Historical Aircraft Restoration Society
Historical Aircraft Restoration Society
Historical Aircraft Restoration Society
5
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
About
HARS is a museum of Australian Aviation History. Where possible aircraft are recovered and restored to flying condition and maintained there.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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See what travellers are saying
- Culture431468612282 contributionsAn amazing day!We thoroughly enjoyed our detailed "747 Exclusive Tour". The 4 volunteers who accompanied us were highly qualified current & ex Qantas employees & great raconteurs of "life in the air" stories. They were all passionate & extremely engaging people. We learned so much about aircraft & flying as a means of travel. Thanks so much for all the time you spent with us & the knowledge you shared.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 9 January 2024
- Pearl65436 contributionsWalk in the steps of The Beatles!This was a fabulous place with some amazing aircraft and what I really liked was how many you could actually go on board. The volunteers were all clearly passionate about flying and we had a very interesting couple of hours there. There were families but the tour is really too long for children as they lose interest and get bored. The family in our group didn't last the distance! They have the original steps used by The Beatles when they landed in Sydney! There's a nice little cafe for coffee or lunch too.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 January 2024
- Ian SLuton, United Kingdom290 contributionsThis is a must see museum for enthusiast`s and casual visitors alike.Having checked out this museum before my vacation in Australia I decided to take the train from Sydney to Albion Park and then the short walk. From the moment that I entered the staff made me feel very welcome as for the museum itself it is fantastic with so much to see and do. I visited on Australia Day and managed to catch some aircraft returning from a local flypast which was an added bonus. I cannot praise the volunteer staff and guides enough they were very knowledgeable and I had a great time chatting with them as they showed me around, I highly recommend you visit you will not be at all disappointed bit shout out to my guides on the day Drew and Jerry.Visited January 2024Travelled soloWritten 25 February 2024
- EniBrasov, Romania93 contributionsGreat aviation museumIt was a really good presentation and tour of this museum. We arrived almost at closing time, but they still managed to let us in, and showed us everything in detail. The tour guide even made pictures with us in certain types of aircrafts, and they also explained some technical details as well. Overall, a great experience. Highly recommend for those who have some passion or interest in aircrafts.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 May 2024
- ttschernezBrisbane, Australia56 contributionsHurrah for HARSWhat an experience! So lucky a friend told us about HARS.... my grandson and I spent over two hours on a personally guided tour given by such a knowledgeable gentleman, Rob. The museum far exceeded our expectations - so much to see, so much to learn. The work and dedication of the volunteers is amazing. That many of the aircraft are still able to take to the air shows the skill and determination of many. To be able to go into the aircraft and have working explained was a real treat for us. This is a must do for anyone even those without a mad passion for aeroplanes. Cannot recommend enough,Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 30 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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5.0
357 reviews
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323
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30
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claudia2116
Sydney, Australia281 contributions
Apr 2021
Best aviation tour, heaps of the coolest planes. You get to go inside most of them walk inside and get a real feel for them. On some you can sit at the flight controls and get a sense of what the pilots eye view is. You get to touch, feel and wonder at these beauties which have been lovingly restored and unkept by a group of dedicated aviation enthusiasts , most of which have either worked in the industry or just live it. Entry fee is 25 Aust dollars and it includes your personal tour guide. I had the lovely Robyn as my guide, she was an air hostess in the 60s -70s with Anset. A world of knowledge of old and new, a history lesson I’ll never forget.
Written 30 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anita T
Forster, Australia12,735 contributions
Jan 2020
We had an awesome 3 hours with a very knowledgeable guide looking through the HARS facility. With over 600 members this museum has so many historical planes which have been collected, restored and are actually flown on special occasions.
The QANTAS Canberra 747, which was flown in on the short Albion Park runway is amazing and you get to go through it.
My husband loved the F-III bomber and sat in the pilot seat. My favourite was probably the Orion which is all kitted out with sonar buoys and which was used in the search for the missing Malaysia Flight MH370. I also liked the C130 Hercules and the only remaining flying Lockheed C-121C Super Constellation which we went through. We were told that only a couple of weeks before it had been in the air with John Travolta, who has decided to donate his Boeing 707 to the museum.
The QANTAS Canberra 747, which was flown in on the short Albion Park runway is amazing and you get to go through it.
