RAAF Museum is the official museum of the Royal Australian Air Force, the second oldest air force in the world, located at RAAF Williams Point Cook, Victoria, Australia which is the oldest continuously operating Military Air Base in the world.
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I want to share my recent experience at the RAAF Museum on June 23rd, 2024, which unfortunately did not meet the expectations of my family and me.
Upon arrival at the museum, we stopped at the gate and we met a very rude Wilson Security guard that had a beard, at the gate. Despite presenting our tickets, the guard was insistent on verifying the date of our booking in a manner that came across as rude and dismissive.
When I clarified that our tickets were booked last week for today's date, he continued to interrogate me in an unprofessional manner. I showed my vicroads digital license however the guard demanded that we provide our physical IDs for my family including an ID or passport for my child. My kid is 6 years old and we don't carry his passport everywhere we go.
I understand that certain protocols must be followed at a defense site, but there was no mention of the requirement to carry physical IDs or passports on the museum’s website or on our tickets.
The guard’s response to my concerns was indifferent, stating, "I don't care, this is a defense site." While we respect and understand the necessity of adhering to security protocols, the manner in which the guard communicated with us was unnecessarily hostile and unhelpful.
Additionally, clear communication regarding the requirements for entry, including the need for physical IDs for everyone should be provided on the website and on the tickets to prevent such misunderstandings.
Unfortunately, it would have taken a lot of time for us to go home get our passports and come back, furthermore due to the guard's behaviour, we didn’t feel...
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For aviation lovers or anyone curious about Australia’s military past, the RAAF Museum at Point Cook is a must-visit. As the birthplace of the Royal Australian Air Force, this historic airfield sets the perfect stage for a museum that combines impressive aircraft, interactive exhibits, and a deep sense of legacy.
Walking through the hangars, I was struck by how close you can get to the planes—ranging from early biplanes to modern jets. The displays are thoughtfully curated, blending technical detail with personal stories of those who served. There’s something quietly moving about standing beneath a WWII-era bomber or reading letters sent home from airmen in the field. It’s not just about machines; it’s about people, bravery, and innovation.
One thing to note: the museum is not open all year round, and visits are only available on selected days with limited time slots. It’s essential to check the official website and book ahead—entry is free, but registration is required. I was lucky to catch one of the open days, and it’s absolutely worth planning around.
The museum also runs regular flying displays (check the schedule), which bring the exhibits to life with real aircraft taking to the skies. Even without a show, the open-air setting and access to restricted RAAF history make this a unique experience you won’t find elsewhere in Australia.
Whether you’re a lifelong avgeek, a history buff, or just looking for something different to do in Melbourne, the RAAF Museum offers an unforgettable deep dive into the stories that helped shape the skies...
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This is a world class museum that does a great job of presenting the history of the RAAF. The museum starts with a gallery that highlights the force’s roles in war. Visitors then move through three large hangers containing historically important aircraft and further displays. The aircraft are well presented and many are the only examples of the type in Australia - some are the only survivors in the world.
At 1 pm there was a well executed flying display featuring a CT4 trainer performing aerobatics. The pilot and volunteers gave interesting short talks about the history of the aircraft and the display. All the staff at the museum are enthusiastic and knowledgeable.
The main problem with the museum is that it’s not serviced by public transport, with the nearest bus stop being 20 minutes walk away. I got Ubers from the nearest train station which were about $20 each way. The hanger displaying recent jet fighters is also currently closed while OH&S issues are fixed - this was disappointing.
There are also some quirks to visiting. As the museum is on an active RAAF base, visitors need to register online by 8 am on day they visit and bring photo ID. There are also not any food or drink options. The museum website explains these any...
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