Take your kids and spot fighter jets at RAAF Base Williamtown. If you have a budding Top Gun jnr. in the family then where better to take them to where our ace pilots train? See if you can spot the latest F-35A joint strike fighters!
Just a 30-minute drive north of Newcastle, you’ll find RAAF Base Williamtown near Newcastle Airport. While the base itself is high-security with no public access, there’s a fantastic spot at the end of the runway on Medowie Road (just before the Fighter World museum). Park there on the right day, and you can catch all the thrilling fighter-jet action!
You’ll have the chance to see takeoffs and landings, touch-and-go’s as well as flyovers. And, in between times, commercial aircraft and helicopters come and go creating the perfect ‘plane spotting’ opportunity.
Spotting aircraft at RAAF Base Williamtown
While you’re there, you can make a list of the different types of aircraft. You can confirm what military plane you’ve seen on the RAAF website or for commercial flights, any of the carrier’s websites.
Visit Fighter World
If you have some time, you can stop by nearby Fighter World. Established in the early 1980s, Fighterworld has an extensive display of military aircraft from model planes right through to a full-size F-111C. Outside, they have an elevated observation deck so you can take in all the runway action.
For more information about Fighter World, read the Newy with Kids review of Fighter World or visit the Fighter World website.
Stop for a Bite at Three Beans Café
You don’t need to pay for entry to the adjoining Three Beans Café. Based near the runway, the outdoor area allows you to watch the planes while you enjoy a coffee and a snack. The café is popular with base staff so, amongst all the uniforms, you may even get to see a Top Gun pilot or two.
Plan your trip
Obviously, you want to make the most of your trip and there are a couple of ways to do it.
You want to make sure training sessions are being conducted with pilots. The fighter planes don’t fly every day and very rarely on weekends.
Visit the Defence Aircraft Noise website or call 1300 DEFENCE (1300 333 362).See Flying Activity page to view major training exercises and flying activities.
For commercial arrivals and departures, you can keep an eye on the Newcastle Airport Flight Schedule website.
Facilities:
- McDonald’s: If you need a break, there’s a McDonald’s (with McCafe) nearby that has an outdoor playground.
- Service Stations: There are two large service stations close by (on either side of the Nelson Bay Road).
Things to remember:
- Binoculars: Take a pair and get an up-close view of the action.
- Earmuffs: Take a pair of earmuffs for any sensitive ears. The sound of the aircraft can be truly ear-splitting and even terrifying if you’re small and not sure where it’s coming from.
- Parking: The parking area is a gravel stretch that can be quite bumpy. Be careful when pulling on and off Medowie Road. Many trucks drive past, so you need to be cautious. Also, there may be children or adults distracted by aircraft and not aware of where cars may be at any given moment. Make sure you park OUTSIDE the yellow warning signs (see picture).
