Australian National Aviation Museum
Explore Australia's aviation history with hands-on experiences, including sitting in real aircraft cockpits and a thrilling flight simulator.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Open cockpit days are popular!
Australian National Aviation Museum
Best Time
Open cockpit days are popular!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Australia's aviation history with hands-on experiences, including sitting in real aircraft cockpits and a thrilling flight simulator.
"A must-see museum for families and aviation lovers, offering incredible value and interactive fun!"
📸 Sit in the Cockpits!
Don't miss the chance to sit in real aircraft cockpits for photos.
✈️ Carrier for Little Ones
Use a carrier for babies due to stairs inside planes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Open Cockpit Experience
Various Aircraft
Sit in real aircraft cockpits, push buttons, and imagine flying! A highlight for all ages.
Vintage Aircraft Collection
Exhibition Halls
Explore a diverse array of military and civilian aircraft, each with its own story.
Flight Simulator
Simulator Area
Experience the thrill of flying with an immersive cockpit simulator.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Open Cockpit Access
Family-Friendly Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Sit in the Cockpits!
Don't miss the chance to sit in real aircraft cockpits for photos.
✈️ Carrier for Little Ones
Use a carrier for babies due to stairs inside planes.
💰 Value for Money
Entry is affordable and offers great value for the experience.
🗺️ Check for Open Cockpit Days
Special events offer more access to aircraft controls.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Sit in the Cockpits!
Don't miss the chance to sit in real aircraft cockpits for photos.
✈️ Carrier for Little Ones
Use a carrier for babies due to stairs inside planes.
💰 Value for Money
Entry is affordable and offers great value for the experience.
🗺️ Check for Open Cockpit Days
Special events offer more access to aircraft controls.
🔬 Explore Aviation History
Read the displays to learn about Australian aviation's past.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Australian National Aviation Museum for its interactive experiences, particularly the open cockpits that allow guests to sit in real aircraft. It's considered excellent value for money and a highly enjoyable outing for families and aviation enthusiasts alike, offering a tangible connection to Australia's rich aviation history.
"Visited the museum as tourists with kids; it was fun and enjoyable. Many of the planes’ cockpits are open for visitors to sit in and take photos. Lots of planes here to view and understand the history of Australian aviation. There is also a flight simulator machine. I think it’s a nice place to visit!"
Yuan Li Kwok
"Great aviation museum to visit especially while herself is busy in the DFO nearby, vgood price and lots to read and see. Got to sit in a lot of cockpits (not usual for aviation museums) so was very happy with that. Highly recommend if you’re passing this way ."
Dave hempenstall
"It’s not a huge place, but the entry ticket is worth every penny. Despite its size, they managed to fit as many displays as possible. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the planes, and having a seat in a fighter jet was an amazing experience. It’s definitely worth visiting and a must-see place."
Sai Krishna
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located at Moorabbin Airport. It's about a 40-minute drive from Melbourne's city center. Public transport options are available, but driving is often more convenient.
Yes, there is parking available at Moorabbin Airport, making it easy to access by car.
While public transport is an option, it can be time-consuming. Check local transport schedules for the most efficient routes to Moorabbin Airport.
The museum has displays on the ground floor, but accessing the cockpits of some aircraft involves stairs.
Driving is recommended for ease. If using public transport, plan for a longer journey involving buses and potentially trains to reach Moorabbin Airport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are very reasonable. Adults are typically around $10, kids $5, and family passes are available for about $20. Under 5s are often free.
Yes, look out for deals like '1 child ticket free' offers through programs like @smallideas.au.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance, especially for special events like Open Cockpit weekends, is recommended to secure your spot.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Absolutely! Visitors consistently find the entry ticket offers excellent value for the unique experiences and number of displays. +1
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
Yes, a major draw is that many aircraft cockpits are open for visitors to sit in and take photos, offering a truly interactive experience.
The museum boasts an impressive collection of both military and civilian aircraft, including vintage planes and powerful jets.
It's a paradise for kids! They can climb inside cockpits, explore simulators, and get up close to real aircraft.
Yes, they have an immersive flight simulator where you can experience what it's like to fly a real aircraft.
The museum frequently holds 'Open Cockpit' weekends, which are highly popular and allow for even more hands-on interaction with the aircraft.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, and it's a fantastic place to capture unique shots, especially from inside the cockpits.
The open cockpits are prime photo opportunities. Also, try to capture the scale of the larger aircraft and the intricate details of the engines.
Absolutely! Sitting in the cockpits and taking photos is a highlight for many visitors.
While generally permitted, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography in areas where it might be disruptive.
A versatile lens that can capture both wide shots of the aircraft and close-ups of details would be ideal. A smartphone camera is also perfectly adequate for great shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For parents with very young children, consider bringing a baby carrier, as some cockpits require a bit of climbing.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
The opportunity to sit in various cockpits is a significant draw, allowing for an intimate appreciation of the pilot's perspective.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Beyond the cockpits, the diverse collection of aircraft offers a range of photographic subjects, from sweeping shots of larger planes to detailed images of engines and historical markings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Aviation History Up Close
Visitors can delve into the past by reading detailed displays that explain the significance of each aircraft. From vintage planes that once ruled the skies to powerful jets, the museum offers a tangible connection to Australia's rich aviation heritage. It's a place where history truly comes alive, allowing you to walk through the eras of flight and understand the context of these magnificent machines.
Whether you're a seasoned aviation enthusiast or a curious newcomer, the museum provides an engaging and educational experience. The collection is thoughtfully curated, ensuring that there's something to capture everyone's imagination, from the early days of flight to more modern aviation achievements.
Interactive Cockpit Experiences
These open cockpit sessions allow you to get a feel for what it was like to be a pilot, surrounded by the controls and instruments. It’s a unique opportunity to imagine yourself at the helm of these historical machines. For families, this is a huge draw, as children can often fulfill their dreams of sitting in a real fighter jet or airplane.
During special 'Open Cockpit' weekends, this access is often expanded, offering even more aircraft to explore. It’s highly recommended to check the museum’s schedule for these events to maximize your interactive experience. Remember to use a carrier for very young children, as some cockpits involve climbing.
The Thrill of the Flight Simulator
Visitors can step into the simulator and take control, navigating through various scenarios. It’s a fantastic way to understand the complexities of flight and appreciate the skills of pilots. The simulator offers an exciting and memorable adventure, making the museum visit even more dynamic.
This interactive feature adds another layer of engagement, appealing to both aviation buffs and those looking for a unique thrill. It’s a perfect complement to exploring the static aircraft displays, offering a chance to experience flight firsthand.
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