Caboolture aviation museum prepares to open, calling on community support

Caboolture is set to gain a permanent home for aviation history, with the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre (AAHC) preparing to officially open as a public museum in mid-2026.

Based at Hangar 104 at Caboolture Aerodrome, the centre has spent years restoring and preserving historic aircraft behind the scenes. Now the focus is on opening its doors as a fully functioning museum for the community.

AAHC president Ralph Cusack said the team wants to ensure the museum launches with strong foundations.

“We want to open as a proper museum, with everything done right,” Mr Cusack said.

“Currently, we are open to the public, we are not charging entry, and we want this to be something the community can be proud of.”

While the official opening is still months away, the centre is already welcoming visitors three days a week.

Many people discover the centre while searching for the former Caboolture Warplane Museum, which has since closed.

“A lot of people walk in thinking they’re looking for the Warplane Museum. That museum is closed, but they end up finding us instead, which is a good thing,” Mr Cusack said.

Restoring a piece of Australian aviation history

At the heart of the collection is one of Australia’s most significant aviation restoration projects - a DAP/Bristol Beaufort bomber recovered from a paddock in Victoria and now being carefully restored by volunteers in Caboolture.

The aircraft regularly attracts visitors with personal family connections.

“Most people who find us are looking for the Beaufort. They often had a father or grandfather who worked on them or flew them during the war,” Mr Cusack said.

Restoration work is continuing, with one wing expected to be fitted in the coming months, with the aircraft planned to be ready for full public viewing by the end of the year.

Hangar 104 is also home to a Flying Boomerang, a Tiger Moth, aero engines and a growing collection of aviation and wartime memorabilia, much of it saved from disposal elsewhere.

Unlike previous aviation displays, the AAHC owns its premises, providing the space and security needed to grow as a permanent aviation museum.

Volunteers needed to support the museum

As the centre prepares for its official opening, Mr Cusack said more volunteers are needed to help keep the museum operating and growing.

Around 20 volunteers currently contribute their time each week, assisting with aircraft restoration, administration, fundraising, grant applications, accounting, marketing and guiding visitors through the collection.

“Everyone has something they can offer,” he said.

“If you’ve got an interest and want to do something meaningful, we’ll show you what to do. We’d also love more women to be part of the centre.”

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact the centre by calling 0417 731 585 or emailing [email protected].

The Australian Aviation Heritage Centre is located at Hangar 104, 157 McNaught Road, Caboolture and is currently open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8.30am to 3pm.

The official public opening is planned for mid-2026.