Wings on the Warrego Returns: Experience Aviation Past, Present and Future
Wings on the Warrego returns to Charleville this September, 12th and 13th, celebrating flight in all its forms from historic aircraft to tomorrow’s drone technologies under vast outback Queensland skies.
This dynamic festival merges traditional airshow excitement with hands-on workshops, science experiences, STEM activities and aviation career pathways. Set in Charleville’s aviation-rich heartland, just one hour’s flight or one day’s drive from Brisbane, the event brings together families, enthusiasts and industry. Wings on the Warrego is where aviation meets the future, inviting all ages to look up, learn and be inspired toward the next generation of flight and the limitless future ahead.
For more information visit https://www.wingsonthewarrego.com/
Charleville’s Rich Aviation History
Charleville holds a remarkable place in Australia’s aviation story, shaping both the nation’s early air routes and wartime operations.
In 1922, QANTAS launched one of Australia’s first scheduled passenger and airmail services from Charleville to Cloncurry, establishing the town as an outback aviation pioneer. Through the 1920s and 30s, Charleville Aerodrome became a vital lifeline for remote Queensland communities, expanding as demand for passenger, mail and freight services grew. During World War II, the airfield played a strategic military role, hosting the United States Army Air Forces for aircraft staging, servicing and secure operations, with structures such as Hangar 104 and the Norden Bombsight Store still standing today.
Post-war, Charleville continued as a regional aviation hub, supporting essential air services. Today, its aviation legacy is preserved through the Charleville Airfield Museum, celebrating a century of flight that honours the past and inspires the future.
Today the Charleville Airport is a regional public airport located 1.9km southwest of the town centre with two sealed runways supporting general aviation, passenger services and medical flights, including operations by the Royal Flying Doctor Service, private charters and aviation training. REX airlines is the primary airline providing scheduled passenger flights, primarily between Charleville and Brisbane, often with multiple flights per week (with up to four direct flights on some days) and other regional routes such as Charleville to Toowoomba and Charleville to Roma.
This rich aviation history and contemporary aviation services and visitor experiences gives purpose and meaning to the creation of Wings of the Warrego.
Where to stay
Whether camping, caravanning, cottage living, or cosying into a fully equipped hotel room is your style, Charleville has your accommodation covered for the festival, with eight motels and two caravan parks in town, as well as four caravan parks just outside of town.
In the heart of town, you’ll find the Charleville Motel, which has all your creature comforts in their budget, standard and executive rooms. Just a short eight-minute walk from the festival grounds, you’ll be able to saunter away from the festivities straight to sleep, or wind down from the crazy night beside the communal firepit in the courtyard.
If you prefer to set up your own accommodation, the grassy slabs at Bailey Bar Caravan Park are a great place to park the RV or pitch the tent. During your stay, don’t forget to try the legendary Camp Oven Stew which is the only camp oven dinner to appear on the TV lifestyle series ‘Discover Down Under’ twice!
If you’re after a little less light pollution and noise, book your stay at Charleville Bush Caravan Park and Cottage, just out of town. Fitted out with every camp facility one could need, the option of a powered site or the self-contained bush cottage is yours.
Things to see and do in Charleville
Beyond the event, Charleville has plenty to keep you busy.
Get a case of the warm and fuzzies when you see the wiggle of pink bilby noses at the Charleville Bilby Experience. This breeding facility is home to many bilbies and is focused on the conservation of these Aussie icons. Walk through their nocturnal room and see these endangered mammals up close.
If science is more your speed, unleash your inner Sheldon and delve into the science of the cosmos with a visit to the Cosmos Centre. Warm up for a night under a dazzling sky with a session in the Astro Dome, where you’ll learn about the formation of the earth, and discover other exoplanets waiting to be explored.
For the history buffs, a trip to the WWII Secret Base will have your mind racing while you learn about secret information, classified missions, and wartime romances. If that isn’t enough, put your pilot goggles on and step into the B-17 bomber simulator to command your mission.