1 / 3HARS Aviation Museum
📍 Albion Park Rail, NSW
Volunteer-run aviation museum at Shellharbour Airport with around 50 aircraft including a CAC Sabre fighter and Consolidated Catalina flying boat. Guided tours by knowledgeable volunteers, with active restoration work visible throughout.
Amazing experience. As someone who isn't too clued into the aviation culture, this was still a very interesting and cool experience. The atmosphere of the museum was quite inviting and easy to navigate, the volunteers working there are lovely and the tour guides do an exceptional job at showing us around the museum. I'd highly recommend bringing some family or friends down with you on a tour as the tour guides convey a passion for the aviation industry in a way that is engaging and infectious. -Just a quick side note too; I want to shoutout the volunteers working in the cafe, the food I ordered there suddenly defeated my stomach's severe and desperate rattles, would definitely grab a bite while your there, show them some love!
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Exceptional for families with school-age children — volunteer guides convert even non-aviation visitors into enthusiasts through personal stories and hands-on aircraft access. The working restoration environment makes it feel like a living museum rather than a static display.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →2,241 Google reviews
Daniel C
a month ago
“Amazing experience. As someone who isn't too clued into the aviation culture, this was still a very interesting and cool experience. The atmosphere of the museum was quite inviting and easy to navigate, the volunteers working there are lovely and the tour guides do an exceptional job at showing us around the museum. I'd highly recommend bringing some family or friends down with you on a tour as the tour guides convey a passion for the aviation industry in a way that is engaging and infectious. -Just a quick side note too; I want to shoutout the volunteers working in the cafe, the food I ordered there suddenly defeated my stomach's severe and desperate rattles, would definitely grab a bite while your there, show them some love!”
Robert Fellows
3 months ago
“What a fantastic visit we had, the volunteer staff were amazing. We started with a coffee and chicken wrap which was very nice. Then a guided tour with Peter who told us all about the aircraft, with some very interesting stories. My wife is not really that interested in aircraft, but said that she really enjoyed her visit. Thanks again everyone for making us so welcome, I would highly recommend a trip to Har aircraft museum. There is so many interesting aircraft to see. Even our little dog enjoyed himself 😁.”
Toni Marshall
a month ago
“I'm not into planes and I was giddy the whole time. The tour was so thorough and informative, getting to explore the interior of the planes felt very special. Our guide was a fun and engaging person, and a great photographer (thank you!). The fact that it's a fully operational workspace made the experience more interesting because i love seeing how things work. The care taken to restore relics of the past is truly fascinating. Well worth the price and a very affordable gift shop too. And dog friendly!”
Ken Chen
2 months ago
“Looking for a great weekend getaway? This place is an excellent choice! You can enjoy volunteer-guided tours, watch mechanics repair aircraft, and explore fascinating historical stories. A big thank you to all the volunteers working there – you’ve given us a unique and memorable long weekend experience. Highly recommended!”
Reviews from Google
Overview
HARS Aviation Museum displays around 50 aircraft on the Shellharbour Airport apron, with nearly 20 maintained in flying condition. Volunteer guides lead tours through interiors of historic aircraft, recount operational histories, and walk visitors past active restoration bays where mechanics work on engines and airframes. Highlights include the CAC Sabre, Consolidated Catalina, and the Southern Cross replica. Dogs are welcome. On-site cafe with praised food supports the volunteer operation.
