Warbirds Downunder 2026 cancelled as Temora Aviation Museum shifts to showcase days

[onetrack]

This is sad news for the warbirds fans, but it appears Warbirds Downunder has gone the same way as many other "vintage" displays - a major shortfall of volunteers, ever-increasing event and insurance costs, and possibly an inadequate number of attendees to meet the costs of putting on the display.

 

Warbirds Downunder 2026 cancelled as Temora Aviation Museum shifts to showcase days | Region Canberra

REGION.COM.AU

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After more than two decades as a biennial highlight of the Australian aviation calendar, Warbirds Downunder will not return in…

 

[Marty_d]

I saw that and almost pooped myself because I thought it was Warbirds over Scone... But hopefully that's still on!

[Reynard]

https://aboutregional.com.au/raaf-decision-sends-five-heritage-aircraft-back-to-temora/496868/

 

Some of the very rare collection now permanently grounded - very sad indeed.

[KRviator]

11 hours ago, Marty_d said:

I saw that and almost pooped myself because I thought it was Warbirds over Scone... But hopefully that's still on!

Warbirds Over Scone has been bleeding cash for years and the only reason it's on again this year is Council handed the reins to Paul Bennet and washed their hands of it. Upper Hunter ratepayers are sick to death of paying through the nose for shindigs like this (and the WOFTAM that is Hunter Warbirds...) that only benefit a few - while at the same time, being bent over and shafted with a 30%+ rate hike.

If PB can't make a go of it this year, it may not return - though I suggest he'll simply default to their 'prepackaged airshow' that does the rounds and seems to be fairly successful.

[facthunter]

I'll be there on the Saturday. My boss arranged it with My eldest son and let me Know AFTERWARDS. Now I have to sell s few things to Pay for it.  JetStar to Newcastle and Back. Hope the Weather is good . One Member of the MENS Shed is flying up in one of his 3 Planes .  Nev

[skippydiesel]

3 hours ago, KRviator said:

Warbirds Over Scone has been bleeding cash for years and the only reason it's on again this year is Council handed the reins to Paul Bennet and washed their hands of it. Upper Hunter ratepayers are sick to death of paying through the nose for shindigs like this (and the WOFTAM that is Hunter Warbirds...) that only benefit a few - while at the same time, being bent over and shafted with a 30%+ rate hike.

If PB can't make a go of it this year, it may not return - though I suggest he'll simply default to their 'prepackaged airshow' that does the rounds and seems to be fairly successful.

I'm not surprised it's "... bleeding cash...". The formulaic approach to airshows, in Australia, bores me and I would guess, the great unwashed as well.

 

Once you've seen one (x 10) aircraft flypast/aerobatics, you've pretty much exhausted the novelty - need to "change gear" have other, hopefully aviation related, attractions.

 

From the promotion info., Tyabb seem to be taking a diffrent/fresher approach - good on em! 

 

Smart event organisers make a point of conducting random short surveys of customer likes/dislikes/wants, for any future events - when did you participate in/hear of such, at any airshow you went to?

 

RAA/Parkes would seem to be doing what they have done for the last three events. All the imagination of a brick - I predict a flop.

 

I no longer go to airshows (fly-ins are a diffrent thing altogether) - may make an acception for Tyabb.😈

 

 

[IanR]

1 hour ago, skippydiesel said:

I no longer go to airshows (fly-ins are a diffrent thing altogether) - may make an acception for Tyabb.😈

 

 

Flyins are great as they really are a social event where we can have endless discussions about our aircraft and flying them ! Airshows are often a bit commercial. 

 

I always attend the Antiquers annual flyin - they have activities organised and its great to catch up with friends.