A Lancaster bomber, a Spitfire, a Catalina and modern fighter jets under one roof. Here's how to visit the Aviation Heritage Museum in Bull Creek.
A hangar full of history
The Aviation Heritage Museum in Bull Creek is one of Perth’s most underrated days out. It’s run by the Royal Australian Air Force Association, and it’s packed with real aircraft, from Second World War bombers to modern fighter jets.
I’ve taken my nieces and nephews a few times, and it’s one of the rare places where the adults are just as excited as the kids.
Quick facts
- Where: 2 Bull Creek Drive, Bull Creek, about 20 minutes south of the city.
- Open: Daily, 10am to 4pm. Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
- Tickets: Adults $17.50, children over five $9, family $40 at the time of writing.
- Highlights: Avro Lancaster, Spitfires, a Catalina and jets including an F/A-18 Hornet.
- Allow: Two to three hours.
- Lancaster tours: Booked separately. Book ahead in school holidays.
“There are few places in the world left in which you can climb aboard a Lancaster bomber from WWII”
HaggisRipsnorter, Tripadvisor review
What you’ll see
- Avro Lancaster: the museum’s star is a huge Lancaster bomber. Guided Lancaster tours let you go aboard. Book them separately.
- Supermarine Spitfire: a Spitfire Mk 22 is on display inside, with another Spitfire at the entrance.
- Catalina: a Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat, the type that flew long-range missions from WA during the war.
- Jets: a de Havilland Vampire, an English Electric Canberra, an F/A-18 Hornet, a Panavia Tornado and the crew module from an F-111.
The volunteers
The museum is run largely by volunteers, many of whom have served in the air force or worked on aircraft. Ask questions. Their stories bring the aircraft to life in a way the signs can’t.
“There are volunteers throughout the museum who are knowledgeable, and eager to answer questions”
Noz & Kez, Tripadvisor review
Opening hours and tickets
The museum is open daily from 10am to 4pm. It’s closed on Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, and it may close in extreme heat. At the time of writing, adult entry is $17.50, children over five are $9, and a family pass is $40. Check current prices and tour bookings on the Aviation Heritage Museum website.
Tips for your visit
- Allow two to three hours if you want to see everything and join a tour.
- Book the Lancaster tour ahead in school holidays.
- Combine it with a picnic at nearby Bull Creek parks or a walk along the Canning River.
“Everyone was attentive and had a wealth of knowledge.”
Laura H, Tripadvisor review
The museum is at 2 Bull Creek Drive, about 20 minutes south of the city. For more rainy-day ideas, see our summer school holidays guide.
Featured image: Nick-D, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, on a guided Lancaster tour, which you book separately to general entry.
