Central Australian Aviation Museum Inc

Central Australian Aviation Museum Inc The Museum is the 'keeper of the stories' in Alice Springs, NT, Australia. Open 11 to 3pm Wed to Sun.
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The Museum is a celebration of the spirit, effort, and courage of the people who founded avionics in the centre of Australia.

“It’s full of memories”.A very special visitor to the Aviation Museum, Marilla (Brigg) Byrne, was just 19 when she left ...
03/06/2026

“It’s full of memories”.

A very special visitor to the Aviation Museum, Marilla (Brigg) Byrne, was just 19 when she left Melbourne to make her way to Alice Springs in 1959 to take up a position as bookkeeper for EJ Connellan, returning home after about a year. Looking into the small back rooms, which were offices, in the Connellan Airways hangar sparked lots of memories. “There were two of us – I did the Debits register which was one of those big, heavy, books that were used at the time. It was all done by hand.” Marilla said she’d been hesitant to return, but very happy she had.

The Centre’s aviation industry started right here on Memorial Avenue. Explore Alice’s first aerodrome and ‘meet’ local aviation Heroes, Visionaries & Villains.

Aviation Museum precinct is open between 11am to 3pm Wednesdays to Sundays
6 Memorial Avenue, Gillen (Araluen Cultural Precinct)
centralaustralianaviationmuseum.org.au
[email protected]

Volunteer managed & run. Entry by donation.

Archies flying high...19 local & interstate artists have entered this year’s art exhibition which will be opened at 5.30...
01/06/2026

Archies flying high...

19 local & interstate artists have entered this year’s art exhibition which will be opened at 5.30pm Wednesday June 17 by Felicity Green (Director of Araluen Art Centre).

Each entry has a chance to be selected by artist Henry Smith for first prize of $1000 or People's Choice award of $500. Thank you to Edward & Sonya Connellan for sponsoring the awards.

Be sure to fly in & check it out & cast your vote.

Up close & personal with history making RollsSt Philip’s students, Jiki and Samuel, two of four who assist at the Aviati...
31/05/2026

Up close & personal with history making Rolls

St Philip’s students, Jiki and Samuel, two of four who assist at the Aviation Museum every fortnight, and supervisor, Simon, cleaned out the display case and dusted the iconic vehicle. Thanks guys!

Sixteen year old Bernie Kilgariff drove this Rolls which had been transformed into a 'ute' out bush all by himself back in the 40s to clear landing strips for the fledgling Connellan Airlines. Dragging anything heavy at hand behind the car at very low speed he helped open up the flight routes to stations, communities and mining sites.

Why a use Rolls? You'll have to come in to the Museum to find out more.

The Centre’s aviation industry started right here on Memorial Avenue. Explore Alice’s first aerodrome and ‘meet’ local aviation Heroes, Visionaries & Villains.

Aviation Museum precinct is open between 11am to 3pm Wednesdays to Sundays
6 Memorial Avenue, Gillen (Araluen Cultural Precinct)
centralaustralianaviationmuseum.org.au
[email protected]

Volunteer managed & run. Entry by donation.

Flight AGM 2026 departs 10am Wednesday 24 JuneDon't miss the flight.
31/05/2026

Flight AGM 2026 departs 10am Wednesday 24 June

Don't miss the flight.

Betcha didn't know...This week saw the 49th anniversary of the establishment of the Central Australian Aviation Museum (...
21/05/2026

Betcha didn't know...

This week saw the 49th anniversary of the establishment of the Central Australian Aviation Museum (CAAM) on the site of Alice Springs’ first aerodrome, known as Townsite. The last flight took off in 1968.

The Connellan Airways hangar was abandoned in situ, soon falling into a sad state of repair.

Tragically, in 1977, a disgruntled, sacked, pilot flew a plane into Connellan/Connair’s engineering complex at the Alice Springs Airport. The tragedy galvanised action and town’s response was the founding of the Aviation Museum to reclaim, restore the hangar, & keep Aviation history alive.

There’s a very strong bond between Connellan Airways & RFDS - The first aero-medical evacuation took off from Townsite aerodrome - come in & check out the replica aero-ambulance. The Airline was subsequently awarded aeromedical contracts from 1939 to the late 1970s.

IMAGES:
Shane Malyon, Tourist Facility Manager RFDS Alice Springs & Alex Nelson, CAAM Deputy President & history enthusiast.

Plaque: After flying in WW11, Sam Calder joined Connellan Airways as Chief Pilot, later going on to become a politician.

Townsite: As it was back in the day.

Fly in:
Aviation Museum precinct is on the Araluen Cultural Precinct.
Open between 11am to 3pm Wednesdays to Sundays
6 Memorial Avenue, Gillen
centralaustralianaviationmuseum.org.au
[email protected]
Volunteer managed & run.

Entry by donation.

Looking for something to do undercover. No. Not like a spy. I mean indoors. Like…really big indoors. Like in hangar...
16/05/2026

Looking for something to do undercover. No. Not like a spy. I mean indoors. Like…really big indoors. Like in hangars.

Get up close & personal with real planes, aviation characters & you can even buckle up for take-off on our flight simulator & take to the skies. You never know, it might lead to a career change!

Fly in:

Aviation Museum precinct is on the Araluen Cultural Precinct.
Open between 11am to 3pm Wednesdays to Sundays
6 Memorial Avenue, Gillen
centralaustralianaviationmuseum.org.au
[email protected]
Volunteer managed & run.
Entry by donation.

Have you requested your entry form yet?Artist HENRY SMITH's on board as adjudicator for Flying ArchiesWell known artist,...
10/05/2026

Have you requested your entry form yet?

Artist HENRY SMITH's on board as adjudicator for Flying Archies
Well known artist, sculptor & educator, Henry Smith's creative practice is deeply informed by the distinctive landscapes of Central Australia, from ancient geological formations & expansive horizons to waterholes, ghost gums, blue skies & rich red earth.

Who better to adjudicate the 2026 "Vast Horizons' themed, Flying Archies!

Fly in & check out the action at the Aviation Museum. AGM departure date is to be reconfirmed due to unexpected delay. ...
08/05/2026

Fly in & check out the action at the Aviation Museum. AGM departure date is to be reconfirmed due to unexpected delay. NOT on May 26 as previously advised. Stay tuned for details.

There's a lot going on.Find out more at our AGM 11am Tuesday 26 May on site. Fly in & check us out…• Aviation Museum pr...
08/05/2026

There's a lot going on.

Find out more at our AGM 11am Tuesday 26 May on site.
Fly in & check us out…
• Aviation Museum precinct is open between 11am to 3pm Wednesdays to Sundays
• 6 Memorial Avenue, Gillen (Araluen Cultural Precinct)
• centralaustralianaviationmuseum.org.au
• [email protected]
• Volunteer managed & run. Entry by donation.

PS. If you’d enquire about being a volunteer, please drop by & have a chat.

Address

6 Memorial Avenue
Alice Springs, NT
0870

Opening Hours

Wednesday 11am - 3pm
Thursday 11am - 3pm
Friday 11am - 3pm
Saturday 11am - 2:30pm
Sunday 11am - 2:30pm

Telephone

+61889538554

Website

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