My husband loved the F-III bomber and sat in the pilot seat. My favourite was probably the Orion which is all kitted out with sonar buoys and which was used in the search for the missing Malaysia Flight MH370. I also liked the C130 Hercules and the only remaining flying Lockheed C-121C Super Constellation which we went through. We were told that only a couple of weeks before it had been in the air with John Travolta, who has decided to donate his Boeing 707 to the museum.
Written 27 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nick164
Sydney, Australia2,392 contributions
Dec 2019
I'm a big aviation fan, and this has been on the to-visit list for a while. Staying in the Southern Highlands, we drove across to visit HARS Aviation Museum.
Entry was $20, which includes a guided tour. They have an amazing collection of aircraft (military and commercial), and have been doing an excellent job in restoring them. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable and passionate. Allow a couple of hours for your visit.
Entry was $20, which includes a guided tour. They have an amazing collection of aircraft (military and commercial), and have been doing an excellent job in restoring them. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable and passionate. Allow a couple of hours for your visit.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David B
Bruce, Australia994 contributions
Oct 2020
Tours of the museum are guided by volunteers. I visited on a Wednesday and had the guide to myself. It was a fabulous tour because all my questions were understood and answered. We started with the City of Canberra 747. You really do not realise just how big they are until you stand beside it. The width of a football field long. Inside we visited most sections but only saw the stairs to the crews hideaway. Also, while I could see it, the flight deck was roped off.
Next we visited the hangar storing Connie, an F111, a Canberra Bomber and other notable aircraft. Here I sat in the pilots seat of the F111. I dont think I would like a long flight as the steel protection from ground fire was unforgiving.
We then made our way to the workshop hangar. Here is a replica of Southern Cross, several DC3's in assorted forms, a Sea king helicopter and a flying boat among others. Outside we saw a MIG. The wing span is tiny. Little wonder so many crashed.
Finally I was taken back to the café.
This was a great tour. Due to Covid restrictions, access to several aircraft has been closed which is a bit of shame.
Next we visited the hangar storing Connie, an F111, a Canberra Bomber and other notable aircraft. Here I sat in the pilots seat of the F111. I dont think I would like a long flight as the steel protection from ground fire was unforgiving.
We then made our way to the workshop hangar. Here is a replica of Southern Cross, several DC3's in assorted forms, a Sea king helicopter and a flying boat among others. Outside we saw a MIG. The wing span is tiny. Little wonder so many crashed.
Finally I was taken back to the café.
This was a great tour. Due to Covid restrictions, access to several aircraft has been closed which is a bit of shame.
Written 21 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear 571DavidB571
Thank you for your encouraging review of our world-class museum.
It's pleasing to know that our volunteer tour guides can bring such an experience to our guests.
Thank you for coming, and please tell you family and friends.
Written 23 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
disee18
Sydney, Australia100 contributions
Oct 2020
We visited the HARS Aviation Museum in Albion Park and found it be a hidden gem!
This is a truly impressive working Museum which appeals to young and old alike.
The Museum houses an incredible collection of civil and military aircraft, associated equipment and models.
It is possible to get up close and personal with the exhibits under the guidance of one of the knowledgeable & personable volunteer guides.
We had the particular pleasure of meeting Peter Clough as our guide and were most impressed with his ability to personalise the histories of the particular aircraft housed at the Museum.
It was also a great way to spend a lovely spring day at this picturesque airstrip almost within the shadow of the beautiful Illawarra escarpment.
This is a truly impressive working Museum which appeals to young and old alike.
The Museum houses an incredible collection of civil and military aircraft, associated equipment and models.
It is possible to get up close and personal with the exhibits under the guidance of one of the knowledgeable & personable volunteer guides.
We had the particular pleasure of meeting Peter Clough as our guide and were most impressed with his ability to personalise the histories of the particular aircraft housed at the Museum.
It was also a great way to spend a lovely spring day at this picturesque airstrip almost within the shadow of the beautiful Illawarra escarpment.
Written 20 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear disee18
Thank you for your kind review and for your particular acknowledgement of our volunteer tour guides.
We are very fortunate to be located in such a beautiful place.
Please come again and tell your family and friends.
