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Guide to the Australian International Airshow Avalon 2023
Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled experience at the Avalon Air Show. Here's your ultimate guide to the three-day festival.
Prepare your crew for landing. The Australian International Airshow is touching down at Avalon Airport from 3 to 5 March. The 2023 aerospace spectacular will bring a fleet of fantastic flying machines to Victoria for the first time in four years, after the 2021 show was grounded due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Australian International Airshow is the biggest aviation, aerospace and defence exposition in the southern hemisphere, and this year’s festival of flight is set to be the biggest and most breathtaking yet, with the action-packed three-day event promising jaw-dropping entertainment, both in the sky and on the ground.
More than 60 years after the first air display was held at Avalon in 1957, the 2023 event will showcase state-of-the-art military jets performing death-defying stunts, precision pilots slicing through the air and vintage planes flying in formation, where spectators can revel in the open-air museum of more than 370 aircraft from Australia and abroad.
CEO of AMDA Foundation Limited (organisers of the event), Justin Giddings, says the 2023 Airshow will look a little different this year, offering a more interactive experience for kids and families and an electric night out for the younger crowd, as well as plenty of airs and graces for aviation enthusiasts. There will also be a bolstered food and beverage offering.
“Airshow favourites, including the incredible Wall of Fire display, are back along with some incredible new aerial attractions. We’re creating a whole new entertainment offering too: stay tuned for details on how we’ll be kicking off the weekend,” he said.
The event has a strong focus on military aviation, featuring aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force, United States Navy and the United States Air Force, as well as the Royal Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Republic of Singapore Air Force and, for the first time ever this year, the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) Black Eagles.
From where to buy tickets to event parking and flight timetables, here's your ultimate guide to what's in store, plus how to plan your day at the Australian International Airshow 2023.
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Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Get ready for death-defying stunts at the Avalon Airshow. Image: Supplied
Avalon Airshow tickets, getting there and parking
When is the Avalon Airshow 2023?
This year’s Australian International Airshow will be held at Avalon Airport, near Geelong, from Friday 3 March to Sunday 5. Gates open at 9am for Gold Pass ticketholders and 2pm for General Admission ticketholders on the Friday for the Night Alight Show, which is expected to finish at 9.30pm. On Saturday and Sunday, gates open at 8am and close at 6pm.
Avalon Airshow 2023 tickets
Tickets for the Avalon Airshow are available exclusively through Ticketmaster. They must be purchased prior to the event as there will be no ticket sales at the gate.
For the first time this year, children aged 15 and under will receive free general admission entry. However, this doesn’t mean they won’t need a ticket. You will still need to add a ($0) junior ticket for each child when you purchase tickets.
General admission
- Adult: $89
- Concession: $72
- Child (15 and under): free
Gold Pass
- 1-day pass: from $220
- 2-day pass: from $396
- 3-day pass: from $594
*Only 4,000 gold passes available per day. These are the closest seats to the runway.
Can I park on-site?
Yes. There is a free, on-site car park with plenty of spaces available. There is even a shuttle service running between the parking lot to the showground and back all day. Be sure to bring a pair of comfy shoes, though, as the Airshow spans a great distance, and your feet will need to cover a lot of ground.
Can I take public transport to the Avalon Airshow?
If you want to leave the car at home, board a V-Line train to Geelong (or Waurn Ponds) and hop off at Lara Train Station. From there, you can catch a bus to the Airshow.
For train times and help planning your journey, download RACV’s free journey-planning app, arevo.
Aircraft putting out wall of fire at Avalon Airshow. Image: Supplied
Avalon Airshow program guide and things to do
What’s on at the Airshow?
As well as being able to see hundreds of aircraft up close, the Avalon Airshow has plenty of activities for the whole family.
- Aerial Displays: Feast your eyes on awe-inspiring aerobatic displays by some of the world's most talented pilots and state-of-the-art aircraft. Don't miss the legendary Roulettes, the Australian Defence Force's aerobatic team.
- Ground Displays: Get up close and personal with the aircraft and meet the pilots! Explore interactive exhibits, witness aircraft demonstrations, and learn about the latest in aviation technology.
- Food and drinks: Fuel up with delicious food and drinks options available on-site, from gourmet burgers to coffee and ice cream.
- Entertainment: Enjoy live music performances, stunt shows, and other exciting activities throughout the day.
- Kids Zone: Keep the little ones entertained with fun and educational activities, including face painting, balloon twisting, and more.
Which is the best day to go to the Airshow?
If you're choosing to go on the weekend, Saturday and Sunday have a similar flying program featuring extensive air displays from both military and civilian performers throughout the day. The Friday differs, with gates opening at 2pm for general admission ticketholders (9am for Gold Pass ticketholders), and flying commencing at 2pm. Friday at the Airshow will also feature the Night Alight Show, including incredible night aerobatics, a laser show, fireworks and the popular Wall of Fire display.
What can I bring to the Airshow?
- Food: Forget picnics under the stars, bring your own rug and have a picnic under the planes, instead. You can bring your own picnic food and non-alcoholic beverages to the show. There will also be a variety of food outlets available across the grounds if you fee like a bite to eat or drink.
- Sunscreen: It can be a long day at the show so don’t forget to slip, slop, slap.
- Chairs: If you’re a general admission ticketholder, you can bring your own folding chairs so you can get comfortable as you take in all the action above.
