Tally ho! A taste of history on your doorstep

Did you know that a short drive from Orchard is the birthplace of the Royal Australian Air Force?

That’s right. The RAAF, first conceived of as the Australian Flying Corps, had its origin in Point Cook after the Australian Government purchased the necessary land back in 1912.

It would become not only the birthplace of the RAAF, but its spiritual home.

In fact the location, which is also the site where the Royal Victorian Aero Club was established, is still classified as a military aerodrome, and since it still maintains an operating airfield it stands as the oldest continuously operating military airfield in the world.

Why not visit for yourself? The RAAF Museum at RAAF Base Williams, Point Cook is open to the public, and is a great place to experience the history of Australian aviation, featuring displays of aircraft large and small that have played significant roles for the RAAF since its founding.

Some of the amazing planes on show include the enormous Lockheed C-130 Hercules, the de Havilland Vampire small jet fighter, the classic Tiger Moth and the CAC Sabre among numerous others.

There are also interactive flying displays for visitors every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday from 1pm.

Why not also visit the B-24 Liberator Restoration nearby? The Liberator was one of the long-range heavy bombers in service during World War 2, and the Restoration is the only remaining Liberator in the Southern Hemisphere – one of just eight left in the world.

It’s a fascinating display for flyboys and flygirls of all ages.

The RAAF Museum is located in Point Cook at the end of Point Cook Rd. Visit the website for a taste of what you’ll see there.

Meanwhile, you’ll find the B-24 Liberator Restoration at the corner of Princes Highway and Farm Rd Werribee, open Thursday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm.

Up, up and away you go, to see first hand these marvellous flying machines!