Written 23 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steven Andersen
17 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
An incredibly enjoyable two-hour tour with a very knowledgeable volunteer guide. My favorite aircraft was the (currently) only remaining flying Constellation. It was great seeing the inside, as well as the inside of other older airliners and a P-3 antisub aircraft, and sitting in the cockpit of an F-111. The guide provided detailed information on each aircraft. Picked up a few souvenirs as well as a good lunch in the cafe afterwards.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew P
Sydney, Australia115 contributions
June 2019 • Family
If you love aircraft, or just like to see the most beautifully restored aeroplanes around, you will see them here. I'm not much of a person on model and years, but I have a basic understanding what is a DC3, 747 and a biplane. This is such a fascinating place so see them all here and get to touch, feel and smell what it would be like to fly these incredible machines. Well worth the visit with family. The C130 Hercules and Caribou military cargo aircrafts are my personal favourites.
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
inja48
Bondi, Australia147 contributions
Jan 2021
Great value, this coming from someone who has no aircraft or mechanical knowledge...
My guide was informative about all the historic planes. I was surprised at how many were on display and how well they have been restored and maintained. It was great to be able to get up close and into some of them.
You need a half day to appreciate all the planes, displays, and have a coffee before or after the tour.
My guide was informative about all the historic planes. I was surprised at how many were on display and how well they have been restored and maintained. It was great to be able to get up close and into some of them.
You need a half day to appreciate all the planes, displays, and have a coffee before or after the tour.
Written 29 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt L
Woonona, Australia463 contributions
Aug 2023
We visited the HARS museum as a family of 4. This was an excellent afternoon and we really enjoyed it.
Our tour guide Ken was knowledgeable, friendly and helpful, and expertly guided us through the museum. All tours are guided and this is included in the admission fee.
The base tour included walking through the ex-Qantas 747, then seeing a range of civilian and military aircraft, all of which had great stories around the.
Was a great relaxing afternoon for the whole family and I highly recommend it for 2 hours if visiting the area.
For a family of 4 the admission as $70.
Our tour guide Ken was knowledgeable, friendly and helpful, and expertly guided us through the museum. All tours are guided and this is included in the admission fee.
The base tour included walking through the ex-Qantas 747, then seeing a range of civilian and military aircraft, all of which had great stories around the.
Was a great relaxing afternoon for the whole family and I highly recommend it for 2 hours if visiting the area.
For a family of 4 the admission as $70.
Written 6 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
centralvic
Ballarat, Australia1,534 contributions
Mar 2021
DON'T think 'oh, I'm not that interested in aeroplanes.' This is a great 2 hours or more place to visit, even for someone who thinks planes are just for holiday travel.
We were the first visitors for the day- and the only two in the first two hours. Our guide was Peter from Canberra, and he was very informative. He had little back stories about different planes, and made it very interesting.
You can go into some of the aeroplanes. We went into the 747, and I've never been in an empty passenger plane, so it was fascinating and....weird! We went into the Constellation, and the plane that Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip used when they toured Australia. (I sat in her seat and pushed the button she may have done as well!) There are fighter seats,for good photo opportunities, and I stood on the steps that The Beatles were photographed on when they toured Australia.
All the staff that we met were cheerful and informative. All are volunteers, so their interest is obvious, and makes for a very good visit.
This was a very enjoyable experience for us, and I recommend it to anyone .
We were the first visitors for the day- and the only two in the first two hours. Our guide was Peter from Canberra, and he was very informative. He had little back stories about different planes, and made it very interesting.
You can go into some of the aeroplanes. We went into the 747, and I've never been in an empty passenger plane, so it was fascinating and....weird! We went into the Constellation, and the plane that Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip used when they toured Australia. (I sat in her seat and pushed the button she may have done as well!) There are fighter seats,for good photo opportunities, and I stood on the steps that The Beatles were photographed on when they toured Australia.
All the staff that we met were cheerful and informative. All are volunteers, so their interest is obvious, and makes for a very good visit.
This was a very enjoyable experience for us, and I recommend it to anyone .
Written 22 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear HARS
My name is Doug Philpott, and I volunteer as a tour guide at HARS. I also look after the web site content. Who is monitoring the TripAdvisor site? Do we respond to people's reviews or questions? If not, why not? How best can I link it with the web site? Can we improve access to it by having HARS as an alias?
Regards, Doug
Written 2 September 2015
Sorry, can't help you there
Written 3 September 2015
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