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Qantas Founders Museum, Longreach - Where Australia’s Aviation Story Began
- Aug 7, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 30
Qantas Founders Museum, Longreach - Where Australia’s Aviation Story Began
Standing on the very ground where Australia’s national airline took flight, the Qantas Founders Museum in Longreach is an unforgettable journey through innovation, courage, and outback ingenuity. From its humble beginnings in the 1920s to becoming one of the world’s most respected airlines, this immersive museum brings the remarkable Qantas story to life in a way that is both engaging and inspiring.
Stepping Into Qantas History
The Qantas Founders Museum tells the story of how a small outback airline grew into a global aviation icon. Through life-sized aircraft, historical artefacts, photographs, and interactive displays, the museum captures the pioneering spirit of the founders and the challenges of early aviation in remote Australia.
We chose the Economy Experience, which includes entry to the Main Entrance Hall and the National Heritage Hangar, and it was a fantastic introduction to the airline’s origins. The museum is open daily from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm and also features a café and well-stocked gift shop — perfect for a relaxed visit.
Early Aircraft & Interactive Experiences
One of the first things we saw was a high-quality replica of the Avro 504K, the very first aircraft used by Qantas. Powered by a 100-horsepower engine, it could carry just the pilot and two passengers — a far cry from modern aircraft, but an incredible achievement for its time.
A highlight was climbing aboard and testing our skills in the world’s only Bristol Fighter flight simulator, the same type of aircraft flown by Qantas founders Paul McGinness and Hudson Fysh during World War One. It’s a hands-on experience that adds a fun and immersive layer to the museum visit.
Catalina Flying Boat & Aircraft Displays
On the walk to the Heritage Hangar, we also explored the impressive Catalina flying boat, climbing aboard to see how these aircraft were used. This particular Catalina had a long working life as a fire-bomber in the USA, Canada, and Spain, adding another fascinating layer to its story.
The National Heritage Hangar
Walking into the National Heritage–listed Qantas Hangar, completed in August 1922, felt like stepping back in time. This hangar was the permanent home of the fledgling airline and now houses replica aircraft and memorabilia that chart Qantas’ early expansion.
Inside, we saw replicas of aircraft such as:
De Havilland DH-50 “Iris”, one of seven built by Qantas between 1926 and 1929
De Havilland DH61 Giant Moth “Apollo”, which could carry eight passengers — and famously became the first Australian airline aircraft to include an onboard toilet
Each display highlights the innovation and practical thinking that helped Qantas succeed in some of the harshest flying conditions in the country.
More Experiences at Qantas Founders Museum
Beyond the Economy Experience, there are several other tours and experiences available, making it easy to tailor your visit:
Airpark Tour – Explore the outdoor aircraft park, including iconic planes such as the Boeing 747 and 707, with expert commentary
Undercover Plane Tours – Get up close to some of the larger aircraft you pass on the way into the museum
Wing Walk – For the adventurous, this experience allows you to walk on the wing of a Boeing 747 and enjoy elevated views across Longreach
Luminescent Longreach – A spectacular evening light and sound show projected onto aircraft and buildings, telling the Qantas story in a truly unique way
Each experience offers a different perspective on Qantas’ history, from technical innovation to pure outback spectacle.
Why the Qantas Founders Museum Is a Must-Visit
The Qantas Founders Museum is more than an aviation museum — it’s a celebration of Australian determination, innovation, and outback resilience. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or simply curious about Australia’s history, the stories told here are powerful and engaging.
For us, visiting the Qantas Founders Museum was one of the highlights of Longreach — a place where the scale of achievement really sinks in. It’s a must-visit attraction that perfectly complements the outback experience and brings an important piece of Australian history vividly to life.
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