Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre

16/07/2026

NHILL'S TIGER MoTH BACK IN THE AIR

Last Friday was an exciting day for Len and Brian Creek as they flew their Tiger Moth over Nhill for the first time in 12 months.
The Tiger Moth, one of the exhibits at the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre, needed refurbishment, but what was expected to be only a quick 're-paint job' soon extended into a much larger project.

Brian, a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LAME), and his father Len have worked diligently since June last year to restore the aircraft to its former glory. Apart from the wings and engine, the plane was stripped down, the fuselage re-covered and a long-range fuel tank installed.

Visitors to the NAHC have been able to watch the restoration unfold over the past 12 months For many, it was an eye-opener to learn that the aircraft is largely made from fabric, wood and steel. It is still regarded as one of the safest antique aircraft to fly.

The restored Tiger Moth can be seen at the NAHC on weekends from 10am to 4pm.

In good weather, you may also spot it flying over the town.

14/07/2026

🏆 WE'RE PROUD TO SHARE SOME EXCITING NEWS! ✈️

The Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre has been recognised as a Silver Winner at the Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism Volunteer Recognition Awards!

This award isn't just about a museum... it's about the incredible volunteers who have poured countless hours into preserving Nhill's aviation history for future generations.

From restoring historic aircraft and creating engaging displays, to welcoming visitors, maintaining the grounds and sharing stories from our past, our volunteers are the heart of everything we do. ❤️

As Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism CEO Marc Sleeman said, our Centre has grown from a community vision into a significant tourism attraction thanks to the passion, professionalism and dedication of its volunteers.

NAHC President Rob Lynch accepted the award on behalf of every volunteer who has helped make the Centre what it is today.

To every volunteer, past and present - Thank you. This recognition belongs to all of you. 👏

Congratulations also to the other award recipients: ⭐ Dunkeld & Grampians Visitor Information Centre ⭐ Speed Lions Club for the Mallee Machinery Days

We couldn't be prouder to see Nhill recognised on the regional stage.

09/07/2026

🎉 Celebrating Two Very Deserving Life Members

Some people quietly leave an incredible mark on an organisation, and today we were proud to recognise two of those people.

The Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre has officially awarded Life Memberships to Graham Drage and Ray "Whimpey" Reichelt in recognition of their outstanding dedication to preserving Australia's aviation history.

💙 Graham Drage has been instrumental in helping make the Centre what it is today. A former pilot and flying instructor, Graham not only served on the Board for many years but also helped make one of our biggest dreams a reality by donating the frame and major components of our Avro Anson restoration project.

💙 Ray "Whimpey" Reichelt has spent countless hours in the workshop, applying his incredible engineering skills to the restoration of the Avro Anson, rebuilding undercarriages, Cheetah engines, carburettors and so much more. His fundraising efforts have also played a huge role in helping the Centre continue restoring these remarkable aircraft.

Their passion, generosity and willingness to share their knowledge have inspired everyone around them. Museums like ours simply couldn't exist without volunteers like Graham and Whimpey.
Congratulations to you both on this well-deserved honour.

Thank you for everything you've done, and continue to do, for the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre.

❤️ We hope you'll join us in congratulating Graham and Whimpey in the comments below!

08/07/2026

✈️ July is Membership Month at the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre! ✈️

Whether you're renewing your membership or thinking about joining for the first time, now is the perfect time to support the NAHC and help preserve Nhill's unique aviation heritage.

Renewal emails and letters have now been sent to current members, and we'd like to thank everyone who has already renewed for the coming year.

Membership is just $35 per year, with the option to renew for either one or two years. If you're unsure whether your membership is due for renewal, you can check at the Ahrens Hangar or by contacting the Membership Coordinator at [email protected].

You can renew or join online, or visit the Ahrens Hangar during opening hours and we'll be happy to assist you.

Thank you for helping keep Nhill's aviation heritage alive for future generations.

Find out more or renew your membership today:

Website: https://www.nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au/

Membership: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1579175

Discover the legacy of Australian aviation at Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre. Home to restored aircraft, rich local stories, and interactive exhibits, our centre preserves the pioneering spirit of flight for future generations. Step inside and experience history that truly takes off.

17/06/2026

✈️ STEP BACK IN TIME AT NHILL'S WWII AIR TRAINING BASE

Did you know more than 10,000 servicemen and women passed through Nhill during World War II?

