How do I book the Lancaster & Dakota C47 Tour?

Tours must be booked in advance through the Aviation Heritage Museum to secure your spot and volunteer guide.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes, but the tour involves climbing into aircraft and tight spaces, so supervision is necessary.

Can I take photos during the tour?

Photography is encouraged, especially of the aircraft interiors and cockpit instruments.

Are there accessibility accommodations for this tour?

Due to the confined and rugged interiors of these aircraft, the tour may not be suitable for those with mobility restrictions.

What is included with the tour?

Your ticket includes museum entry, a museum cap, and a certificate of participation.

How many people are allowed per tour?

Tours are limited to two visitors per session for safety and space reasons.

WWII Aviation Tours at Aviation Heritage Museum Bull Creek

Situated in Bull Creek, Western Australia, the Aviation Heritage Museum offers a one-of-a-kind 2.5-hour immersion into WWII aviation history with its Lancaster & Dakota C47 Tour. This experience is more than a static museum visit—it's a hands-on encounter with two iconic warbirds that defined aerial combat and transport during World War II. The museum itself is located at the Air Force Memorial Estate, providing a fitting backdrop for this journey into mid-20th century aviation.

The tour dives deep into the mechanics and lived realities of the Lancaster bomber and Dakota C47. Visitors gain rare access inside the Lancaster, crawling over its wing spars and settling into the wireless operator’s seat. This intimate view reveals the cramped, demanding conditions aircrew endured on perilous missions. The cockpit and interior controls are laid bare, lending insight into how navigators and pilots worked in tandem amidst life-or-death stakes.

Equally compelling is boarding the Dakota C47, a versatile transport plane that saw action across all WWII theaters. Climbing into the cockpit highlights the aircraft's control panels and aviation technology of its time, showcasing why the Dakota was vital for troop and cargo movement. Each tour is limited to two visitors at a time for safety and an individualized experience, making this a special opportunity for aviation buffs and history enthusiasts alike.

Offering more than just viewing, the Aviation Heritage Museum combines education and personal connection with authentic artifacts and volunteer guides who bring the stories to life. With included entry, a museum cap, and a certificate, this tour stands as a unique addition to the outdoor activity landscape in Western Australia. It appeals to history buffs, military enthusiasts, and travelers looking to engage with a living chapter of aviation heritage off the beaten adventure trail.

About Aviation Heritage Museum

Aviation Heritage Museum in Bull Creek, Western Australia, preserves and presents Australia’s aviation history through restored aircraft, curated exhibits and immersive experiences. The museum’s collection includes civilian and military types, with headline displays such as a restored Avro Lancaster bomber and a Supermarine Spitfire. Guided tours, specialist-led visits and self-guided admission provide structured options for visitors of all ages.

For school groups the museum offers a facilitated 1-hour educational tour that combines hands-on STEM learning with interpretive talks by experienced facilitators, followed by self-guided exploration of displays. Enthusiasts can book targeted experiences: a personalized Lancaster tour, a Dakota C47 walkthrough, combined Lancaster & Dakota visits, and virtual reality flights recreating wartime missions and advanced aerobatics.

Tours are delivered by trained staff and volunteers with expertise in aircraft history, restoration and operation. The museum focuses on accurate interpretation, safety and conservation, maintaining restored aircraft and exhibits to museum standards. Events and specialized tours are scheduled in advance to allow for expert guides and access to sensitive aircraft interiors.

The Aviation Heritage Museum operates as a heritage-focused institution committed to public education, historical accuracy and hands-on engagement. It supports research and preservation, and works with schools and community groups to connect audiences with aviation technology and history. Visitors benefit from knowledgeable staff, unique access to rare aircraft, and curated programming that emphasizes learning, authenticity and respectful commemoration of aviation heritage.
Operating hours and ticketing information are available on the museum’s official site; many tours require advance booking to secure specialist access.