Fighter World

General admission to Fighter World gives you access to all the exhibitions, many of which are interactive. Highlights include the chance to sit in the cockpit of a Macchi or Mirage fighter jet; learn about the many innovations and aircraft, including Sabre, Meteor, and Vampire; see original weapons, radars, and ejection seats used in wartime; and find out how the aircraft cannons work. There’s also a sizable collection of hand-built model aircraft and an Observation Deck, where you can watch RAAF planes take off and land and listen in on air traffic control communications.

• Fighter World is fun and educational for the whole family, and discounted family passes and tickets for children under 18 are available.

• The Fighter Beans café serves hot and cold food and drinks all day long. There is also a gift shop.

• Free Wi-Fi is available on-site, and visitors with a smartphone or tablet can make use of an interactive QR tour app.

• Fighter World is wheelchair-accessible, although some activities may not be. Free entrance is offered to disability-badge holders.

Fighter World is located on the Williamtown RAAF base at Newcastle Airport, about a 20-minute drive north of Newcastle. The easiest way to get there is with your own transport or by taxi, and there is free parking on-site.

Fighter World is open daily year-round. Visit between 9am and 4pm on a weekday for a chance to spot RAAF training flights taking off from the observation deck, while weekend visitors can watch commercial flights leaving from the neighboring airport.

The seafront town is best-known for its beautiful beaches—Newcastle Beach and the Nobbies are two of the best for surfing, while cliffside Bogey Hole is a favorite swimming spot. Other activities include browsing the stalls at the popular Olive Tree Markets, walking the Anzac Memorial Walkway, wine tasting in the surrounding Hunter Valley, or watching the sunset from Fort Scratchley.