Bull Creek Aviation Heritage Museum is operated by the Royal Australian Air Force Association of Western Australia. Situated approximately 15 minutes south of Perth, the museum is split over two hangars housing over 30 aircraft. In addition to aircraft, the museum has an impressive collection of aviation memorabilia including militaria, vehicles, model aircraft and artwork. Also housed in the museum is a large section devoted to communications and air traffic control. 

The displays in the museum are well laid out with descriptions & stories enhancing each of the museum items. Throughout the two hangars, a number of videos are playing (e.g. DVD showing the cockpit view of a flying Catalina in NZ). 

The South Hangar of the museum covers the early days of civil aviation in Western Australia, Australia’s involvement in WW1, the engine collection and communications/air traffic control. 

The North Hangar holds aircraft from WW2 to the present day. A number of informative displays adorn the walls of the hangar including panels on each conflict Australia has been involved in. An elevated walkway allows visitors a birds eye view of the hangar.

A sole Huey sits between the two hangars and notably is painted in both Army and RAAF colours with ARDU titles! (Those familiar will note the RAAF transferred their rotary wing aircraft to the Army in the late 1980s). Also noted on the day TSW visited was a ex-South African Air Force Sabre in pieces. 

One of the museum’s highlights is the Avro Lancaster, (one of only two on display in Australia), which takes up a significant portion of the North Hangar. Painted in the colours of NX622, the aircraft actually served with the French Navy (Aeronavale) until 1962 and was donated to the museum by the French Government. The story of how it arrived at the museum is located on the elevated walkway. Museum visitors can book a tour of the Lancaster and gain access inside the aircraft. 

In addition to the Lancaster, other aircraft on display include an Avro Anson, GAF Canberra, Macchi MB-326, Douglas DC-3 and an F-111 cockpit module. 

Entry to the museum is $10 for adults, and is definitely value for money. If you’re in Perth, take half a day to visit the museum and check out what it has to offer. 

TSW Ratings

Collection – 3.5/5

Presentation – 4/5

Value – 5/5