Built in 1941 as part of the Empire Air Training Scheme, the Nhill RAAF Base once housed up to 1,000 personnel at a time. Pilots, navigators, mechanics, radio operators, engineers, chaplains, dentists and support staff all trained and worked here before the base was decommissioned in 1946.

Now, thanks to funds raised through Nhill's monthly Book Fair, new plaques have been installed along the 1.4km Heritage Walk at the aerodrome, bringing this fascinating chapter of local history to life.

As you walk the trail, you'll discover photos and stories of the original buildings that once stood on the site. While most were sold and relocated after the war, many can still be found on farms and in towns across the district today.

The Bellman Hangar, Aero Club rooms and Flight Office remain as lasting reminders of Nhill's important role in Australia's wartime history.

📍 Heritage Walk – Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre
🚶 1.4km self-guided walk
🕙 Open weekends 10am–4pm
📞 Other times by appointment: 0490 657 770

A huge thank you to everyone who supports the Book Fair. Every book purchased helps preserve local history and supports tourism in our region.

Have you done the Heritage Walk yet??

01/06/2026

✈️ OPEN ALL KING’S BIRTHDAY LONG WEEKEND ✈️

Step back in time and explore the incredible stories of the men and women who trained at the Nhill RAAF Base during WWII at the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre.

We’ll be open:
🛩️ Saturday
🛩️ Sunday
🛩️ Monday
⏰ 10am – 4pm

Entry:
Adults $12
Concession $10
Children 16 & under FREE

Perfect for history lovers, families, travellers and anyone looking for something different to do over the long weekend

27/05/2026

✈️ FREE RV CAMPING AT THE NHILL AVIATION HERITAGE CENTRE ✈️

Looking for a unique overnight stop on your travels?

Pull up beside the historic Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre and camp under the trees or out in the open beside the airfield 🌳🛩️

No bookings. No stress. Just a peaceful spot to park up and soak in a little slice of Australian aviation history. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch some aircraft activity on the airfield while you’re there 👀

🆓 FREE camping
🤍 Donations for the upkeep of the area are
always appreciated
🚻 Public toilets open 24/7
🐶 Dogs welcome (must remain on a leash)
🚿 No showers or potable water available

If you’re staying over the weekend, make sure you visit the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre between 10am–4pm and explore the incredible stories of the men and women who trained here during WWII.

Travelling through during the week?
📞 Call 0490 657 770 to arrange a guided tour.

Whether you’re a history lover, road tripper, grey nomad or just chasing a quiet place to stop for the night… this hidden gem is worth the visit ✨

23/04/2026

ANZAC DAY AT THE NAHC
Explore. Remember. Honour.

Join us this ANZAC weekend at the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre and discover the stories of over 10,000 servicemen and women who trained at the Nhill RAAF Base during WWII.

Many made the ultimate sacrifice — including seven who lost their lives in training accidents and are laid to rest at the Nhill Cemetery.

ENTRY

Adults: $12
Concession: $10
Children under 16: FREE

A meaningful way to connect with local history and honour those who served.

We will remember them.

19/04/2026

A new display at the NAHC will bring back memories of an era when Morse code was used to send messages around the world , well before the days of mobile phones

Not only was Morse code used for personal messages such as birthday and wedding greetings or announcements about the arrival of new babies, but it also played a crucial role during wartime communications. For instance during World War II, relatives would receive news of the death of a loved one via a telegram - these messages were relayed from the battlefields by Morse code and then printed for delivery.

Morse code was also vital in emergencies. The SOS distress signal (three dots, three dashes three dots) was chosen because it was simple and unmistakable for operators in urgent situations.

Furthermore, Morse code was essential for aircraft naviaators, who had to be able to tap out at least 15 words per minute to qualify for their roles.

Learn more about Morse Code at the NAHC and test your skills at decoding it.

The NAHC is open weekends and public holidays 10am- 4pm
Entry: Adults $12, Concession & groups $10 Children 16 and under free

28/03/2026

Esster trading, hours at the
Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre:

Closed Good Friday
Open 10am - 4pm Easter Saturday , Sunday and Monday

Open 1pm - 4pm Anzac day

Other times by appointment.
Phone Ph 0496657 770

Entry - Adult $12. Concession /Group $10,
Child/Members FREE