation enthusiasts. The remains of W.W.II vintage aircraft engine test cells are still visible from the main highway. They are located a short distance from the base. If you turn to your left at the crossroads you will come to the entrance of the civil terminal. Regional Express (REX) Airlines are based here and a number of other civil aircraft are also normally on view at the airfield. Visiting military aircraft are also sometimes viewable from here. When traveling from the base towards Wagga Wagga you travel down a small hill. Located at the base of the hill is a cross road and if you turn to your right you will see a house with the two remaining control rooms slightly to your right. The remains old Wagga Wagga civil aerodrome may still be seen adjacent to the main road into town (on the left hand side of the road, opposite the service station). The site is now used by the manufacturer of portable homes. The old control tower and airport offices may be seen in amongst the portable homes. The architecture is interesting as the tower is incorporated into the roof of the office/terminal building which looks like a house.
Further down the road there is a Vampire mounted on a pole. This is located next to the main highway in Boulton Park. When you are heading into town from the RAAF Base you will get to a set of traffic lights and then go under the railway bridge. The Vampire is just past this bridge on the right hand side of the road.
The CNAPG also has a number of items in the town although no formal display area currently exists. People wishing to view any of the collection may do so by prior arrangement by calling Darryl Gibbs on (02)6971 2411 or 0414 324791. You can also e-mail us.
FM107 2AAA. Wagga's own community owned radio station
Wagga Wagga Arts and Advisory Council
