Get Up Close to Jets at Fighter World

With two little transport lovers, just the mention of the words ‘jet’ and ‘aeroplane’ is enough to create a buzz of excitement in our house, so when we mentioned to the kids that we’d be taking them to Fighter World near the Williamtown RAAF base, they were thrilled.

Fighter World is an aviation heritage centre located on Medowie Road at Williamtown and is an enjoyable 30-minute drive from Newcastle. You certainly won’t miss the turn-off as the centre itself replicates an aircraft hangar and the front display, consisting of an enormous radar and four aircraft, is visible from the road. There are plenty of car parking spaces on site.

Before we even entered the centre, our kids, aged 4 and 5, were excited and impressed by the size of the aircraft in the front display.

I loved reading all about the ‘Raymond Terrace Sabre’ having remembered it from childhood in its previous location at Raymond Terrace Lions Park. The kids enjoyed seeing how high they stood next to the aircraft tail located near the entrance.

Once inside, the displays are impressive.

You’ll see jet-engine aircraft, propeller-driven aircraft and more, either retired and carefully restored or replicas, some displayed on the floor and others hanging from the ceiling.

Exhibited in two hangars, visitors can walk-around, touch and look into the cockpits of such famous aircraft as the Mirage III, the Avon Sabre, the Gloster Meteor, the first Vampire jet built in Australia, the mighty F-111C and the F/A-18A Hornet.

Also on display is a World War 1 Sopwith Camel replica, WWII Spitfire replicas, a PC-9A(F) Foward Air Control aircraft, Winjeel trainer and much more.

The signage on each display is interesting and informative, appealing to older kids and adults, but my little ones enjoyed just walking around and looking at the aircraft.

Older kids and adults will enjoy the QR tour, easily accessible by phone or tablet. The QR codes are located on the displays and add an extra element of interaction to the visit.

I really enjoyed the aircraft ejection-seat display and, after we all watched a great short video on the subject, I was surprised by how much interest our two kids took in it. Older kids and teens would definitely enjoy it.

Everyone, from the very young to the very old, will love the model aircraft on display.

We were amazed to learn that one of the model displays, consisting of over 300 entirely handmade models, took one man over 40 years to construct.

There is also some great artwork and vintage media on display around the centre.

Plan to stay for lunch or, at least, morning or afternoon tea as the adjoining Three Beans Café offers a large selection of delicious hot and cold food and drinks with friendly service. We can recommend the grilled chicken burger and smiley face cookies!

The undercover, outdoor seated area overlooks the runway and is a great spot to sit and watch the planes and jets take off and land but note that the jets fly most days of the week, not normally on a weekend.

Thee Beans Café is accessible without entry to Fighter World and is a great café to visit through the week if you just want to sit and watch the jets. Here are some tips if you want to go plane spotting at Williamtown RAAF.

You can also experience all the runway action from the observation deck! Here, you can watch planes and jets take off and land, with the added thrill of a live audio feed streamed directly from the Williamtown Control Tower.

A great family day out that will appeal to little kids and older kids as well as mums, dads, carers and grandparents, I’d recommend a visit to Fighter World and we’ll definitely be back to visit the Three Beans Cafe!

New to Fighter World since our last visit, you can now experience what it’s like to be a fighter pilot! Fighter World has launched two incredible Virtual Reality Flight Simulators. If you’re aged 7 or older, you can now experience the thrill of flying an F/A-18 fighter jet in an integrated, motion-based cockpit, tailored just for you. Prices start at $35 for a 15-minute flight, and bookings are essential. This experience would make a great Father’s Day, birthday or Christmas gift!